Us Navy Ships Of World War 2

The United States Navy played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, and its ships were instrumental in this success. The US Navy's fleet during World War II was the largest and most advanced in the world, with over 6,000 ships and submarines. In this article, we will explore the various types of US Navy ships that served during World War II, their roles, and notable examples of each.

Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers were the backbone of the US Navy's fleet during World War II. These ships served as floating airbases, providing air support for naval operations and amphibious landings. The US Navy had two main classes of aircraft carriers during World War II: the Essex-class and the Independence-class.

Essex-class Aircraft Carriers

The Essex-class aircraft carriers were the largest and most advanced carriers in the world at the time. They were designed to carry a large air group, with up to 100 aircraft, and were equipped with a long, straight flight deck and a single island. The Essex-class carriers played a key role in many naval battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

• Notable examples: USS Essex (CV-9), USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Intrepid (CV-11)

Independence-class Aircraft Carriers

The Independence-class aircraft carriers were smaller and more lightly armed than the Essex-class carriers. They were designed to be faster and more maneuverable, with a shorter flight deck and a smaller air group. The Independence-class carriers served as escorts for convoys and amphibious landings.

• Notable examples: USS Independence (CV-22), USS Princeton (CV-23), USS Belleau Wood (CV-24)

Battleships

Battleships were the largest and most heavily armed ships in the US Navy during World War II. They were designed to engage enemy ships in surface combat, with a primary armament of large-caliber guns. The US Navy had two main classes of battleships during World War II: the Iowa-class and the South Dakota-class.

Iowa-class Battleships

The Iowa-class battleships were the fastest and most advanced battleships in the world at the time. They were designed to be highly maneuverable, with a long, narrow hull and a powerful propulsion system. The Iowa-class battleships played a key role in many naval battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

• Notable examples: USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63)

South Dakota-class Battleships

The South Dakota-class battleships were smaller and more heavily armored than the Iowa-class battleships. They were designed to provide close-in gunfire support for amphibious landings. The South Dakota-class battleships served in many naval battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.

• Notable examples: USS South Dakota (BB-57), USS Indiana (BB-58), USS Massachusetts (BB-59)

Cruisers

Cruisers were smaller and more lightly armed than battleships, but were designed to be faster and more maneuverable. The US Navy had two main classes of cruisers during World War II: the Baltimore-class and the Cleveland-class.

Baltimore-class Cruisers

The Baltimore-class cruisers were the largest and most advanced cruisers in the US Navy during World War II. They were designed to provide gunfire support for amphibious landings and to engage enemy ships in surface combat.

• Notable examples: USS Baltimore (CA-68), USS Boston (CA-69), USS Canberra (CA-70)

Cleveland-class Cruisers

The Cleveland-class cruisers were smaller and more lightly armed than the Baltimore-class cruisers. They were designed to serve as escorts for convoys and amphibious landings.

• Notable examples: USS Cleveland (CL-55), USS Columbia (CL-56), USS Montpelier (CL-57)

Destroyers

Destroyers were the smallest and most lightly armed ships in the US Navy during World War II. They were designed to serve as escorts for convoys and amphibious landings, and to engage enemy submarines and surface ships. The US Navy had two main classes of destroyers during World War II: the Fletcher-class and the Gearing-class.

Fletcher-class Destroyers

The Fletcher-class destroyers were the most advanced destroyers in the US Navy during World War II. They were designed to be highly maneuverable, with a long, narrow hull and a powerful propulsion system.

• Notable examples: USS Fletcher (DD-445), USS Radford (DD-446), USS Jenkins (DD-447)

Gearing-class Destroyers

The Gearing-class destroyers were smaller and more lightly armed than the Fletcher-class destroyers. They were designed to serve as escorts for convoys and amphibious landings.

• Notable examples: USS Gearing (DD-710), USS Eugene A. Greene (DD-711), USS Gyatt (DD-712)

Submarines

Submarines played a crucial role in the US Navy's war effort during World War II. They were designed to attack enemy ships and submarines, and to conduct reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The US Navy had two main classes of submarines during World War II: the Gato-class and the Balao-class.

Gato-class Submarines

The Gato-class submarines were the most advanced submarines in the US Navy during World War II. They were designed to be highly maneuverable, with a long, narrow hull and a powerful propulsion system.

• Notable examples: USS Gato (SS-212), USS Greenling (SS-213), USS Grouper (SS-214)

Balao-class Submarines

The Balao-class submarines were smaller and more lightly armed than the Gato-class submarines. They were designed to serve as escorts for convoys and amphibious landings.

• Notable examples: USS Balao (SS-285), USS Billfish (SS-286), USS Bowfin (SS-287)

US Navy Ships of World War 2 Image Gallery

We hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive overview of the US Navy ships of World War 2. Each type of ship played a crucial role in the war effort, and their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a specific topic, please leave a comment below.