"The Graf Zeppelin was Germany's only aircraft carrier during World War II. It was launched on Dec. 8, 1938, but never saw action. After Germany's defeat in 1945, the Soviet Union took control of the ship..."
What am I missing. It never saw action? Launched in 38.
Probably due to the Bismarck's having been sunk, and the proximity of targets for German aircraft. They didn't need a forward, marine airbase, and didn't have a battle group to escort an aircraft carrier. German resources in sea warfare were skewed toward Uboats.
Well, according to my old Weapons and Warfare books, "the lengthy gestation period of the Graf Zeppelin and the ultimate failure to complete her reflect the german's lack of expertise in this highly-specialized category of ship design and building, rather than the lack of will on the part of a European oriented power."