Essex class carrier

The Essex were laid down in 1941 along with the Iowa class battleships (see entry)as part of a buildup of the us fleet.The Essex herself was laid down(started building) in late April 1941 and completed on new years eve of 1942,a record for a ship of that size(872 feet).She came out at a time when the tide of war was turning in the allies favour.


The Essex class fought in the battles of the Philippine sea,sibuyan sea,Cape eugano and Okinawa,as well as many smaller actions.Despite more a-a(anti-aircraft)guns and better damage control systems than the previous class,several Essex class were badly damaged,particularily in the leyte gulf actions(The sibuyan sea and Cape eugano)and off Okinawa.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leyte_Gulf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_class_aircraft_carrier

That's all for now

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