USS Intrepid was laid down in
1941 and built by Newport news. and launched 26th April
1943, completed for service on the 16th August 1943. and was one of a
class of 24 ships of the Essex class aircraft carriers . This was
the largest fleet of aircraft carriers ever constructed and proved the
industrial might of the United States beyond doubt. Carrying 90
aircraft each, they formed the main air strength and striking power of
the US Pacific Fleet against the Japanese. The Intrepid saw her
first action in January 1944 supporting operations at Kwajalein.
While operating in raids on Truk in February 1944 Intrepid was hit by a
torpedo which damaged her steering gear, requiring repairs which kept
her from the war zone until June. She then took part in operations
off the Palaus, the Philippines, Okinawa and Formosa. She was
struck twice by kamikazes in late 1944. Returning to action in
March 1945, she participated in strikes against the Japanese home
islands and Okinawa, suffering another kamikaze hit in April of 1945 -
she survived the most hits of any other US carrier in the war.
Here the Intrepid is seen in October 1944 whilst with TG38.2 flanked by
the cruiser USS Vincennes and the destroyer USS The Sullivans.
Displacement: 27,020 tons, 34,880
tons fully loaded. Speed: 32.7 knots. Range 15,000 nautical
miles at 15 Knots. Compliment: 2682. Armament: twelve
5-inch guns, Thirty Two 40mm AA Guns, Forty six 20mm AA guns
and 91 aircraft.
Dawn
Enterprise by Anthony Saunders The first light of
dawn silhouettes the massive outline of the Yorktown class carrier USS
Enterprise, in mid April 1944 she was partnered by the new Essex Class
carrier USS Lexington.
USS Hornet, Eye of the Storm by
Anthony Saunders Late October 1942 in the
waters east of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Santa Cruz saw the sinking of
the US carrier Hornet, in what proved to be the last major carrier battle
of the South Pacific theatre.
USS Yorktown at the Battle of Midway by Anthony
Saunders USS Yorktown seen accompanied by her destroyers including USS Hammann
shown under attack by Japanese Torpedo Bombers (Kates) during the battle
of Midway. It was in this action that USS Yorktown was lost.
