What was the first aircraft carrier?

The first aircraft carrier was indeed the USS Langley. It was converted from a collier ship and commissioned in 1922 by the United States Navy. The USS Langley marked a significant shift in naval warfare by providing an operational platform for launching and recovering aircraft at sea. This innovation represented a critical evolution in naval capabilities, allowing for improved reconnaissance, air superiority, and the ability to conduct air operations far from shore. The operational use of the USS Langley laid the groundwork for the development of future aircraft carriers, which would become essential elements of modern naval forces.

The other options, such as the USS Enterprise, USS Nimitz, and USS Kitty Hawk, were significant aircraft carriers in their own right but were not the first. They represent advancements and expansions in carrier technology and capabilities that followed the pioneering efforts exemplified by the USS Langley.