Looks like the second ship (with the "Flight Deck" on the stern) could both launch and retrieve the airplane. That makes it a "Carrier" in my book. It was a temporary arrangement, to be sure - but then the Langley was converted from something else as well. BTW - the sand bags are not holding the deck in place - they have arrestor ropes attached. You can see the ropes crossing the rails if you look closely. No doubt this plane made the first recorded use of a tailhook.
Nitpicker! They were flying airplanes off a friggin' ship!
In the friggin' year 1910! Remember how little time had passed since we even had the ability to...fly?!
Just enjoy the pics!