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.
