Intro
Explore the 10 most notable US Navy WW2 ships, featuring iconic vessels like the USS Missouri and USS Enterprise. Discover their heroic roles in pivotal battles, innovative designs, and lasting impacts on naval warfare. Learn about these legendary ships that shaped the course of World War 2 and American naval history.
The United States Navy played a crucial role in World War II, with its ships and sailors contributing significantly to the Allied victory. Among the many notable ships that served during this period, here are ten that stand out for their bravery, innovative design, or significant contributions to the war effort.
USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," is one of the most iconic American battleships in history. Commissioned in 1944, it was the last battleship commissioned by the United States and played a significant role in the final stages of World War II. The Missouri was the site of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which officially ended the war on September 2, 1945.
Design and Armament
The USS Missouri was a member of the Iowa-class battleships, designed to be faster and more maneuverable than previous battleship designs. It was armed with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft guns. The ship's speed and firepower made it an invaluable asset to the US Navy during the war.
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in the early years of World War II. Commissioned in 1938, it was one of only three American carriers to survive the war. The Enterprise was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway, where it helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was a pivotal moment in the war, as the Japanese Navy attempted to capture the strategic Midway Atoll. The Enterprise, along with the USS Yorktown and USS Hornet, launched a surprise attack on the Japanese fleet, sinking four Japanese carriers and turning the tide of the battle in favor of the Americans.
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
The USS Intrepid was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1943, it was involved in several key battles in the Pacific, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa.
Essex-Class Carriers
The USS Intrepid was one of 24 Essex-class carriers built during World War II. These carriers were designed to be faster and more maneuverable than previous carrier designs, with a focus on air power and versatility. The Essex-class carriers played a significant role in the Allied victory in the Pacific.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa was a battleship that served in World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in 1943, it was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships and played a significant role in the war in the Pacific.
Iowa-Class Battleships
The USS Iowa was designed to be faster and more maneuverable than previous battleship designs, with a focus on speed and firepower. The Iowa-class battleships were among the largest and most powerful warships in the world at the time, with a top speed of over 33 knots.
USS Johnston (DD-557)
The USS Johnston was a destroyer that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1943, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Samar.
Battle of Samar
The Battle of Samar was a pivotal moment in the war, as the Japanese Navy attempted to attack the Allied invasion force at Leyte Gulf. The USS Johnston, along with several other destroyers, launched a surprise attack on the Japanese fleet, sinking several enemy ships and turning the tide of the battle in favor of the Americans.
USS Laffey (DD-724)
The USS Laffey was a destroyer that served in World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in 1944, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Okinawa.
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was a pivotal moment in the war, as the Allies attempted to capture the strategic Okinawa Island. The USS Laffey, along with several other destroyers, provided gunfire support for the invasion force, helping to secure the island and pave the way for the eventual defeat of Japan.
USS O'Bannon (DD-450)
The USS O'Bannon was a destroyer that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1942, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Tarawa.
Battle of Guadalcanal
The Battle of Guadalcanal was a pivotal moment in the war, as the Allies attempted to capture the strategic Guadalcanal Island. The USS O'Bannon, along with several other destroyers, provided gunfire support for the invasion force, helping to secure the island and pave the way for the eventual defeat of Japan.
USS Gato (SS-212)
The USS Gato was a submarine that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1942, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Submarine Warfare
The USS Gato was one of several American submarines that played a significant role in the war in the Pacific. Submarines were used to attack enemy shipping and disrupt supply lines, helping to weaken the Japanese war effort.
USS Wahoo (SS-238)
The USS Wahoo was a submarine that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1942, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of the Java Sea and the Battle of the Sulu Sea.
Wahoo's Final Mission
The USS Wahoo's final mission was a tragic one, as the submarine was sunk by Japanese aircraft in October 1943. The loss of the Wahoo and its crew was a significant blow to the American submarine force, but it did not deter the US Navy from continuing to wage war against Japan.
USS Rasher (SS-269)
The USS Rasher was a submarine that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1943, it was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of the Sulu Sea.
Rasher's War Record
The USS Rasher had a distinguished war record, sinking several enemy ships and earning several awards and decorations. The submarine's crew was also awarded several medals for their bravery and service.
Notable US Navy WW2 Ships Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this look at some of the most notable US Navy WW2 ships. These vessels played a significant role in the Allied victory, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.