Introduction to WW2 US Aircraft Carriers
The United States’ aircraft carriers played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War 2. These floating airbases enabled the US Navy to project air power across the vast distances of the Pacific Ocean, supporting the island-hopping campaigns and ultimately contributing to the defeat of Japan. In this article, we will explore five of the most iconic US aircraft carriers that served during World War 2.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as the “Big E,” was one of the most decorated ships in US naval history. Commissioned in 1938, she was the seventh US Navy ship to bear the name Enterprise. The USS Enterprise played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 19,900 tons
- Length: 827 feet
- Beam: 95 feet
- Aircraft capacity: 90
- Top speed: 32.5 knots
🚢 Note: The USS Enterprise earned 20 battle stars during World War 2, making her one of the most decorated ships in US naval history.
2. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was commissioned in 1937 and played a pivotal role in the early years of World War 2. She was one of three American aircraft carriers that participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, and her aircraft scored several crucial victories against Japanese forces. Unfortunately, the USS Yorktown was heavily damaged during the Battle of Midway and was eventually sunk by Japanese submarines.
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Length: 824 feet
- Beam: 95 feet
- Aircraft capacity: 90
- Top speed: 32.5 knots
💡 Note: The USS Yorktown was the first US aircraft carrier to be sunk by enemy action during World War 2.
3. USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington was the second US Navy aircraft carrier to be commissioned, entering service in 1927. She played a significant role in the early years of World War 2, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, the USS Lexington was heavily damaged during the battle and was eventually sunk by Japanese aircraft.
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 33,000 tons
- Length: 888 feet
- Beam: 107 feet
- Aircraft capacity: 120
- Top speed: 33.5 knots
👍 Note: The USS Lexington was known as the "Lady Lex" and was one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world when she was commissioned.
4. USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet was commissioned in 1941 and played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Doolittle Raid. The USS Hornet’s aircraft scored several crucial victories against Japanese forces, and she was also the launch platform for the Doolittle Raid, a daring bombing raid on Tokyo.
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 19,800 tons
- Length: 824 feet
- Beam: 95 feet
- Aircraft capacity: 90
- Top speed: 32.5 knots
💪 Note: The USS Hornet's aircraft scored several crucial victories during the Battle of Midway, including sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers.
5. USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex was commissioned in 1942 and played a significant role in the later years of World War 2. She participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The USS Essex was also the launch platform for several key air raids, including the bombing of Tokyo.
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 27,000 tons
- Length: 872 feet
- Beam: 93 feet
- Aircraft capacity: 100
- Top speed: 32.5 knots
🌟 Note: The USS Essex was the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, which were designed to be larger and more advanced than earlier US aircraft carriers.
In conclusion, these five US aircraft carriers played a significant role in the Allied victory in World War 2. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered as an important part of US naval history.
What was the most decorated US aircraft carrier in World War 2?
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The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was the most decorated US aircraft carrier in World War 2, earning 20 battle stars during the conflict.
Which US aircraft carrier was the first to be sunk by enemy action during World War 2?
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The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was the first US aircraft carrier to be sunk by enemy action during World War 2.
What was the largest aircraft carrier in the world when it was commissioned?
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The USS Lexington (CV-2) was the largest aircraft carrier in the world when it was commissioned in 1927.
Related Terms:
- Lexington class aircraft carrier
- Aircraft carrier ww2
- Bearn aircraft carrier
- Uss boxer aircraft carrier
- Sparviero aircraft carrier
- Us battleship ww2
