What was the USS Langley classified as before it became an aircraft carrier?

The USS Langley was originally classified as a collier, which is a type of coal ship. Before its conversion to an aircraft carrier, the ship's primary function was to transport coal to supply naval vessels and support maritime operations. Its role as a collier was essential during a time when coal was a primary fuel source for many naval ships. The conversion to an aircraft carrier marked a significant evolution in naval warfare, as it became the first ship in the United States Navy specifically designed to launch and retrieve aircraft. This transformation illustrated a crucial shift in naval strategy and technology, moving from traditional coal transport to pioneering aviation capabilities at sea.