Intro
Explore the legendary US ships of World War 2, featuring 10 iconic vessels that shaped the wars outcome. From aircraft carriers to battleships, discover the USS Enterprise, USS Missouri, and other historic naval giants that played a crucial role in pivotal battles, including Midway, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.
The United States played a pivotal role in World War 2, and its naval fleet was a crucial component of the Allied forces. The U.S. Navy's ships and submarines sailed across the globe, engaging enemy vessels, transporting troops and supplies, and providing crucial support for the war effort. Here, we'll explore 10 iconic U.S. ships of World War 2, each with its own unique story and contributions to the war.
The U.S. Navy's fleet was comprised of various ship types, including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. Each played a vital role in the war, from providing gunfire support for amphibious landings to patrolling the oceans for enemy submarines.
The USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as "Mighty Mo" or "Big Mo," was a battleship that served as the site of Japan's formal surrender, marking the end of World War 2. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri was one of the Iowa-class battleships, designed to be fast and heavily armed. During the war, the Missouri participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa.
The USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as "The Big E," was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that earned 20 battle stars for its service in World War 2. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise was one of the most decorated ships of the war, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class cruiser that played a significant role in the war, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Commissioned in 1932, the Indianapolis was one of the largest cruisers in the world at the time and served as the flagship of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance during the Battle of Midway. Tragically, the Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine in 1945, resulting in the loss of over 870 lives.
The USS Gato (SS-212)
The USS Gato was a Gato-class submarine that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1942, the Gato conducted several patrols, sinking numerous Japanese ships, including the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūhō. The Gato earned six battle stars for its service and was decommissioned in 1946.
The USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington, also known as "Lady Lex," was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1928, the Lexington was one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world at the time and played a significant role in the war, particularly during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina was one of the first U.S. battleships to engage Japanese forces, participating in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
The USS Bunker Hill was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1943, the Bunker Hill participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa.
The USS Alabama (BB-60)
The USS Alabama was a South Dakota-class battleship that served in the Atlantic Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1942, the Alabama participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Casablanca and the Battle of Salerno.
The USS Intrepid (CV-11)
The USS Intrepid was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1943, the Intrepid participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa.
The USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
The USS Pennsylvania was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that served in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Commissioned in 1916, the Pennsylvania was one of the oldest U.S. battleships to serve in the war, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Iconic U.S. Ships of World War 2 Image Gallery
These iconic U.S. ships of World War 2 played a significant role in the Allied victory, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Each ship has its own unique story and contributions to the war effort, and they remain an important part of American history.
We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the importance of the U.S. Navy's ships during World War 2. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.