USN
Essex Class Carrier
Tons
27,100
Dimensions
872' / 93' / 28' 7"
Armament
12 x 5"/38AA
32 x 40mm
46 x 20mm
Ship History
Built by Newport News, Virginia, laid down December 1, 1941. Launched on April 26, 1943 and commissioned on August 16, 1943.
Wartime History
On February 18, 1944 a G4M Bombers from Tinian / 755 Kokutai located the carrier and hit it with a torpedo.
Post War
SCB 27C reconstruction at Newport News started 9 April 1952, completed and recommissioned 20 June 1954. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 11) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at New York Navy 9/1956 to 2 May 1957. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 11) 31 Mar 1962. FRAM II life extension 3/1965 to 10/1965. Operated as light attack carrier with CVS designation off Vietnam. Decommissioned to reserve 15 March 1974; was last CVS in service.
Today
Ownership transferred to Sea Air Space Museum April 27, 1981 and preserved as the main exhibit of the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York City.
