Intro
Discover the bravest heroes of World War 2 with our list of the Top 10 US Carriers in WW2. From the USS Enterprise to the USS Yorktown, learn about the aircraft carriers that played a crucial role in the Allied victory, featuring notable battles, ship specifications, and historic significance, showcasing American naval power in the Pacific Theater.
The United States Navy played a crucial role in World War II, and its aircraft carriers were instrumental in the war's outcome. These floating airbases enabled the Navy to project airpower across the globe, providing air support for ground and naval operations. Here, we'll explore the top 10 US carriers in WW2, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the Allied victory.
The US Navy's aircraft carrier fleet underwent significant expansion during WW2, with the number of carriers growing from 7 to 24. These carriers played a vital role in the war, providing air support for ground and naval operations, and launching airstrikes against enemy positions.
1. USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was one of the most decorated US carriers in WW2. Commissioned in 1938, she played a significant role in the war, participating in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Enterprise earned 20 battle stars during the war, making her one of the most decorated US carriers.
2. USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was another highly decorated US carrier in WW2. Commissioned in 1937, she played a crucial role in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. Yorktown was sunk during the Battle of Midway, but her crew's bravery and sacrifice earned her 3 battle stars.
3. USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington (CV-2) was the second US Navy aircraft carrier to be commissioned, in 1927. During WW2, she played a significant role in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where she was sunk by Japanese forces. Lexington earned 2 battle stars for her service.
4. USS Wasp (CV-7)
The USS Wasp (CV-7) was commissioned in 1940 and played a vital role in the war, participating in the invasion of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Wasp was sunk by Japanese forces in 1942, earning 1 battle star.
5. USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet (CV-8) was commissioned in 1941 and played a significant role in the Doolittle Raid, a surprise attack on Tokyo. Hornet was sunk by Japanese forces during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, earning 4 battle stars.
6. USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex (CV-9) was commissioned in 1942 and played a vital role in the war, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Essex earned 13 battle stars for her service.
7. USS Intrepid (CV-11)
The USS Intrepid (CV-11) was commissioned in 1943 and played a significant role in the war, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Intrepid earned 5 battle stars for her service.
8. USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
The USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was commissioned in 1943 and played a vital role in the war, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Bunker Hill earned 11 battle stars for her service.
9. USS Monterey (CVL-26)
The USS Monterey (CVL-26) was commissioned in 1943 and played a significant role in the war, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Monterey earned 11 battle stars for her service.
10. USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
The USS Cowpens (CVL-25) was commissioned in 1943 and played a vital role in the war, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Cowpens earned 12 battle stars for her service.
US Navy Carriers WW2 Image Gallery
What was the most significant contribution of US carriers in WW2?
+The most significant contribution of US carriers in WW2 was providing air support for ground and naval operations, and launching airstrikes against enemy positions.
Which US carrier earned the most battle stars in WW2?
+The USS Enterprise (CV-6) earned the most battle stars, with a total of 20.
How many US carriers were sunk during WW2?
+A total of 4 US carriers were sunk during WW2: USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Yorktown (CV-5), USS Wasp (CV-7), and USS Hornet (CV-8).
The US Navy's aircraft carriers played a vital role in the Allied victory in WW2. Their ability to provide air support and launch airstrikes against enemy positions made them a crucial component of the war effort. The top 10 US carriers in WW2, highlighted above, demonstrate the significance of these vessels in the war's outcome.