USS Wolverine lying at anchor in Lake Michigan on 6 April 1943. US Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation

The USS Wolverine is one of the oddest aircraft carriers in US Navy history.

Built in 1912, the Wolverine was originally a side-wheel steamer called the SS Seeandbee that was used for luxury cruises on the Great Lakes. But it got a second career when it was bought by the US Navy in 1942 as the service rapidly stood up a carrier force to answer Japanese aggression.

By January 1943, the Wolverine had been converted into an aircraft carrier to train naval aviators and flight deck crews for World War II.

It was based in Navy Pier in Chicago so that it could operate in Lake Michigan, but it lacked many features that combat carriers have, such as elevators and hangar decks.

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