VP 31 Black Lightnings or Genies (U.S. Navy) Black Coffee Mug

The VP 31 Black Lightnings, also known as Genies, are a class of naval aircraft carriers operated by the United States Navy (USN). Commissioned between 1944 and 1945, these vessels were the first escort aircraft carriers specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. With a displacement of approximately 10,300 tons, these flattops had a flight deck length of 672 feet and accommodated a complement of around 350 personnel. The VP 31 class was equipped with a single elevator and could carry up to 26 aircraft, primarily consisting of Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers and Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter planes. Although no ships from this class remain active in the USN today, they played a significant role during World War II and the post-war period.