Aircraft Carrier for Sale!
Posted: 2004-01-02 02:00pm
I know there was a thread around here somewhere about this, but I couldn't find it. Since I've got new information about it, I decidd to start a new thread 
After all, never buy anything until you know the Owner History :
After all, never buy anything until you know the Owner History :
The ships history is on the World Aircraft Carriers List: Australia
http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/austr.htm
Vengeance
Built by Swan Hunter. Laid down 16 Nov 1942, launched 23 Feb 1944,
commissioned 15 Jan 1945. Served in the Mediterranean, then in the Pacific.
RN designation changed to R64 circa 1945 for service in the Pacific;
returned to previous designation postwar. Participated in cold-weather
trials in the Arctic 1948-49; troop transport and aircraft ferry 1951-52.
Designation changed to R71 under NATO designation system. Refitted early
1950's and loaned to Australia 13 November 1952 as HMAS Vengeance.
Initially served as a training carrier, then a first-line carrier starting
late 1953, then returned to training in 1954. Decommissioned and returned to
RN 13 Aug 1955 and placed in reserve upon return.
Sold to Brazil 13 Dec 1956; underwent extensive refit at Rotterdam
6/1957-12/1960: angled deck added, new elevators installed, new island, all
new aircraft operations and support equipment and electronics outfit;
carried 10 40 mm guns. Recommissioned 6 December 1960 as Minas Gerais (A11).
First operated as a strike/ASW carrier, then as an ASW-only ship.
Refitted 1976-1980 but laid up 1987 due to catapult problems. Refitted
1991-1993, recommissioned 10/1993; catapult repaired by 1996. During the
1990's operated only ASW helicopters, due to lack of suitable fixed-wing
aircraft. Mistral SAM fitted to replace AA guns in 1994.
