The Early Years of USS Wasp CV 7
The USS Wasp CV 7, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, played a significant role in World War II, despite its relatively short career. Launched on April 4, 1936, the USS Wasp was the seventh aircraft carrier built by the United States Navy and was designed to be smaller and more compact than its predecessors. The ship was 688 feet long and had a displacement of 14,700 tons, making it a mid-sized carrier compared to others in its class.
The USS Wasp was designed to be a versatile ship, capable of carrying a variety of aircraft, including fighter planes, bombers, and torpedo planes. The ship’s air group, known as the Wasp Air Group, consisted of several squadrons, including VF-71, VB-71, and VT-71. These squadrons were equipped with a range of aircraft, including the Grumman F4F Wildcat, the Douglas SBD Dauntless, and the Douglas TBD Devastator.
Wartime Service
The USS Wasp CV 7 played a significant role in the early years of World War II, participating in several key battles and campaigns. In April 1942, the USS Wasp was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where it joined the USS Enterprise CV 6 and the USS Yorktown CV 5 in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Although the USS Wasp did not engage in combat during this battle, it played a crucial role in providing air support for the other ships.
In June 1942, the USS Wasp was part of the Allied force that defeated the Japanese at the Battle of Midway. The ship’s air group, led by Commander C. S. Smiley, launched several successful attacks against Japanese forces, sinking several ships and destroying numerous aircraft.
Guadalcanal Campaign
One of the most notable campaigns in which the USS Wasp CV 7 participated was the Guadalcanal Campaign. In August 1942, the USS Wasp was deployed to the Solomon Islands, where it joined a task force led by Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher. The ship’s air group played a crucial role in supporting the invasion of Guadalcanal, launching numerous sorties against Japanese forces on the island.
On September 15, 1942, the USS Wasp was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, I-19, while operating in the Coral Sea. The ship suffered significant damage and was eventually scuttled by the USS Lansdowne DD 486. The USS Wasp sank just 50 minutes after being torpedoed, resulting in the loss of 196 lives.
Legacy of USS Wasp CV 7
Despite its relatively short career, the USS Wasp CV 7 played a significant role in the Allied victory in World War II. The ship’s bravery and sacrifice were recognized with several awards, including the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
The USS Wasp CV 7 was also notable for its contributions to the development of naval aviation. The ship’s air group was one of the first to use the Grumman F4F Wildcat, a fighter plane that would go on to play a significant role in the war.
💡 Note: The USS Wasp CV 7 was one of the first aircraft carriers to be equipped with radar, a technology that would play a crucial role in the war.
In addition to its military contributions, the USS Wasp CV 7 also played a significant role in the development of the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier doctrine. The ship’s compact design and versatile air group made it an ideal platform for testing new tactics and strategies.
Comparison with Other Aircraft Carriers
The USS Wasp CV 7 was one of several aircraft carriers built by the United States Navy during the 1930s. Compared to other ships in its class, the USS Wasp was relatively small, with a displacement of 14,700 tons. However, the ship’s compact design and versatile air group made it an ideal platform for a range of missions.
| Ship | Displacement | Length | Beam |
|---|---|---|---|
| USS Wasp CV 7 | 14,700 tons | 688 feet | 80 feet |
| USS Enterprise CV 6 | 19,800 tons | 825 feet | 90 feet |
| USS Yorktown CV 5 | 19,900 tons | 809 feet | 83 feet |
Conclusion
The USS Wasp CV 7 was a significant contributor to the Allied victory in World War II. Despite its relatively short career, the ship played a crucial role in several key battles and campaigns, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Guadalcanal Campaign. The ship’s bravery and sacrifice were recognized with several awards, and its contributions to the development of naval aviation and aircraft carrier doctrine are still remembered today.
In the end, the USS Wasp CV 7 remains a forgotten hero of World War II, its contributions overshadowed by those of more famous ships. However, its legacy continues to inspire and educate, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served on board.
What was the USS Wasp CV 7’s role in World War II?
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The USS Wasp CV 7 played a significant role in the early years of World War II, participating in several key battles and campaigns, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
What was the USS Wasp CV 7’s air group equipped with?
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The USS Wasp CV 7’s air group was equipped with a range of aircraft, including the Grumman F4F Wildcat, the Douglas SBD Dauntless, and the Douglas TBD Devastator.
What was the USS Wasp CV 7’s fate?
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The USS Wasp CV 7 was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, I-19, on September 15, 1942, and eventually scuttled by the USS Lansdowne DD 486.
