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.