World Aircraft Carriers List: US Fleet Carriers, WWII Era

Revised 26 November 2001
Version 2.06
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan
World Aircraft Carrier Lists Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/

Essex Class
Essex (CV 9)
Yorktown (CV 10)
Intrepid (CV 11)
Hornet (CV 12)
Franklin (CV 13)
Ticonderoga (CV 14)
Randolph (CV 15)
Lexington (CV 16)
Bunker Hill (CV 17)
Wasp (CV 18)
Hancock (CV 19)
Bennington (CV 20)
Boxer (CV 21)

Bon Homme Richard (CV 31)
Leyte (CV 32)
Kearsarge (CV 33)
Oriskany (CV 34)
Reprisal (CV 35)
Antietam (CV 36)
Princeton (CV 37)
Shangri-La (CV 38)
Lake Champlain (CV 39)
Tarawa (CV 40)
Valley Forge (CV 45)
Iwo Jima (CV 46)
Philippine Sea (CV 47)
CV 50 through CV 55

Midway Class
Midway (CVB 41)
Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB 42)
Coral Sea (CVB 43)
CV 44
CVB 56
CVB 57


Essex class fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 34,881 tons full load
Dimensions: 820 x 93 x 28.5 feet/250 x 28.3 x 8.7 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 872 x 147.5 x 28.5 feet/265.8 x 45 x 8.7 meters ("Long Hull" types: 888 x 147.5 x 28.5 feet/270.6 x 45 x 8.7 meters)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 565 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 150,000 shp, 33 kts
Crew: 2,631
Armor: 1.5 inch hangar deck, 2.5-4 inch belt
Armament: 4 dual, 4 single 5/38 DP, 18 quad 40 mm AA, 61 single 20 mm AA ; single 20 mm AA replaced late WWII/postwar by 35 dual 20 mm AA
Aircraft: 100

Concept/Program: Conceived as a Yorktown modified to include better underwater protection. As war drew near and treaties became less of an issue, the design was allowed to grow into a large, powerful, and versatile ship. The first units were initially scheduled for completion in 1944, but production was rushed due to war. These ships formed the mainstay of US WWII fast carrier forces, and the US postwar carrier fleet. All ships served in the Pacific from completion to the end of hostilities.

Class: During 1943 an AA improvement program was undertaken, resulting in the "long hull" group. These ships had a slightly shorter flight deck, a slightly longer bow and other changes to allow a larger AA battery. Ships involved in this upgrade were those which were at an early stage of construction, so they could be altered without delaying completion. During WWII and in postwar upgrade programs the "long hull" and "short hull" ships were considered to be interchangeable. There is some evidence that the "long hull" ships were officially known as the Ticonderoga class, but these ships are far more commonly known simply as the "long hull" Essex class, and this list continues that convention.

The post-war reconstruction programs resulted in these ships being broken up into several different classes. The final class separations were as follows.
Intrepid Class (SCB 27C/125/125A): CVS 11, 14, 16, 31, 34, 38
Essex Class (SCB 27A/125): CVS 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 33
Antietam (prototype SCB 125): CVS 36
Lake Champlain (SCB 27A): CVS 39
Boxer Class (LPH): CVS 21 (LPH 4), CVS 37 (LPH 5), CVS 45 (LPH 8)
(all LPH conversions were previously of the spartan CVS configuration.)
Spartan CVS Conversion (no SCB): CVS 32, CVS 40, CVS 47
Unmodified: CV 13, CV 17

Design: The Essex design was in general superb. The ships were able to absorb massive increases in AA guns, ammunition allowances, aircraft munitions and equipment, etc. Postwar they could accommodate rebuilds that allowed them to operate modern jet aircraft throughout the Cold War. The only real weakness in the design was the wooden, unarmored flight deck, which made the ships very vulnerable to aircraft attack. This was considered an acceptable tradeoff, compared to the RN's armored flight decks and much smaller air wings. One flaw in the design was the ventilation system, which allowed smoke to rapidly spread throughout the ship. This problem was fixed during postwar reconstructions.

Variations: See "long hull" description above. Some units were completed with athwartships catapults in the forward hangar bay, but these were soon removed in favor of additional AA guns. Postwar reconstructions lead to major variations within the class and within each rebuild configurations.

Modifications: Numbers of .50 cal, 20 mm, 1.1 inch and 40 mm weapons varied throughout the war; therefore only the ultimate numbers of guns are listed. Some ships were completed with .50 cal and 1.1 inch guns, but these were replaced with 20 mm and 40 mm guns early in the war. Postwar the 20 mm guns were removed; in ships remaining active into the 1950's dual 3/50 AA mounts replaced quad 40 mm guns. As time went on the gun batteries were gradually reduced until ships carried little, if any, gun armament.

Modernization: Following WWII most ships underwent extensive upgrades under several programs.

SCB 27A: First major upgrade program applied to Essex class. This was a general, all-around upgrade, including a completely rebuilt and reconfigured island, new arresting gear and hydraulic catapults, new aircraft fueling arrangements, and all deck-level 5 inch guns removed. The gun armament was reduced to 8 single 5/38 DP and 12 to 14 dual 3/50 AA; the gun battery was gradually reduced over time. The rebuild did not include an angled flight deck. Displacement was 40,600 tons.

SCB 27C: This program replaced the SCB 27A, and went one slightly further. Most details were the same as SCB 27A, but the ships carried steam catapults rather than hydraulic, and had only 4 5/38 guns. The change to steam catapults was a major operational improvement, and allowed the ships to operate much larger and heavier aircraft. Displacement was 43,600 tons.

"Ultimate" Reconstruction: This was a never-realized program to upgrade Essex class ships to a final, completely modern configuration. The SCB 27A/27C programs were seen as a temporary measure pending development of an "ultimate" configuration for the class. Ships of this configuration would have operated with the "supercarrier" United States in large nuclear-strike groups. The design would have been completely flush-decked, with no island at all. With the death of United States and the development of the angled deck, the "ultimate" plan was reconfigured but probably stayed alive. It is unclear when it was realized that the "ultimate" modernization of Essex class ships should be dropped in favor of SCB 125 and new construction. Two ships were excluded from other modernization programs to make them available for the "ultimate" conversion -- Bunker Hill and Franklin. These ships had been heavily damaged near the end of the war, fully repaired, and laid up in excellent condition. Ultimately they went to the breakers unmodified.

SCB 125: This program was applied to ships already modernized under the SCB 27A/27C programs. The principal change under SCB 125 was the addition of an angled flight deck to replace the old axial deck arrangement. Other features of the ship, includung the hydraulic/steam catapult separation between SCB 27A and SCB 27C, were not changed. In some cases this modernization was performed at the same time as an SCB 27A/27C conversion, leading to confusion between the two programs. The prototype conversion for this program was applied to an otherwise unmodified ship, yielding an odd ship with all her WWII features intact, but with an angled deck.

SCB 125A: This was a slightly more advanced version of the SCB 125A program, the main difference being use of an aluminum flight deck to replace the old wooden deck. This modernization also included replacement of the SCB 27A's hydraulic catapults with the steam catapults of SCB 27C.

CVS Conversion: This conversion was applied to SCB 27A and SCB 27C ships as they left the front-line fleet and assumed ASW duties. Conversion, which was not always done at the same time as redesignation to CVS, included outfitting the ships with an ASW command center, additional communications, support facilities for ASW aircraft and helicopters, etc. The early CVS conversions, from unmodified axial-deck (non-SCB) ships, were far less extensive and are best classed as a refit rather than a full conversion.

LPH Conversion: This conversion was applied to unmodified, axial deck ships that had previously served as CVSs. Most guns and radars were removed, 4 of 8 boilers were deactivated, and troop berthing spaces and equipment storage spaces were added. Speed was 25 knots; most ships carried 2 dual and 2 single 5/38 DP.

FRAM II: This was a general update and life extension overhaul applied to some late CVSs and LPHs. The CVSs received a hull-mounted sonar, and all ships had their service lives extended by 5 years.

Classification: Initially classed CV; all reclassed CVA in 1952. Various ships reclassied CVS or LPH as they were modified; some changed to CVS while in reserve. Unmodified ships laid up in reserve eventually became aircraft transports (AVT). Some ships remaining as CVAs in 1975 were reclassed CV, but no change of role resulted.

Operational: These ships saw extensive service over a span of nearly 50 years and in at least a half-dozen roles.

Progression of Roles: Following WWII most of the older ships, which had seen extensive war service, were decommissioned to reserve. Ships completed near the end of the war and postwar remained in service with minimal modifications, mostly reduction of light AA, etc. Starting in the 1950's the older ships were put back into service after going through massive upgrade/reconstruction programs, starting with the SCB 27A program. The SCB 27A ships took the front-line attack roles, reducing the unrebuilt ships to duties as ASW carriers, in turn replacing CVEs and CVLs that had served in the ASW role. The SCB 27C program followed the 27A program, and these ships took over the front-line attack roles as they came into service. With the introduction of the 27C rebuilds the 27A ships moved to ASW roles, and the unrebuilt ships moved from ASW to service as amphibious assault ships (LPH), or to retirement. Eventually the war-built carriers serving as LPHs were replaced by purpose-built ships, and the SCB 27C carriers were reduced to ASW roles or served as light attack carriers as more "supercarriers" came into service. Finally the end of the Vietnam war spelled the end for ships operating as light CVAs, and age caught up with the other ships.

Other Notes: During the 1980's reactivation of one or more mothballed Essex class ships was considered, but the idea did not proceed. The ships were considered to be too old and in poor condition, and there were few aircraft suitable for operation from their small decks.


Essex
CV 9 - CVA 9 - CVS 9
Photos: [Essex at launch], [Essex as completed], [Kamikaze hit - moment of impact], [After SCB 27A reconstruction], [After SCB 125 modernization], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 28 April 1941, launched 31 July 1942, commissioned 31 Dec 1942.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Hit by kamikaze 25 Nov 1944. Decommissioned to reserve 9 Jan 1947.

SCB 27A reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard started 1 Sept 1948, completed and recommissioned 1 Feb 1951. Redesignated as attack carrier (CVA 9) 1 October 1952. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Bremerton Navy Yard 7/1955 to 3 Jan 1956.

Redesignated as ASW carrier (CVS 9) 8 March 1960. FRAM II life extension 3/1962 to 9/1962. Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1969, stricken for disposal 1 June 1973, subsequently sold and scrapped at Kearny NJ.

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Yorktown
ex-Bon Homme Richard
CV 10 - CVA 10 - CVS 10
Photos: [Yorktown early in construction], [Yorktown during WWII], [After SCB 27A & 125 reconstructions], [As ASW carrier], [As a museum at Charleston, SC].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 Dec 1941, renamed to honor CV 5 26 Sept 1942, launched 21 Jan 1943, commissioned 15 April 1943.

Served with the Carrier TF until replaced by Franklin and sent to Bremerton Navy Yard for refit 8/1944 to 10/1944. Decommissioned to reserve 9 Jan 1947.

SCB 27A reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard started 5/1951, completed and recommissioned 2 Jan 1953. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 10) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Bremerton Navy Yard 3/1955 to 15 Oct 1955.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 10) 1 September 1957. Scheduled for FRAM II life extension in 1966, but cancelled due to ship's poor condition. Decommissioned to reserve 27 June 1970, stricken for disposal 1 June 1973. Preserved as a museum at Patriot's Point (Charleston), SC.

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Intrepid
CV 11 - CVA 11 - CVS 11
Photos: [Intrepid during WWII], [Torpedo damage], [Burning after Kamikaze hit], [After SCB 27C reconstruction], [During FRAM], [Serving as light attack carrier while designated CVS 11], [As a museum at New York City].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 Dec 1941, launched 30 Aug 1942, commissioned 16 August 1943.

Served with Carrier TF during WWII. Torpedoed 2/1944 during Truk raid, kamikaze 10/1944, kamikaze at Luzon 25 Nov 1944 with severe damage, kamikaze 3/1945, kamikaze at Okinawa 16 April 1945 with severe damage, repaired 3/1945 to 7/1945. Decommissioned to reserve 22 March 1947.

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. Ownership transferred to Sea*Air*Space Museum 27 April 1981, stricken upon transfer of custody to museum 23 Feb 1982. Preserved at Sea*Air*Space Museum in New York City.

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Hornet
ex-Kearsarge
CV 12 - CVA 12 - CVS 12
Photos: [Hornet during WWII], [Hornet - color photo], [Hornet's hangar-level catapult], [Hornet with typhoon-damaged flight deck], [After SCB 27A & 125 reconstructions], [As ASW carrier]. [At Alameda awaiting preservation].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down early 1942, but work was soon stopped and keel lifted out of the dock to clear the dock for LST construction. Work resumed 3 Aug 1942, renamed to honor CV 8 22 Jan 1943, launched 30 Aug 1943, commissioned 29 Nov 1943.

Typhoon 6/1945 buckled flight deck. Decommissioned to reserve 15 Jan 1947.

SCB 27A reconstruction at New York Navy started 12 May 1951, completed and recommissioned 1 Oct 1953. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 12 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Bremerton Navy Yard 1/1956 to 15 Aug 1956.

Redesignated an ASW carrier (CVS 12) 27 June 1959. FRAM II life extension 6/1964 to 2/1965. Decommissioned to reserve 26 June 1970. Stricken for disposal 25 July 1989. Sold for scrapping 14 April 1993 and towed to San Francisco, but scrapper defaulted and ship was repossessed. Preserved by the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation as a museum at the former NAS Alameda 26 May 1998.

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Franklin
CV 13 - CVA 13 - CVS 13 - AVT 8
Photos: [Franklin as completed], [Exploding and burning 19 March 1945], [Port side view of Franklin burning], [Closeup view of the stricken carrier 19 March 1945], [Franklin returns home for repairs].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 7 Dec 1942, launched 14 Oct 1943, commissioned 31 Jan 1944.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Kamikazes at Luzon 15 Oct 1944 and 30 Oct 1944. Hit by numerous bombs off Kyushu 19 March 1945 during a raid on the Japanese home islands. Bombs and fires caused massive damage, completely destroying the hangar and flight deck; ship had a serious list due to firefighting water. Over 700 crew died. Temporarily repaired at sea and was able to return to New York Navy Yard under her own power for permanent repairs; most seriously damaged carrier to reach port. During repairs everything from the hangar floor up, except the island and forward flight deck, was removed and replaced.

Did not resume flight operations following repairs, decommissioned to reserve 17 Feb 1947. Was in excellent condition and held in reserve for potential "ultimate" Essex class conversion.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 13) 1 October 1952, as an ASW carrier (CVS 13) 8 Aug 1953, and as an aviation transport (AVT 8) 5/59, all while in reserve. Stricken for disposal 1 October 1964, sold for scrapping 7/1966, scrapped at Norfolk VA 1966-1968.

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Ticonderoga
ex-Hancock
"long hull" group
CV 14 - CVA 14 - CVS 14
Photos: [Ticonderoga during WWII], [Burning after Kamikaze hit], [After SCB 27C & 125 reconstructions], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 Mar 1943, renamed 1 May 1943, launched 7 Feb 1944, commissioned 8 May 1944.

Kamikaze off Formosa 21 Jan 1945, serious damage. Decommissioned to reserve 9 Jan 1947.

SCB 27C reconstruction at New York Navy Yard started 1 April 1952, completed and recommissioned 1 Oct 1954. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 14) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Norfolk Navy Yard 8/1956 to 1 April 1957.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 14) 21 Oct 1969. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 16 Nov 1973. Sold for scrapping 15 Aug 1974 and subsequently scrapped.

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Randolph
"long hull" group
CV 15 - CVA 15 - CVS 15
Photos: [Randolph during WWII], [Repairing Kamikaze damage], [After SCB 27A & 125 reconstructions], [Launching a Regulus cruise missile], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 10 May 1943, launched 29 June 1944, commissioned 9 Oct 1944.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Kamikaze 11 March 1945 while at anchor at Ulithi, serious damage to aft flight deck. Decommissioned to reserve 25 Feb 1948.

SCB 27A reconstruction at Newport News started 1/1952, completed and recommissioned 1 July 1953. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 15) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Norfolk Navy Yard 8/1955 to 12 Feb 1956.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 15) 31 Mar 1959. FRAM II life extension 1960-1961. Decommissioned to reserve 13 Feb 1969. Stricken for disposal 1 June 1973 and subsequently scrapped.

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Lexington
ex-Cabot
CV 16 - CVA 16 - CVS 16 - CVT 16 - AVT 16
Photos: [Lexington at launching (color photo)], [Lexington as completed], [Lexington in blue (color photo)], [After SCB 27C & 125 reconstructions], [As ASW carrier], [As training carrier, designated AVT 16], [As a museum at Corpus Christi, TX].

DANFS History


Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 15 July 1941, renamed 16 June 1942 to honor CV 2 (yard workers petition), launched 26 Sept 1942, commissioned 17 Feb 1943.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Torpedoed off Kwajalein 4 Dec 1943, kamikaze 5 Nov 1944. Decommissioned to reserve 23 April 1947.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 16) 1 October 1952 while in reserve. SCB 27C reconstruction and SCB 125 angled deck modernization carried out during one yard period at Bremerton Navy Yard starting 1 Sept 1953, completed and recommissioned 1 Sept 1955.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 16) 1 October 1962. Assigned to training duties starting 29 Dec 1962, replacing Antietam. Redesignated as training carrier (CVT 16) 1 Jan 1969; CVT designation rerated as auxiliary 23 Sept 1970. Redesignated as auxiliary aircraft landing training ship (AVT 16) 1 July 1978.

Decommissioned 26 Nov 1991, stricken for disposal 30 Nov 1991; was the last Essex class in commission, and the last Essex on the Naval Vessels Register. Preserved at Corpus Christi, TX. Holds record for the most arrested landings in history, 493,248 in all.

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Bunker Hill
CV 17 - CVA 17 - CVS 17 - AVT 9
Photos: [Bunker Hill in 1945], [Burning and executing a high speed turn after Kamikaze hit], [Closeup of Kamikaze damage], [As a test hulk, 1970's], [Being towed away for scrapping].

DANFS History


Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 15 Sept 1941, launched 7 Dec 1942, commissioned 24 May 1943.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Hit by Kamikaze off Okinawa 11 April 1945 causing massive fires and extensive damage. Rebuilt postwar but did not resume flight operations. Decommissioned to reserve 1/1947. Was in excellent condition and held in reserve for potential "ultimate" Essex class conversion.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 17) 1 October 1952, as an ASW carrier (CVS 17) 8 Aug 1953, and as an aviation transport (AVT 9) 5/59, all while in reserve. Stricken 1 November 1966 but employed as an electronics test hulk at San Diego until 12/1972. Sold 11/1973 and towed away for subsequent scrapping.

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Wasp
ex-Oriskany
CV 18 - CVA 18 - CVS 18
Photos: [Wasp during WWII], [As an ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 18 Mar 1942, renamed to honor CV 7 26 Sept 1942, launched 17 Aug 1943, commissioned 24 Nov 1943.

Damaged by bombs off Kyushu 19 Mar 1945. Decommissioned to reserve 17 Feb 1947.

SCB 27A reconstruction at New York Navy Yard started 9/1948, completed and recommissioned 28 Sept 1951. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 18) 1 October 1952. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at San Francisco Navy 3/1955 to 1 Dec 1955.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 18) 1 Nov 1956. FRAM II life extension 1967. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 1 July 1972. Subsequently sold and scrapped at Kearny starting in 1973.

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Hancock
ex-Ticonderoga
"long hull" group
CV 19 - CVA 19 - CV 19
Photos: [Hancock as completed], [Kamikaze hit 7 April 1945], [After SCB 27A reconstruction], [After SCB 125 angled deck modernization].

DANFS History


Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 26 Jan 1943, renamed 1 May 1943, launched 24 Jan 1944, commissioned 15 April 1944.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Damaged by explosion 21 Jan 1945, kamikaze 7 April 1945. Decommissioned to reserve 9 May 1947.

SCB 27C reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard started 5 Dec 1951, completed and recommissioned 1 March 1954. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 19) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at San Francisco Navy 13 April 1956 to 15 Nov 1956.

In later years served as a light attack carrier off Vietnam. Redesignated as a multi-mission aircraft carrier (CV 19) 30 June 1975, but role did not change. Decommissioned 30 Jan 1976, stricken for disposal 31 Jan 1976. Subsequently sold and scrapped.

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Bennington
CV 20 - CVA 20 - CVS 20
Photos: [Bennington during WWII], [Bennington with typhoon-damage flight deck], [After SCB 27A & 125 reconstructions], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by New York Navy. Laid down 15 Dec 1942, launched 26 Feb 1944, commissioned 6 Aug 1944.

Typhoon 6/1945 buckled the flight deck. Decommissioned to reserve 8 Nov 1946.

SCB 27A reconstruction at New York Navy Yard started 10/1950, completed and recommissioned 30 Nov 1951. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 20) 1 October 1952. Serious catapult explosion 6/1954, repaired during SCB 125 angled deck modernization at New York Navy Yard 6/1954 to 15 April 1955.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 20) 30 June 1959. FRAM II life extension 9/1962 to 5/1963. Decommissioned to reserve 15 Jan 1970. Stricken 20 Sept 1989. Sold for scrapping 12 Jan 1994, superstructure demolished in the US, then towed to India for scrapping.

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Boxer
"long hull" group
CV 21 - CVA 21 - CVS 21 - LPH 4
Photos: [Boxer as completed], [After conversion to assault ship].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Laid down 13 Sept 1943, launched 4 Dec 1944, commissioned 16 April 1945.

Served with the Carrier TF during WWII. Damaged by explosion 8/1952. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 21) 15 Nov 1955. Redesignated as an amphibious assault ship (LPH 4) 30 Jan 1959. FRAM II life extension FY 1962.

Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 1 Dec 1969. Sold for scrapping 2/1971 and subseqeuently scrapped at Kearny NJ.

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Bon Homme Richard
CV 31 - CVA 31
Photos: [Bon Homme Richard during WWII], [After SCB 27C & 125 reconstructions].

DANFS History


Built by New York Navy. Laid down 1 Feb 1943, launched 29 April 1944, commissioned 26 Nov 1944.

Decommissioned to reserve 9 Jan 1947. Recommissioned for Korean War service 15 Jan 1951 without significant modifications.

SCB 27C reconstruction and SCB 125 angled deck modernization carried out during one yard period at San Francisco Navy Yard started 14 May 1952, completed and recommissioned 1 Nov 1955. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 31) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul.

Decommissioned to reserve 2 July 1971. Stricken for disposal 20 Sept 1989. Sold for scrap and subsequently scrapped at San Pedro starting in 1992.

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Leyte
ex-Crown Point
"long hull" group
CV 32 - CVA 32 - CVS 32 - AVT 10
Photos: [Leyte as completed], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Had been assigned to New York Navy Yard; shifted to Newport News 23 March 1943. Laid down 21 Feb 1944, renamed 8 May 1945, launched 23 Aug 1945, commissioned 11 April 1946.

Replaced in SCB 27 program by CV 39; received no major upgrades. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 32) 1 October 1952. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 32) 8 Aug 1953.

Decommissioned to reserve 15 May 1959 and redesignated as an aviation transport (AVT 10) same date (possibly 1 May 1961). Stricken for disposal 1 June 1969, sold 9/1970 and subsequently scrapped.

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Kearsarge
"long hull" group
CV 33 - CVA 33 - CVS 33
Photos: [Kearsarge as completed], [After SCB 27A reconstruction], [After SCB 125 angled deck modernization], [As ASW carrier], [Being towed away for scrapping],

DANFS History


Built by New York Navy. Laid down 1 Mar 1943, launched 5 May 1945, commissioned 2 Mar 1946.

Decommissioned for reconstruction 16 June 1950. SCB 27A reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard started 6/1950, completed and recommissioned 1 Mar 1952. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 33) 1 October 1952. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at Bremerton Navy Yard 7/1956 to 31 Jan 1957.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 33) 1 Oct 1958. Decommissioned to reserve 13 Feb 1970. Stricken for disposal 1 May 1973. Sold for scrapping 18 Jan 1974, towed away for scrapping and subsequently scrapped.

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Oriskany
"long hull" group
CV 34 - CVA 34 - CV 34
Photos: [Oriskany as completed], [After SCB 125A reconstruction], [Burning off Vietnam 26 October 1966], [Awaiting scrapping at Mare Island], [Carrier fires photo gallery].

DANFS History


Built by New York Navy Yard. Laid down 1 May 1944, launched 13 Oct 1945. Construction suspended 22 Aug 1948 when 85% complete pending redesign to allow operation of modern aircraft. Torn down to 60% complete, rebuilt and commissioned 25 September 1950 in SCB 27A configuration as prototype for class rebuild.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 34) 1 October 1952. SCB 125A reconstruction (SCB 125 angled deck modernization, SCB 27C catapult retrofit & aluminum flight deck) at San Francisco Navy Yard 1/1957 to 29 May 1959. Seriously damaged by fire 26 October 1966 off Vietnam; forward third of hangar deck level gutted.

In later years served as a light attack carrier off Vietnam. Redesignated as a multi-mission aircraft carrier (CV 34) 30 June 1975, but role did not change. Decommissioned to reserve 15 May 1976; was last Essex in commission as a warship. Stricken for disposal 25 July 1989. Sold for scrapping 26 Jan 1993; scrapper defaulted and ship was repossessed without having left Navy custody. Resold for scrapping 29 Sept 1995, towed to San Francisco 1 May 1996; subsequently moved to Mare Island for scapping, but scrap contract revoked 1 July 1997. Towed to Beaumont, Texas for storage, 4/1999.

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Reprisal
"long hull" group
CV 35
Photos: none available


Built by New York Navy. Laid down 1 July 1944, cancelled 11 Aug 1945 when 52.3% complete. Launched 1946 to clear slip. Used for explosive tests 1946-48. Inspected for possible completion as a CVA, but deemed beyond salvage. Sold for scrapping 2 August 1949 and scrapped at Baltimore 11/1949.

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Antietam
"long hull" group
CV 36 - CVA 36 - CVS 36
Photos: [Antietam as completed], [With experimental angled deck], [As training carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 15 Mar 1943, launched 20 Aug 1944, commissioned 28 Jan 1945.

Decommissioned to reserve 21 June 1949. Recommissioned for Korean War service 17 Jan 1951 without significant modifications. Fitted with experimental angled deck at New York Navy Yard (prototype SCB 125) 9/52 to 19 Dec 1952. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 36) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 36) 8 Aug 1953. Replaced Saipan as training carrier in 1957. Replaced as training carrier by Lexington 29 Dec 1962, decommissioned to reserve 8 May 1963. Stricken for disposal 1 May 1973. Sold for scrapping 28 Feb 1974 and subsequently scrapped at Kearny NJ.

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Princeton
ex-Valley Forge
"long hull" group
CV 37 - CVA 37 - CVS 37 - LPH 5
Photos: [Princeton as completed], [As ASW carrier], [Converted to assault ship].

DANFS History


Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 14 Sept 1943, renamed 21 Nov 1944, launched 8 July 1945, commissioned 18 Nov 1945.

Decommissioned to reserve 21 June 1949. Recommissioned for Korean War service 28 Aug 1950 without significant modifications. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 37) 1 October 1952. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 37) 12 Nov 1953.

Redesignated as an amphibious assault ship (LPH 5) 2 March 1959; converted at Long Beach Navy Yard 3/1959 to 5/1959. FRAM II life extension 10/1960 to 6/1961. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 30 Jan 1970. Subsequently sold and scrapped starting 9/1973.

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Shangri-La
"long hull" group
CV 38 - CVA 38 - CVS 38
Photos: [Shangri-La at launching], [Shangri-La during WWII], [After SCB 27C & 125 reconstructions].

DANFS History


Built by Norfolk Navy. Laid down 15 Jan 1943, launched 24 Feb 1944, commissioned 15 Sept 1944.

Decommissioned to reserve 7 Nov 1947. SCB 27C reconstruction and SCB 125 angled deck modernization carried out during one yard period at Bremerton Navy Yard, starting 7/1951; completed and recommissioned 1 Feb 1955.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 38) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 38) 30 June 1969 but operated as a light attack carrier with CVS designation. Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1971. Stricken for disposal 15 July 1982. Sold for scrapping 9 Aug 1988 and subsequently scrapped in Taiwan.

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Lake Champlain
"long hull" group
CV 39 - CVA 39 - CVS 39
Photos: [Lake Champlain as completed], [Another view of Lake Champlain as completed], [After SCB 27A reconstruction], [As an ASW carrier],

DANFS History


Built by Norfolk Navy. Laid down 15 Mar 1943, launched 2 Nov 1944, commissioned 2 June 1945.

Decommissioned to reserve 15 Feb 1947. SCB 27A reconstruction at Newport News started 8/1950, completed and recommissioned 19 Sept 1952. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 39) 1 October 1952.

SCB 125 angled deck modernization cancelled; only SCB 27A/27C not modernized under SCB 125. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 39) 1 Aug 1957. Conversion to LPH cancelled. Decommissioned to reserve 2 May 1966; last axial deck carrier in US service. Stricken for disposal 1 December 1969. Sold for scrapping and subsequently scrapped at Kearny NJ in 1972.

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Tarawa
"long hull" group
CV 40 - CVA 40 - CVS 40 - AVT 12
Photos: [Tarawa as completed], [As ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Norfolk Navy. Laid down 5 Jan 1944, launched 12 May 1945, commissioned 8 Dec 1945.

Served as a training carrier and deployed to the Far East three times. Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1949. Recommissioned 3 Feb 1951 as a training carrier, then served as an attack carrier. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 40 ) 1 October 1952.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 40) 1/1955, but initially operated as a training carrier. Later operated as an ASW carrier, then as an amphibious assault ship while designated CVS. Decommissioned to reserve 13 May 1960. Redesignated as an aviation transport (AVT 12 1961 while in reserve. Stricken for disposal 1 June 1967. Sold 3 Oct 1968 and scrapped at Baltimore.

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Valley Forge
"long hull" group
CV 45 - CVA 45 - CVS 45 - LPH 8
Photos: [Valley Forge as completed], [As ASW carrier], [Converted to assault ship].

DANFS History


Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 7 Sept 1945, launched 18 Nov 1945, commissioned 3 Nov 1946.

Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 45) 12 Nov 1953.

Converted to amphibious assault ship 3/1961 to 7/1961; redesignated LPH 8 1 July 1961. FRAM II life extension, date unknown. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 15 Jan 1970. Sold 29 Oct 1971 and subsequently scrapped.

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Iwo Jima
"long hull" group
CV 46
Photos: [Iwo Jima after cancellation].

Laid down at Newport News 29 January 1945. Cancelled 11 August 1945 and scrapped on the building slip.

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Philippine Sea
ex-Wright
"long hull" group
CV 47 - CVA 47 - CVS 47 - AVT 11
Photos: [Philippine Sea as completed], [As an ASW carrier].

DANFS History


Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 19 Aug 1944, renamed 12 Feb 1945, launched 5 Sept 1945, commissioned 11 May 1946.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 47) 1 October 1952. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 47) 15 Nov 1955. Decommissioned to reserve 28 Dec 1958. Redesignated as an aviation transport (AVT 11) 15 May 1959 while in reserve. Stricken for disposal 1 Dec 1969. Sold 23 March 1971 and subsequently scrapped.

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Cancelled ships, no names assigned
"long hull" group
CV 50 through CV 55

CV 50 Would have been built by Bethlehem Quincy.
CV 51 Would have been built by New York Navy.
CV 52 Would have been built by New York Navy.
CV 53 Would have been built by Philadelphia Navy.
CV 54 Would have been built by Norfolk Navy.
CV 55 Would have been built by Norfolk Navy.
All cancelled 28 Mar 1945. No names had been assigned and no construction work had been carried out.

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Midway class large fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 59,901 tons full load
Dimensions: 900 x 113 x 32.75 feet/274.3 x 34.4 x 10 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 968 x 136 x 32.75 feet/295 x 41.5 x 10 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 12 565 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 212,000 shp, 33 kts
Crew: 3,583 (as planned in 1943, was over 4000 by completion)
Armor: 3.5 inch flight deck, 7.6 inch belt
Armament: 18 single 5/54, 21 dual 40 mm AA, 28 single 20 mm AA (as planned)
Aircraft: 137 initially

Concept/Program: These ships were a new, much larger design intended to correct certain problems in the Essex class design. They had armored flight decks, requiring a much larger hull and lower freeboard, to reduce topweight. They also carried a very heavy AA battery of 5/54 weapons. The armor requirement was originally meant to counter 8" cruiser gunfire, but by the time the ships were laid down the focus had shifted to defending against aircraft attack. The ships entered service soon after WWII. In their early years they were the only ships capable of operating nuclear strike aircraft.

Design: An all-new design. These ships were very wet, very crowded and quite complex; these problems were never solved. The design made them difficult and expensive to modernize or upgrade. In later years these ships were limited by low freeboard, severe crowding of crew and equipment, low hangar clearances, poor seakeeping and extreme age; they were unable to operate the latest and largest aircraft. Overall they must be considered to be a less than satisfactory design, but they had long service lives because of the urgent need for large carriers.

Variations: Configurations varied as completed; only Midway was completed to the original design. Roosevelt and especially Coral Sea carried fewer guns at completion. There were major differences following the 1950's reconstructions.

Modifications: All ships had their gun batteries gradually reduced over time. All ships were upgraded in 1947-48 with strengthened flight decks, 10 dual 3/50 AA fitted in place of 40 mm guns, facilities for nuclear weapons, and other improvements. Continual updating of electronics outfit.

Modernization: Underwent major reconstructions during the 1950's, but no two ships were reconstructed to the same standard. These rebuilds were the equivalent of the SCB 27C/125 reconstructions in the Essex class.

SCB 110: (Midway & Roosevelt) First reconstruction applied to this class, generally equivalent to the SCB 27C/125 combination. Additions included an angled deck, new catapults and arresting gear and a new electronics outfit; the gun battery was reduced and general improvements were carried out. Displacement was approximately 63,500 tons.

SCB 110A: (Coral Sea) A more extensive version of the SCB 110 applied to the other ships of the class. Aviation features and electronics were further improved, and gun battery was further reduced.

SCB 101: (Midway) A second reconstruction meant to be applied to all ships, to upgrade them beyond the SCB 110/110A configuration. This reconstruction included a longer flight deck, new catapults, and general all-around improvements. Due to the cost of this work, only one ship was upgraded under this program.

After SCB 110A Coral Sea was the most capable of the ships, but Midway surpassed her with the SCB 101 reconstruction. In addition to the SCB reconstructions, each ship received at least one major overhaul/upgrade, the details of which varied.

Classification: Initially classified as CV, but changed to CVB prior to completion, and CVA postwar. Returned to CV classification in 1975 when modified to operate ASW aircraft.

Operational: Saw extensive service as tactical and strategic platforms. Operational lives continually extended due to force level build-ups and lack of replacements.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Roosevelt was in poor condition when she was discarded in 1977. Others remained in service long pasts their intended retirement dates. Coral Sea replaced and retired in 1990; Midway retired without replacement in 1992, due to force reductions.


Midway
CV 41 - CVB 41 - CVA 41 - CV 41
Photos: [Midway as completed], [Midway with enclosed bow], [Overhead view of Midway early 1950's], [After SCB 110 reconstruction], [Deploying to Vietnam for Operation Frequent Wind with CH-53s on deck], [Returning from Vietnam with evacuees], [After 1986 overhaul & bulging], [At Bremerton awaiting her fate].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Designation changed from CV 41 to CVB 41 15 July 1943. Laid down 27 Oct 1943, launched 20 Mar 1945, commissioned 10 Sept 1945.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 41) 1 October 1952. SCB 110 reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard started July 1955, completed and recommissioned 30 Sept 1957. Second reconstruction, SCB 101 at San Francisco Navy Yard, started 15 Feb 1966; completed and recommissioned 31 Jan 1970.

Forward deployed in Japan from 1973 to decommissioning. In 1975 she disembarked her air wing at Subic Bay and embarked transport helicopters to assist in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of US personnel from South Vietnam. She returned to Subic Bay carrying over 100 helicopters and other aircraft which had escaped from Vietnam, and hundreds of evacuees.

Redesignated as a multi-mission aircraft carrier (CV 41) 30 June 1975, but she did not embark anti-submarine aircraft. Final overhaul in 1986 in Japan; new bulges were added to improve freeboard and seakeeping. The bulges actually made the problem worse, making flight operations impossible in 6-10 foot seas. This problem was never corrected. From the late 1970's on this ship was subject of frequent replacement proposals, but she continued in service as carrier force levels were increased.

Was one of the primary ships involved in Operation Fiery Vigil, the evacuation of Subic Bay, Clark AFB and Cubi Point following volcanic eruptions. Replaced as forward deployed carrier by Independence in 1991 and returned to the US for decommissioning. Decommissioned to reserve 11 April 1992; retained as a potential replacement training carrier. Inactivation overhaul included stripping all electronics and weapons systems. Stricken for disposal 17 March 1997; remains stored at Bremerton pending disposal. May be preserved at San Diego, CA.

Characteristics immediately prior to decommissioning: 69,873 tons full load displacement, 976 x 263.5 x 35 feet/297.5 x 80.3 x 10.7 meters extreme dimensions, 2 8-cell Sea Sparrow launchers, 2 Phalanx CIWS, 75 aircraft.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt
ex-Coral Sea
CV 42 - CVB 42 - CVA 42 - CV 42
Photos: [Roosevelt as completed], [After SCB 110 reconstruction], [After 1968 overhaul].

DANFS History


Built by New York Navy. Designation changed from CV 42 to CVB 42 15 July 1943. Laid down 1 Dec 1943, launched 29 April 1945, renamed to honor deceased President 8 May 1945, commissioned 27 Oct 1945.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 42) 1 October 1952. SCB 110 reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard 23 April 1954, completed and recommissioned 6 April 1956. Second rebuild (SCB 101) cancelled due to cost. Received austere overhaul in 1968 to correct some of the most serious deficiencies.

Redesignated as a multi-mission aircraft carrier (CV 42) 30 June 1975, but she did not embark anti-submarine aircraft. During her last deployment she operated AV-8 Harriers on a trial basis, to test the possibility of including VSTOL aircraft in carrier air wings. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 1 Oct 1977. Sold for scrapping 11 April 1978 and scrapped at Kearny NJ in 1980.

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Coral Sea
CV 43 - CVB 43 - CVA 43 - CV 43
Photos: [Coral Sea as completed], [Coral Sea with enclosed bow], [After SCB 110A reconstruction], [In her final years of service], [Scrapping at Baltimore], [Coral Sea photo gallery].

DANFS History


Built by Newport News. Designation changed from CV 43 to CVB 43 15 July 1943. Laid down 10 July 1944, launched 2 April 1946, commissioned 1 Oct 1947. Gun battery was much reduced at completion compared to other ships of the class.

Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 43) 1 October 1952. Underwent short refit 9/1955 to 2/1956. SCB 110A reconstruction at Bremerton Navy Yard 3/1957, completed and recommissioned 25 Jan 1960. Second modernization (SCB 101) cancelled.

From the late 1970's on this ship was subject of frequent replacement proposals, but she continued in service as carrier force levels were increased. Redesignated as a multi-mission aircraft carrier (CV 43) 30 June 1975, but she did not embark anti-submarine aircraft.

Began deactivation and stripping 10/89 at the start of the post-Cold War carrier force level drawdown. Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 30 April 1991. Sold for scrapping 30 March 1993. Scrapped at Baltimore starting 1993; scrapping was been delayed by numerous financial, legal and environmental issues; finally completed 8/2000.

Characteristics immediately prior to decommissioning: 65,200 tons full load displacement, 1003 x 236 x 35 feet/305.7 x 72 x 10.7 meters extreme dimensions, 3 Phalanx CIWS, 65 aircraft.

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Cancelled ship, no name assigned
CV 44

Never ordered. Cancelled 11 Jan 1943 because there was no building dock available. Would have been built by Newport News. No name assigned.

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Cancelled ship, no name assigned
CV 56 - CVB 56

Designation changed from CV 56 to CVB 56 15 July 1943. Cancelled 28 March 1945; no name had been assigned and no construction work had been carried out. Would have been built by Newport News.

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Cancelled ship, no name assigned
CV 57 - CVB 57

Designation changed from CV 57 to CVB 57 15 July 1943. Cancelled 28 March 1945; no name had been assigned and no construction work had been carried out. Would have been built by Newport News.

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The World Aircraft Carrier Lists
Compiled and Maintained by Andrew Toppan (actoppan@hazegray.org)
Copyright © 1995-2003 by Andrew Toppan
Reproduction, reuse or distribution without permission is prohibited