Postcard 98-01

Aircraft Carriers such as the Lexington and Saratoga were to play a prominent part in the course of the war for America. In peacetime maneuvers, the ability to swiftly move these fully loaded vessels across the isthmus quickly proved the military worth of the canal. The 33,000 ton Saratoga transited first in Feb 1928, setting a record at the time, as longest and widest vessel to transit up to that date. Although heavier vessels such as the giant liners "Bremen" and "Empress of Britain" squeezed through the locks, it was the carrier "Lexington" which would exert most damage. The Carriers overhanging flight deck demolishing lampposts and the control tower handrail at the Pedro Miguel locks. Later modifications were made to let the control tower eaves fold down for such vessels.