Intro
Discover the top 10 US ships of WW2, including aircraft carriers, battleships, and submarines that played a crucial role in Allied victories. Explore the USS Enterprise, USS Missouri, and USS Gato, among others, and learn about their design, armament, and notable battles in the Pacific and European theaters.
The United States played a significant role in World War II, and its naval fleet was a crucial component of the Allied forces. With a vast array of ships, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, and submarines, the US Navy was instrumental in securing victories in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Here are the top 10 US ships of World War II, in no particular order:
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
The USS Enterprise, also known as "The Big E," was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. With a crew of over 2,000, the Enterprise was instrumental in providing air support for Allied ground forces and was awarded 20 battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as "Mighty Mo," was an Iowa-class battleship that served as the flagship of the US Third Fleet during the final stages of World War II. The Missouri played a key role in the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, and it was on board the Missouri that the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships and served as the flagship of the US Fifth Fleet during the final stages of World War II. The Iowa played a key role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa, and it was also involved in the bombardment of Japanese coastal cities.
USS Lexington (CV-2)
The USS Lexington was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the early stages of World War II. The Lexington was involved in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where it was sunk by Japanese aircraft on May 8, 1942. Despite its relatively short service, the Lexington earned two battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS Yorktown (CV-5)
The USS Yorktown was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, where it was sunk by Japanese aircraft on June 7, 1942. Despite its relatively short service, the Yorktown earned three battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS Essex (CV-9)
The USS Essex was a Essex-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the later stages of World War II. The Essex was involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa, and it earned 13 battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS Hornet (CV-8)
The USS Hornet was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. The Hornet was involved in the Doolittle Raid, where it launched 16 B-25 bombers on a surprise attack on Tokyo. The Hornet was sunk by Japanese aircraft on October 26, 1942, and it earned four battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship that played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of Guadalcanal, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The North Carolina earned 15 battle stars for its service during World War II and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its service.
USS Gato (SS-212)
The USS Gato was a Gato-class submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The Gato was involved in several patrols, where it sank several Japanese ships, including the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō. The Gato earned six battle stars for its service during World War II.
USS O'Brien (DD-415)
The USS O'Brien was a Sims-class destroyer that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The O'Brien was involved in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, where it was sunk by Japanese aircraft on October 19, 1942. Despite its relatively short service, the O'Brien earned two battle stars for its service during World War II.
US Ships of WW2 Image Gallery
What was the most significant US ship of WW2?
+The USS Enterprise (CV-6) is often considered the most significant US ship of WW2, due to its involvement in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway.
What was the largest US ship of WW2?
+The USS Iowa (BB-61) was the largest US ship of WW2, with a length of 887 feet 3 inches and a beam of 108 feet 2 inches.
What was the fastest US ship of WW2?
+The USS Gato (SS-212) was the fastest US ship of WW2, with a top speed of 20.5 knots.
What was the most decorated US ship of WW2?
+The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was the most decorated US ship of WW2, with 20 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation.
What was the longest-serving US ship of WW2?
+The USS Missouri (BB-63) was the longest-serving US ship of WW2, serving from 1944 to 1991.
In conclusion, the US Navy played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, and its ships were instrumental in securing key victories in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The top 10 US ships of WW2 listed above are just a few examples of the many brave and historic vessels that served during this time.