Intro
Discover the 5 most iconic US aircraft carriers of WWII, pivotal in shaping the wars outcome. Learn about the USS Enterprise, USS Yorktown, USS Lexington, USS Saratoga, and USS Hornet, and their heroic contributions to naval aviation, Pacific Theater battles, and the Allies ultimate victory.
The Second World War saw the rise of naval aviation, and the United States played a significant role in this development. The aircraft carriers of the US Navy became a symbol of American military power and a game-changer in the war at sea. In this article, we will explore five iconic US aircraft carriers of WW2, their history, and their contributions to the Allied victory.
The USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was the seventh aircraft carrier of the US Navy and the most decorated American ship of the Second World War. Launched in 1936, the Enterprise was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater. With a displacement of over 25,000 tons, the Enterprise was an impressive vessel that could carry up to 100 aircraft.
Enterprise's War Record
The Enterprise was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The carrier's aircraft sank over 900 enemy ships and downed more than 1,900 enemy aircraft, earning her 20 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.
The USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was the lead ship of the Yorktown-class aircraft carriers and the sister ship of the Enterprise. Launched in 1936, the Yorktown was a 19,800-ton vessel that could carry up to 90 aircraft. The carrier played a significant role in the early years of the Pacific War, participating in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.
Yorktown's Fate
During the Battle of Midway, the Yorktown was heavily damaged by Japanese bombers and eventually sunk by a Japanese submarine on June 7, 1942. Despite her tragic fate, the Yorktown's aircraft had already made a significant contribution to the Allied victory, sinking four Japanese carriers and one heavy cruiser.
The USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet (CV-8) was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier launched in 1940. The Hornet played a significant role in the Doolittle Raid, a daring bombing mission against Tokyo and other Japanese cities. On April 18, 1942, 16 B-25 bombers took off from the Hornet's deck, led by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle.
Hornet's Demise
The Hornet was involved in several other battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. However, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the Hornet was heavily damaged by Japanese bombers and eventually scuttled by American destroyers on October 27, 1942.
The USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex (CV-9) was the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, launched in 1942. The Essex was a 27,100-ton vessel that could carry up to 100 aircraft. The carrier played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in several battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Essex's War Record
The Essex's aircraft sank over 400 enemy ships and downed more than 1,000 enemy aircraft, earning her 13 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.
The USS Intrepid (CV-11)
The USS Intrepid (CV-11) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier launched in 1943. The Intrepid was a 27,100-ton vessel that could carry up to 100 aircraft. The carrier played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in several battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa.
Intrepid's War Record
The Intrepid's aircraft sank over 600 enemy ships and downed more than 2,500 enemy aircraft, earning her 16 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.
WW2 Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery
These iconic US aircraft carriers of WW2 played a significant role in the Allied victory, providing air support and striking power in the Pacific Theater. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as a testament to the power of naval aviation.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Which of these aircraft carriers do you think made the most significant contribution to the Allied victory? Share your comments below!