Intro
Explore the iconic USS Yorktown CV-10, a legendary aircraft carrier that played a pivotal role in World War II and beyond. Discover five fascinating facts about its storied history, from its impressive combat record to its preservation as a museum ship, and uncover the significance of this mighty vessel in naval aviation history.
The USS Yorktown (CV-10) is one of the most iconic aircraft carriers in American history, playing a significant role in World War II and the Cold War. Here are five fascinating facts about this legendary vessel.
The USS Yorktown was originally named the USS Bonhomme Richard, but it was renamed in honor of the USS Yorktown (CV-5), which was sunk during the Battle of Midway in 1942. The CV-10 was commissioned on April 15, 1943, and quickly became an essential part of the US Navy's Pacific Fleet.
One of the most notable achievements of the USS Yorktown was its participation in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, also known as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot." On June 19-20, 1944, the Yorktown and other American aircraft carriers launched a series of airstrikes against the Japanese Navy, shooting down hundreds of enemy planes and sinking several Japanese ships. This decisive victory marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific.
The USS Yorktown also played a crucial role in the development of naval aviation. In 1945, the ship was modified to carry and launch the new F4U Corsair fighter planes, which became a mainstay of the US Navy's airpower. The Yorktown also served as a testbed for new aircraft and tactics, helping to shape the future of naval aviation.
After the war, the USS Yorktown was decommissioned and placed in reserve, but it was reactivated in the 1950s to serve as a training carrier. During this period, the ship was used to train thousands of naval aviators, including some of the first astronauts, such as Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
Today, the USS Yorktown is a museum ship and memorial in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on this legendary vessel.
USS Yorktown's Service History
The USS Yorktown (CV-10) had a long and storied service history, spanning over three decades. Here are some key highlights:
- 1943: Commissioned on April 15, 1943, and began training operations in the Atlantic
- 1943-1944: Deployed to the Pacific Theater, participating in several major battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea
- 1945: Modified to carry and launch F4U Corsair fighter planes
- 1946: Decommissioned and placed in reserve
- 1950s: Reactivated as a training carrier
- 1960s-1970s: Continued to serve as a training carrier, training thousands of naval aviators
- 1975: Decommissioned for the final time
- 1975-present: Served as a museum ship and memorial in Charleston, South Carolina
USS Yorktown's Specifications
Here are some key specifications of the USS Yorktown (CV-10):
- Length: 872 feet (266 meters)
- Beam: 93 feet (28 meters)
- Draft: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
- Displacement: 27,100 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Crew: 3,448 officers and enlisted personnel
- Aircraft capacity: 80-100 planes
- Armament: 12 x 5-inch guns, 40 x 40mm anti-aircraft guns, 59 x 20mm anti-aircraft guns
USS Yorktown Image Gallery
We hope you enjoyed this article about the USS Yorktown (CV-10). This legendary aircraft carrier played a significant role in American history, and its legacy continues to inspire and educate people today. Whether you're a history buff, a naval aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on this vessel, we encourage you to share your thoughts and comments below.