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The Mighty Moo: The USS Cowpens and Her Epic World War II Journey from Jinx Ship to the Navy’s First Carrier into Tokyo Bay
THE MIGHTY MOO is the tale of how a scrappy little World War II aircraft carrier and its untested crew earned a distinguished combat record and beat incredible odds to earn the 12 battle stars in the Pacific.
The USS Cowpens and her crew weren’t your typical heroes. She was a flattop that the US Navy initially didn’t want, with a captain nearly scapegoated for the loss of his last command, pilots who self-trained on the planes they would fly into combat, and sailors that had been in uniform barely longer than the ship had been afloat. Despite their humble origins, Cowpens and her band of second-string reservists and citizen sailors served with distinction, fighting in nearly every major carrier operation from 1943 to 1945, including the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. Together they faced a deadly typhoon that brought the ship to the verge of capsizing, and at war’s end there was only one US aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay to witness the Japanese surrender—THE MIGHTY MOO. In the years to follow, Cowpens’ service has become the wellspring for a remarkable modern tradition, both within the US Navy and the small Southern town that still celebrates her legacy with a festival every year.
THE MIGHTY MOO is a biography of a World War II aircraft carrier as told through the voices of its heroic crew—a “Band of Brothers at sea.”
The USS Cowpens and her crew weren’t your typical heroes. She was a flattop that the US Navy initially didn’t want, with a captain nearly scapegoated for the loss of his last command, pilots who self-trained on the planes they would fly into combat, and sailors that had been in uniform barely longer than the ship had been afloat. Despite their humble origins, Cowpens and her band of second-string reservists and citizen sailors served with distinction, fighting in nearly every major carrier operation from 1943 to 1945, including the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. Together they faced a deadly typhoon that brought the ship to the verge of capsizing, and at war’s end there was only one US aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay to witness the Japanese surrender—THE MIGHTY MOO. In the years to follow, Cowpens’ service has become the wellspring for a remarkable modern tradition, both within the US Navy and the small Southern town that still celebrates her legacy with a festival every year.
THE MIGHTY MOO is a biography of a World War II aircraft carrier as told through the voices of its heroic crew—a “Band of Brothers at sea.”
416 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 13, 2024
I think we readily remember how members of the Greatest Generation saved civilization from the tyranny of Nazi rule. However, I think we often forget how wonderful they were at nicknames. I submit as my evidence the aircraft carrier USS Cowpens, or as the men liked to call her, "The Mighty Moo." Come on, if you don't at least smirk at that, you need to check with a doctor.
Author Nathan Canestaro has a personal stake in telling the story of the Moo. I can confidently state that Canestaro leaves no stone unturned in compiling his story about the carrier. The book is packed with facts about everything from the personnel to the latrines. The Mighty Moo saw lots of major events from the Pacific so a lot of the story will be familiar to World War II enthusiasts.
I would caution some readers about the writing style. Canestaro uses a military writing style which means he generally goes from fact to fact without many flourishes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice, but I know that some readers want a narrative writing style which is more conversational or character focused. Canestaro's character is the Moo and you don't get significant insight to any people. This is a military history and a good one. The reader just needs to know what they are getting into.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Twelve Books.)
Author Nathan Canestaro has a personal stake in telling the story of the Moo. I can confidently state that Canestaro leaves no stone unturned in compiling his story about the carrier. The book is packed with facts about everything from the personnel to the latrines. The Mighty Moo saw lots of major events from the Pacific so a lot of the story will be familiar to World War II enthusiasts.
I would caution some readers about the writing style. Canestaro uses a military writing style which means he generally goes from fact to fact without many flourishes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice, but I know that some readers want a narrative writing style which is more conversational or character focused. Canestaro's character is the Moo and you don't get significant insight to any people. This is a military history and a good one. The reader just needs to know what they are getting into.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Twelve Books.)
June 9, 2025
Low key, but well written look at the life of a smaller aircraft carrier serving in the Pacific in War II. This is not any exhaustive search through diaries, nor navy records—the author claims almost none of that exists. But he works with the official records and what little letters remain.
It’s ordinary and extraordinary. Small carriers were not where the Navy sent Trade School (Annapolis) graduates. Most of the officers were 90 day wonders, perhaps having gotten a pilot’s license when they were teenagers, or more often not. The Bluejackets (enlisted men) similarly weren’t the top tier. Yet USS Cowpens was the sole carrier (small or large) never hit by Japanese gunfire/Kamikaze attacks, despite its air squadrons taking on, and sinking, several INJ vessels. And ruining about a half dozen Japanese railway trains. Three air squadrons left with dozens of Navy Crosses, and even a few Congressional Medals.
It’s also a story of a hard-luck boat. It breaks down more than most. Halsey’s typhoon put Cowpens the closest to the eye of the tornado Halsey kept steering into. Those small carriers weren’t built to take tornadoes—they listed to starboard already because of their island (these flattops were made from converted heavy cruisers). So Cowpens swung well above 45 degrees every other roll for three days. It was a miracle that so few died.
And that is the quiet excellence of this book. Its author isn’t a master of words. There’s not much of a record to relate. But, somehow, he manages to put the reader in the driver’s seat of the ship and of the Avenger aircraft.
It’s ordinary and extraordinary. Small carriers were not where the Navy sent Trade School (Annapolis) graduates. Most of the officers were 90 day wonders, perhaps having gotten a pilot’s license when they were teenagers, or more often not. The Bluejackets (enlisted men) similarly weren’t the top tier. Yet USS Cowpens was the sole carrier (small or large) never hit by Japanese gunfire/Kamikaze attacks, despite its air squadrons taking on, and sinking, several INJ vessels. And ruining about a half dozen Japanese railway trains. Three air squadrons left with dozens of Navy Crosses, and even a few Congressional Medals.
It’s also a story of a hard-luck boat. It breaks down more than most. Halsey’s typhoon put Cowpens the closest to the eye of the tornado Halsey kept steering into. Those small carriers weren’t built to take tornadoes—they listed to starboard already because of their island (these flattops were made from converted heavy cruisers). So Cowpens swung well above 45 degrees every other roll for three days. It was a miracle that so few died.
And that is the quiet excellence of this book. Its author isn’t a master of words. There’s not much of a record to relate. But, somehow, he manages to put the reader in the driver’s seat of the ship and of the Avenger aircraft.
September 9, 2024
A very good book about a gallant ship and crew from a great generation. Learned about this book from the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton talk radio program.
January 26, 2026
What a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the USS Cowpens, a light carrier, through its war in the Pacific. The book details the purpose and formation of light carriers, the creation of the cowpens and then its remarkable exploits through the war culminating in Tokyo Bay during the surrender signing; detailing battles, commanders, pilots and crew. It also had a particularly detailed chapter on the ship’s experience during the typhoon which rocked Halsey’s fleet which was both vivid and frightening.
I’ve always liked books on particular ships as I see them as like a town at war. The whole ship and crew stays together through the battles and the war. There’s a whole cast of characters from the captain on down to the lowest ranking members of the crew. This book was no different but had the fun twist of it actually being connected to the town of Cowpens, SC where it holds an annual reunion and festival which is discussed in the epilogue.
I’ve always liked books on particular ships as I see them as like a town at war. The whole ship and crew stays together through the battles and the war. There’s a whole cast of characters from the captain on down to the lowest ranking members of the crew. This book was no different but had the fun twist of it actually being connected to the town of Cowpens, SC where it holds an annual reunion and festival which is discussed in the epilogue.
January 8, 2026
The book is fun, basically a biography of the ship and the people who served on it.
In terms of what can be learned from it, I think it highlights the importance of Light Aircraft Carriers like the USS Cowpens in filling in desperately for the USN when airpower was integral to victory in the Pacific. Cowpens performed very necessary work during the American Pacific Campaigns of the Second World War, allowing Americans to have an edge in airpower during the crucial moments of the war and allowing American industry the space to start pumping out Essex-class carriers onto the Pacific.
In terms of what can be learned from it, I think it highlights the importance of Light Aircraft Carriers like the USS Cowpens in filling in desperately for the USN when airpower was integral to victory in the Pacific. Cowpens performed very necessary work during the American Pacific Campaigns of the Second World War, allowing Americans to have an edge in airpower during the crucial moments of the war and allowing American industry the space to start pumping out Essex-class carriers onto the Pacific.
November 25, 2024
Nathan Canestaro's "The Mighty Moo" offers a captivating account of the USS Cowpens, a light aircraft carrier that defied expectations to become one of the most decorated ships of World War II. This meticulously researched book brings to life the remarkable journey of a vessel that many in the Navy initially dismissed as unwanted. The USS Cowpens, affectionately nicknamed "The Mighty Moo" by its crew, was part of the Independence-class of carriers hastily converted from light cruisers due to wartime necessity. Despite its unconventional origins and perceived disadvantages, including a narrow flight deck and a perpetual list, the Cowpens proved its worth in combat. Canestaro skillfully weaves together the ship's operational history with personal accounts from the crew, including his own grandfather, who served as a tail gunner on a torpedo bomber. This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the story both informative and emotionally resonant. The book chronicles the Cowpens' participation in nearly every major Pacific battle, earning an impressive 12 battle stars without ever being hit by enemy fire. Canestaro explores the superstitions surrounding the ship's perceived "jinxed" status and how the crew overcame these beliefs through their exceptional performance. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of the Cowpens' role in the final days of the war. As the only aircraft carrier to enter Tokyo Bay for the formal surrender ceremonies, the Mighty Moo played a unique part in history. Canestaro's analysis of why this particular ship was chosen for this honor adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. “The Mighty Moo" is more than just a military history; it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both ship and crew. Canestaro's work not only honors the veterans who served aboard the Cowpens but also preserves an often-overlooked chapter of naval warfare. This book is essential reading for military history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human stories behind the grand narratives of World War II.
July 24, 2024
This seems to be the summer for naval literature. I started with "Fighting in the Dark," the incredible study of naval night fighting in the first half of the 20th century from Trent Hone and Vincent O'Hara, then graduated to "America's First Carrier," David Winkler's new book on the USS Langley at the dawn of naval aviation. Now I'm closing the book on "The Mighty Moo," Nathan Canestaro incredible new book on the journey of the USS Cowpens during the Second World War.
The story of the #MightyMoo really begins at the end of 1942, at which time four of the US Navy's six "big" carriers had been sunk. As a stopgap measure, FDR ordered - against fierce objections from the Navy - that light cruisers under construction would be reconfigured as light carriers. They were smaller, to be sure, ungainly to a fault, top heavy with a shorter flight deck, and surprisingly survivable.
Commissioned in May 1943, the #MightyMoo was a workhorse that fought in most of the major battles in the #Pacific but without achieving much of any distinction. She did what she was designed to do: fill a #critical #capability gap until replacement carriers could be brought on line. When she cruised into Tokyo Bay in 1945 (the first carrier to do so), it was because she was considered expendable... an acceptable risk at the time should events run a different course.
The Mighty Moo was mothballed in 1946 and sold for scrap in 1960. An undignified end for a ship that served as well as she did. But Nathan Canestaro is here to preserve her memory, her #legacy, and her name.
The story of the #MightyMoo really begins at the end of 1942, at which time four of the US Navy's six "big" carriers had been sunk. As a stopgap measure, FDR ordered - against fierce objections from the Navy - that light cruisers under construction would be reconfigured as light carriers. They were smaller, to be sure, ungainly to a fault, top heavy with a shorter flight deck, and surprisingly survivable.
Commissioned in May 1943, the #MightyMoo was a workhorse that fought in most of the major battles in the #Pacific but without achieving much of any distinction. She did what she was designed to do: fill a #critical #capability gap until replacement carriers could be brought on line. When she cruised into Tokyo Bay in 1945 (the first carrier to do so), it was because she was considered expendable... an acceptable risk at the time should events run a different course.
The Mighty Moo was mothballed in 1946 and sold for scrap in 1960. An undignified end for a ship that served as well as she did. But Nathan Canestaro is here to preserve her memory, her #legacy, and her name.
August 21, 2024
I picked up this book because it covers a hole in my knowledge of the US Navy and its operations during World War II. I had read very little about the lighter smaller class of aircraft carriers used in the Pacific War. The Mighty Moo did just what I hoped it would do.
I was not expecting a lot when I started reading this book. But that changed fairly quickly. It is informative and very well written. It did not take me long at all to get hooked on this story. It is the story of the ship and the story of the men who served on her.
The USS Cowpens, the Mighty Moo, came about because the US Navy was in need of aircraft carriers. They converted cruisers because the new larger aircraft carriers were still a ways off from completion. We follow her through her conversion, shake down cruise and deployment. We learn about her successes, but also the tragic losses she endured during the war. We read about how the ship survived riding out a hurricane that the US fleet stumbled into. It is an interesting and at times an emotional tale.
I was not expecting a lot when I started reading this book. But that changed fairly quickly. It is informative and very well written. It did not take me long at all to get hooked on this story. It is the story of the ship and the story of the men who served on her.
The USS Cowpens, the Mighty Moo, came about because the US Navy was in need of aircraft carriers. They converted cruisers because the new larger aircraft carriers were still a ways off from completion. We follow her through her conversion, shake down cruise and deployment. We learn about her successes, but also the tragic losses she endured during the war. We read about how the ship survived riding out a hurricane that the US fleet stumbled into. It is an interesting and at times an emotional tale.
December 30, 2024
Nathan Canestaro has written an excellent biography of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Cowpens from President Franklin Roosevelt’s involvement in her origins to her final disposition in 1961. In graphic detail, the book tells the story of the ship and of the officers and men who brought the ship alive and sailed in her from training to combat in the Pacific, where the ship played an active role in major operations in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, the Marianas, Iwo Jima, to sailing into Tokyo Bay. In addition to fighting the Japanese, the crew of the “Mighty Moo” as the Cowpens was known, also had to contend with natural elements which included the deadly Typhoon Cobra in December 1944.
The book includes photographs, a map tracing the ship’s campaigns in the Pacific, a diagram of the ship and a somber listing of the sixty men lost during the war. Recommended reading for those interested in World War II military history, especially the Pacific theater.
The book includes photographs, a map tracing the ship’s campaigns in the Pacific, a diagram of the ship and a somber listing of the sixty men lost during the war. Recommended reading for those interested in World War II military history, especially the Pacific theater.
April 8, 2024
This is a biography of a WWII light aircraft carrier. The CVLs were cruisers that were converted to carriers at the order of President Roosevelt. The navy didn’t want to comply, but the light carriers proved to be a blessing when too many fast fleet carriers were sunk early in the war.
Because the Cowpens was narrow, tall, and top-heavy, it listed to starboard. With their poor handling characteristics in heavy weather, it’s a wonder none of the CVLs capsized in Typhoon Cobra.
Several air groups and commandeering officers served aboard the Cowpens and many details are provided about them. Cowpens was the first US aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay, not because of her war record, but because she was expendable. In case of Japanese treachery, the navy didn’t want any of the fast carriers in danger.
December 28, 2024
This is a very good unit history of a US light aircraft carrier in WW2/SWW. There is a narrative history of the USS Cowpens. Canestaro also tells the story of the ship's crew and the air groups that called her home - providing perspective from ship's captain to officers to enlisted in different roles. The Mighty Moo also discusses the unique aspects of light carriers - their role in helping fill a need for more flight decks and the challenges air crew and ship crew faced - smaller flight deck, a natural tendency to list, and inadequate space for crew due to the limits of the cruiser hulls they were built on.
Canestaro also discusses the relationship between the USS Cowpens and town of Cowpens in South Carolina.
A well written unit history that will provide insight into US carrier operations during WW2 and in particular, the role and challenges of light carriers.
Canestaro also discusses the relationship between the USS Cowpens and town of Cowpens in South Carolina.
A well written unit history that will provide insight into US carrier operations during WW2 and in particular, the role and challenges of light carriers.
September 13, 2024
An impulse purchase to slake my military history appetite, this chronological record focused on just one ship and it aptly told of her proudest moments and her wartime tragedies. I most enjoyed the due recognition that the author gave to each of the men who gave their lives in service of the ship and to advance the Allied cause. While many of the decisions made during that era seem morally flawed from the perspective of modern sensibilities, the uniting force of being at see for weeks on end was fun to read about. I enjoyed the diversions into the planes she carried and the men who flew them.
February 22, 2025
This is a very interesting book about naval warfare in the Pacific in world war II. I have read much about the battles depicted in this book previously. The thing that is particularly interesting about this book is it talks about the role of the escort carrier during these battles. It also talks about the pilots and crews that served board them. Prior to reading the book I had no idea about the importance of these ships to the war or why they were even built. This is an excellent book and the author does a great job of keeping your interest from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it
October 14, 2024
A Well-written and researched account of a WW-II aircraft carrier and her crew. The big carriers--the flat tops--usually get all of the glory, but the small USS Cowpens played a major role in almost all of the Pacific campaigns offensive battles. The author did an excellent job of balancing battle detail with the personal stories of the crew. Well worth reading for WWII and naval history buffs.
January 12, 2025
A great novel on the small carrier operations in the Pacific in WW2. The story is well-told and interweaves many firsthand accounts into the plot to provide a great look at life onboard an operating aircraft carrier in WW2. A good nautical read that will be enjoyed by the naval enthusiast!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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February 16, 2025I picked up a copy of this book as my grandfather, part of VF-50, is briefly mentioned. Unfortunately the incident in question is not accurately represented in the book, and while that certainly that doesn’t mean there are other inaccuracies, it doesn’t bode well. The narrative itself is a reasonably compelling tale of a remarkable group of men.
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was about the ship, USS Cowpens and its fighting history, records, the people and leaders of the ship. The authors grandfather had been on this ship but never talked about his service. This prompted the author to research the ship to learn more about his grandfather. He shares what he learned in this book. This book will serve as a record of this ships achievements
March 5, 2026
An entertaining read about one of the minor players in the war against Japan, as gleaned from letters, papers, and diaries of her crew members. I enjoyed it more than I expected I might, so it earns four stars from me.
August 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I had a hard time following along with all the names but I thought it was well-written
December 15, 2024
Best naval history book ever! It brought tears to my eyes. I felt as though I knew each & every sailor/pilot on this ship!
December 26, 2024
Very well-written, tells the story of the ship as a story of the people on the ship.
January 29, 2025
Solid history. Very much an "account" of the war years for a small flat-top. A little dry. Heavy on details. I enjoyed the audio at 1.5x speed. More for a war history nut than a novel reader.
February 9, 2026
A good look at the life of a ship.from birth to mothballs through two wars and the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews