Intro
Discover the heroic history of the US Navy in WWII with our list of 10 iconic ships that played crucial roles in the war. From aircraft carriers to battleships, learn about the vessels that helped turn the tide of battle, including the USS Enterprise, USS Missouri, and USS Arizona, and explore their significance in naval warfare, maritime history, and American patriotism.
The United States Navy played a crucial role in World War II, with numerous ships and submarines seeing action in various theaters around the world. Among the many vessels that served, some stand out for their bravery, achievements, and historical significance. Here, we'll explore 10 iconic US Navy ships that fought in World War II.
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as the "Big E," was one of the most decorated ships in the US Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Guadalcanal Campaign. The Enterprise earned 20 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of Midway (June 1942)
- Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands (October 1942)
- Guadalcanal Campaign (August 1942 – February 1943)
USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," was the last battleship commissioned by the US Navy. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri played a key role in the final stages of World War II, participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. The Missouri also served as the site for the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of Iwo Jima (February – March 1945)
- Battle of Okinawa (April – June 1945)
- Japanese Surrender (September 2, 1945)
USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, commissioned in 1943. The Iowa played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Marshall Islands Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. The Iowa also served as a presidential escort ship, carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in 1943.
Notable Engagements:
- Marshall Islands Campaign (February 1944)
- Battle of Okinawa (April – June 1945)
- Presidential Escort (1943)
USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex was the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, commissioned in 1942. The Essex played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Essex earned 13 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Iwo Jima Campaign (February – March 1945)
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
The USS Bunker Hill was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943. The Bunker Hill played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Bunker Hill earned 11 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Okinawa Campaign (April – June 1945)
USS Yorktown (CV-10)
The USS Yorktown was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943. The Yorktown played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Yorktown earned 11 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Okinawa Campaign (April – June 1945)
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
The USS Intrepid was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943. The Intrepid played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Intrepid earned 16 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Iwo Jima Campaign (February – March 1945)
USS Lexington (CV-16)
The USS Lexington was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943. The Lexington played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Lexington earned 13 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Okinawa Campaign (April – June 1945)
USS Cabot (CVL-28)
The USS Cabot was a light aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943. The Cabot played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Cabot earned 9 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
- Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
- Okinawa Campaign (April – June 1945)
USS Hornet (CV-12)
The USS Hornet was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1944. The Hornet played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. The Hornet earned 7 battle stars for its service in World War II.
Notable Engagements:
- Battle of Iwo Jima (February – March 1945)
- Battle of Okinawa (April – June 1945)
US Navy Ships in WW2 Image Gallery
What was the significance of the USS Enterprise in World War II?
+The USS Enterprise played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Guadalcanal Campaign. The Enterprise earned 20 battle stars for its service in World War II.
What was the USS Missouri's role in the Japanese surrender?
+The USS Missouri served as the site for the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. The surrender ceremony took place on the Missouri's deck, marking the official end of World War II.
What were some notable engagements of the USS Iowa?
+The USS Iowa participated in the Marshall Islands Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. The Iowa also served as a presidential escort ship, carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in 1943.