Intro
Explore the mighty 8 US aircraft carriers of WW2, the backbone of the American naval fleet during World War II. Discover the history, specifications, and battle records of iconic carriers like USS Enterprise, USS Yorktown, and USS Hornet, and learn how they played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
World War II saw the emergence of aircraft carriers as a dominant force in naval warfare. The United States, in particular, played a significant role in this development, with its aircraft carriers proving to be instrumental in the war in the Pacific. In this article, we will explore the 8 US aircraft carriers of WW2, their histories, and their contributions to the Allied victory.
US Aircraft Carriers: The Unsung Heroes of WW2
The US Navy's aircraft carrier fleet was still in its infancy at the start of WW2. However, as the war progressed, these vessels proved to be invaluable assets in the fight against the Axis powers. With their ability to launch aircraft from the middle of the ocean, aircraft carriers revolutionized naval warfare and played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as the "Big E," was one of the most decorated US aircraft carriers of WW2. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise was the seventh aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. During the war, she played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Specifications:
- Length: 827 feet (252 meters)
- Beam: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Draft: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 80-100
2. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was another iconic US aircraft carrier of WW2. Commissioned in 1937, the Yorktown was one of the three pre-war aircraft carriers that formed the core of the US Navy's carrier fleet. During the war, she played a significant role in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.
Specifications:
- Length: 827 feet (252 meters)
- Beam: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Draft: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 80-100
3. USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington, also known as the "Lady Lex," was one of the first two aircraft carriers to join the US Navy. Commissioned in 1927, the Lexington was a crucial part of the US Navy's carrier fleet during the interwar period. During WW2, she played a significant role in the early battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Specifications:
- Length: 888 feet (271 meters)
- Beam: 105 feet (32 meters)
- Draft: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
- Displacement: 33,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 60-80
4. USS Saratoga (CV-3)
The USS Saratoga was another early aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. Commissioned in 1927, the Saratoga was the sister ship of the USS Lexington. During WW2, she played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of the Eastern Solomons and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Specifications:
- Length: 888 feet (271 meters)
- Beam: 105 feet (32 meters)
- Draft: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
- Displacement: 33,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 60-80
5. USS Ranger (CV-4)
The USS Ranger was the first purpose-built aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. Commissioned in 1934, the Ranger was a significant improvement over the earlier Lexington-class carriers. During WW2, she played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic and the North African Campaign.
Specifications:
- Length: 730 feet (223 meters)
- Beam: 80 feet (24 meters)
- Draft: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Displacement: 14,000 tons
- Speed: 29 knots (54 km/h)
- Aircraft: 70-80
6. USS Wasp (CV-7)
The USS Wasp was another important aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. Commissioned in 1940, the Wasp was the eighth aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. During WW2, she played a significant role in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Specifications:
- Length: 707 feet (215 meters)
- Beam: 80 feet (24 meters)
- Draft: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Displacement: 14,700 tons
- Speed: 29 knots (54 km/h)
- Aircraft: 70-80
7. USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet was another iconic US aircraft carrier of WW2. Commissioned in 1941, the Hornet was the eighth aircraft carrier to join the US Navy. During the war, she played a significant role in the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Midway.
Specifications:
- Length: 827 feet (252 meters)
- Beam: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Draft: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 80-100
8. USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex was the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, which were the most numerous class of aircraft carriers in the US Navy. Commissioned in 1942, the Essex played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Specifications:
- Length: 872 feet (266 meters)
- Beam: 93 feet (28 meters)
- Draft: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
- Displacement: 27,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Aircraft: 90-100
US Aircraft Carriers of WW2 Image Gallery
These eight US aircraft carriers played a significant role in the Allied victory in WW2. Their bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to duty will always be remembered as a testament to the strength and resilience of the US Navy.
We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the US aircraft carriers of WW2. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.