Intro
Discover the mighty warships that shaped the outcome of World War II. Explore the top 10 US Navy ships of WW2, including aircraft carriers, battleships, and destroyers that played crucial roles in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Learn about their impressive specs, combat history, and the brave sailors who manned these vessels, instrumental in Allied victory.
The United States Navy played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, with its ships and sailors engaging in battles across the globe. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the US Navy's fleet of aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines proved to be a decisive factor in the war. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 US Navy ships of World War II, highlighting their impressive careers and contributions to the war effort.
The US Navy's fleet at the start of World War II was still recovering from the limitations imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. However, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 led to a massive expansion of the US Navy, with the commissioning of new ships and the introduction of new technologies.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as the "Big E," was one of the most decorated ships in US Navy history. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
The Enterprise earned 20 battle stars for its service in World War II, making it one of the most decorated ships in US Navy history.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 809 feet 6 inches (246.7 meters)
- Beam: 83 feet 1 inch (25.3 meters)
- Draft: 24 feet 9 inches (7.5 meters)
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
2. USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," was a Iowa-class battleship that served as the site of the Japanese surrender ceremony in September 1945, marking the end of World War II. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri played a significant role in the final stages of the war, participating in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
The Missouri earned 11 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 887 feet 3 inches (270.5 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
3. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. Commissioned in 1937, the Yorktown was one of the most important ships in the US Navy during the early stages of World War II.
The Yorktown earned 12 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 809 feet 6 inches (246.7 meters)
- Beam: 83 feet 1 inch (25.3 meters)
- Draft: 24 feet 9 inches (7.5 meters)
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
4. USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the early stages of World War II. Commissioned in 1927, the Lexington was one of the first aircraft carriers in the US Navy and participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The Lexington earned 2 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 888 feet 9 inches (270.8 meters)
- Beam: 107 feet 6 inches (32.8 meters)
- Draft: 28 feet 6 inches (8.7 meters)
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
5. USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign. Commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina was one of the first battleships in the US Navy to be designed with the benefit of radar technology.
The North Carolina earned 15 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 728 feet 3 inches (222.1 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 4 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
6. USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota was a South Dakota-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Commissioned in 1942, the South Dakota was one of the most advanced battleships in the US Navy at the time.
The South Dakota earned 13 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 680 feet (207.3 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
7. USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Commissioned in 1932, the Indianapolis was one of the most advanced cruisers in the US Navy at the time.
The Indianapolis earned 10 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 610 feet 3 inches (186 meters)
- Beam: 66 feet 1 inch (20.1 meters)
- Draft: 19 feet 5 inches (5.9 meters)
- Speed: 32 knots (59 km/h)
8. USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
The USS Massachusetts was a South Dakota-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of Casablanca and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Commissioned in 1942, the Massachusetts was one of the most advanced battleships in the US Navy at the time.
The Massachusetts earned 11 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 680 feet (207.3 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
9. USS Alabama (BB-60)
The USS Alabama was a South Dakota-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Commissioned in 1942, the Alabama was one of the most advanced battleships in the US Navy at the time.
The Alabama earned 9 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 680 feet (207.3 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
10. USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa was a Iowa-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa was one of the most advanced battleships in the US Navy at the time.
The Iowa earned 11 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Key Statistics:
- Length: 887 feet 3 inches (270.5 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.9 meters)
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
US Navy Ships of WW2 Image Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed this article about the top 10 US Navy ships of World War II. These ships played a significant role in the Allied victory, and their contributions will always be remembered. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.