>From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,” (1963) Vol. 2, p.369. ESTERO CVE-42 Displacement: 16,620 t. (full load) Length: 495’8” Beam: 69’6” Extreme Width: 111’6” Draft: 26’ Speed: 18 k. Complement: 890 Armament: 2 5” Class: PRINCE WILLIAM The first ESTERO (ACV-42) was launched 22 March 1943 by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Seattle Wash., and sponsored by Mrs. C. N. Ingraham. She was reclassified CVE-42 on 15 July 1943. Completed in October 1943, she was transferred to the Royal Navy on 3 November 1943 and commissioned the same day as HMS PREMIER. Returned to United States custody in April 1946, she was stricken on the following 21 May. Transcribed by Michael Hansen mhansen2@home.com