If you told people that once the USA had not one but two Paddle-Steamer Aircaft Carriers, you might find that they would not believe you. But it is true.
The USS Sable was a conversion of a side-wheel excursion steamer called the 'Greater Buffalo'. It was used for the advanced traing of carrier pilots. It was powered by a coal-fired double-expansion steam engine. No weapons were fitted, as the ship was based in the Great Lakes and not going to be attacked. The other Paddle-Steamer Aircaft Carrier was the USS Wolverine.
The side paddles are not visisble in the photograph, but you can see the wake of one of them about two-thirds of the way along the ship from the bow.
Fun Fact: George H W Bush trained on the ship.
The USS Sable has a Wikipedia page.
