List of aircraft carrier operations during World War II
Naval historians such as Evan Mawdsley, Richard Overy, and Craig Symonds concluded that World War II's decisive victories on land could not have been won without decisive victories at sea.[1][2][3] Naval battles to keep shipping lanes open for combatant's movement of troops, guns, ammunition, tanks, warships, aircraft, raw materials, and food largely determined the outcome of land battles. Without the Allied victory in keeping shipping lanes open during the Battle of the Atlantic, Britain could not have fed her people or withstood Axis offensives in Europe and North Africa.[4] Without Britain's survival and without Allied shipments of food and industrial equipment to the Soviet Union,[a] her military and economic power would likely not have rebounded in time for Russian soldiers to prevail at Stalingrad and Kursk.[5][6][7][8][9]
Without victories at sea in the Pacific theater, the Allies could not have mounted amphibious assaults on or maintained land forces on Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Saipan, The Philippines, Iwo Jima, or Okinawa. Allied operations in the Atlantic and Pacific war theaters were interconnected because they frequently competed for scarce naval resources for everything from aircraft carriers to transports and landing craft.[10] Effective transport of troops and military supplies between the two war theaters required naval protection for shipping routes around the Cape of Good Hope, through the Suez canal, and through the Panama Canal. In both theaters, maritime dominance enabled combatants to use the sea for their own purposes and deprive its use by adversaries. As naval historian Admiral Herbert Richmond stated, "Sea power did not win the war itself: it enabled the war to be won".[11]
Aircraft carriers played a major role in winning decisive naval battles,[12] supporting key amphibious landings, and keeping critical merchant shipping lanes open for transporting military personnel and their equipment to land battle zones. This article is part of a series that covers World War II from the vantage point of aircraft carrier operations and is focused upon names and dates for operations involving aircraft carriers.
List of named operations involving aircraft carriers
This a chronological list of named operations involving aircraft carriers combining USN, RN, and IJN operations for Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Dates are for carrier involvement, not necessarily the dates for the entire operation.
Name | Navy | Action | Begin | End | Task Force | Carriers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1940 | ||||||
Hurry | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | 31 July 1940 | 4 August 1940 | Force H | Argus, Ark Royal |
Hat | RN | Reinforce Eastern Mediterranean Fleet; Deliver Supplies to Malta | 30 August 1940 | 5 September 1940 | Force H & Force F | Ark Royal, Illustrious |
Coat | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | November 1940 | November 1940 | Force H | Argus, Ark Royal, Illustrious |
FU | IJN | Invasion of French Indochina | 22 September 1940 | 26 September 1940 | CarDiv2 | Soryu, Hiryu |
Judgment | RN | Raid on Taranto, Italy | 11 November 1940 | 12 November 1940 | Force H | Illustrious |
1941 | ||||||
Express | RN | Convoys to Malta, Greece, & Egypt | 10 January 1941 | 11 January 1941 | Force A | Illustrious |
Grog | RN | Raids on Genoa and La Spezia, Italy | 9 February 1941 | 9 February 1941 | Force H | Ark Royal |
11 "Club Runs" | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | April 1941 | October 1941 | Force H | Ark Royal, Furious, Victorious |
EF | RN | Raid on Kirkenes, Norway and Petsamo, Finland | 30 July 1941 | 30 July 1941 | Victorious, Furious | |
Halberd | RN | Escort Convoy to Malta | 27 September 1941 | 27 September 1941 | Force H | Ark Royal |
Perpetual | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | 11 October 1941 | 12 October 1941 | Force H | Argus, Ark Royal (sunk) |
AI | IJN | Raid on Pearl Harbor | 7 December 1941 | 7 December 1941 | Kido Butai | Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, Hiryū, Shōkaku, Zuikaku |
M | IJN | Invasion of the Philippines | 8 December 1941 | 20 December 1941 | Ryūjō | |
1942 | ||||||
R | IJN | Invasion of Rabaul and Kavieng | 4 January 1942 | February 1942 | Akagi, Kaga, Shōkaku, Zuikaku | |
H | IJN | Invasion of Ambon and Timor | 30 January 1942 | 3 February 1942 | CarDiv2 | Soryu, Hiryu |
14 "Club Runs" | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | February 1942 | October 1942 | Force H | HMS Eagle, HMSArgus, HMS Furious, USS Wasp |
Revenge | USN | Raids on Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap, Marshall Islands | 1 February 1942 | February 1942 | TF-8 | Enterprise, Yorktown |
J | IJN | Invasion of Java, NEI) | 14 February 1942 | 27 February 1942 | Ryūjō | |
L, T | IJN | Invasion of Sumatra, NEI) | 14 February 1942 | 28 March 1942 | Ryūjō | |
Revenge 3 | USN | Raid on Lae & Salamaua | 10 March 1942 | 10 March 1942 | TF-11 | Lexington, Yorktown |
D | IJN | Invasion of the Andaman Islands | 23 March 1942 | 23 March 1942 | CarDiv4 | Ryūjō |
C | IJN | Indian Ocean raid | 31 March 1942 | 10 April 1942 | Kido Butai | Akagi, Sōryū, Hiryū, Shōkaku, Zuikaku |
Mo | IJN | Planned Invasion of Port Moresby, New Guinea | 4 April 1942 | 8 April 1942 | ? | Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Shōhō |
Shangri-la | USN | Doolittle Raid on Tokyo | 18 April 1942 | 18 April 1942 | TF-18,16 | Hornet, Enterprise |
Calendar | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | 20 April 1942 | 20 April 1942 | Force W | USS Wasp |
Bowery | RN | Deliver Aircraft to Malta | 9 May 1942 | 9 May 1942 | Force W | USS Wasp, HMS Eagle |
AL | IJN | Invasion of Aleutian Islands | 3 June 1942 | 15 August 1943 | Ryūjō , Jun'yō | |
MI | IJN | Battle of Midway | 4 June 1942 | 7 June 1942 | Kido Butai | Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, Hiryū |
Pedestal | RN | Convoy from Gibraltar to Malta | 3 August 1942 | 15 August 1942 | Force F? | Victorious, Eagle (sunk), Indomitable |
Watchtower | USN | Invasion of Guadalcanal | 7 August 1942 | 9 February 1943 | TF-11, 16, 18 | Saratoga, Enterprise, Wasp |
Ka | IJN | Battle of the Eastern Solomons | 24 August 1942 | 25 August 1942 | Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Ryūjō | |
? | IJN | Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands | 25 October 1942 | 27 October 1942 | ? | Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Zuihō (also ? Junyo, Hiyo ) |
Torch | USN/RN | Invasion of French North Africa | 8 November 1942 | 16 November 1942 | TF-38, ? | 9 carriers [MORE HERE] |
1943 | ||||||
Ke | IJN | Evacuation of Guadalcanal | 14 January 1943 | 7 February 1943 | Zuikaku, Zuihō. Junyo | |
I-Go | IJN | Raids Against Allied Advances in Solomons & New Guinea | 1 April 1943 | 19 April 1943 | CarDiv 1, 2 | Zuikaku, Zuihō, Junyo, Hiyo |
Toenails | USN | Invasion of New Georgia | 26 June 1943 | 25 August 1943 | TG-36.3 | USS Saratoga, HMS Victorious |
Husky | RN/USN | Invasion of Sicily | 9 July 1943 | 16 July 1943 | Allied | HMS Indomitable |
Cherryblossem | USN | Invasion of Bougainville | 21 October 1943 | 11 November 1943 | TF-38 | Saratoga |
Galvanic | USN | Invasion of Tarawa & Makin, Gilbert Islands | 18 November 1943 | 23 November 1943 | TG-50.4 | 5 CVE |
1944 | ||||||
Flintlock | USN | Invasion of Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands | 27 January 1944 | 2 February 1944 | TF-58 | 12 carriers |
Catchpole | USN | Invasion of Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands | 13 February 1944 | 28 February 1944 | TF-58 | 12 carriers? |
Hailstone | USN | Raid on Truk, Caroline Islands | 17 February 1944 | 18 February 1944 | TF-58 | 5 CV, 4 CVL |
Desecrate 1 | USN | Raids on Palau Islands | 30 March 1944 | 31 March 1944 | TF-58 | 7 CV, 5 CVL |
Tungsten | RN | Raid on battleship Tirpitz at Kaafjord, Norway | 3 April 1944 | 3 April 1944 | Force 1, 2 | Victorious, Furious, 4 CVE (Emperor, Pursuer, Searcher, Fencer) |
Cockpit | RN | Raid on Sabang, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies | 19 April 1944 | 19 April 1944 | BEF/70 | HMS Illustrious, USS Saratoga |
Reckless | USA | Invasion of Hollandia, New Guinea | 22 April 1944 | 26 April 1944 | TF-58 | Enterprise, 8 CVE |
Persecution | USA | Invasion of Aitape, New Guinea | 22 April 1944 | 4 May 1944 | TF-58 | Enterprise |
Ridge Able | RN | Raid on German Shipping off Norway | 26 April 1944 | 26 April 1944 | CVE Emperor | |
Croquet | RN | Raid on German Shipping off Norway | 6 May 1944 | 6 May 1944 | Furious, CVE Searcher | |
Hoops | RN | Raid on German Shipping off Norway | 8 May 1944 | 8 May 1944 | 3 CVE (Searcher, Striker, Emperor | |
Transom | RN | Raid on Surabaya, Java | 17 May 1944 | 17 May 1944 | BEF/70 | HMS Illustrious?, USS Saratoga |
Wanderers | RN | Diversion to keep U-boats away from Normandy | June 1944 | June 1944 | 2 CVE (Fencer, Striker) | |
Neptune | RN | Prevent U-boat activity at Normandy | June 1944 | June 1944 | 3 CVE (Emperor, Tracker, Pursuer) | |
Anvil/Dragoon | USN | Invasion of Southern France | 15 August 1944 | 14 September 1944 | TF-88 | 9 CVE (6 UK, 2 US?) |
Outing I | RN | Raids on Axis Shipping in the Aegean | 9 September 1944 | 9 September 1944 | 4 UK CVE? | |
Stalemate II | USN | Invasion of Peleliu, Paulus Islands | 15 September 1944 | 27 November 1944 | TF-38, 32 | 3 CV, 5 CVL,11 CVE |
Lycidas | RN | Minelaying off Norway | 15 October 1944 | 15 October 1944 | 2 CVE (Fencer, Trumpeter) | |
??Forager | USN | Invasion of Palaus Islands | June 1944 | November 1944? | ||
??Forager | USN | Invasion of Mariana Islands | June 1944 | |||
A-Go | IJN | Defense of the Mariana Islands | 19 June 1944 | 20 June 1944 | 9 carriers | |
King II | USN | Invasion of Leyte, Philippines | 17 October 1944 | 26 December 1944 | TF-38 | 8 CV, 8 CVL, 18 CVE |
Sho-Go | IJN | Defense of Philippines | 23 October 1944 | 26 October 1944 | ||
Love III | USN | ? Strikes on Luzon and Mindoro Landing | 25 November 1944 | ? December 1944 | TF-38 | ? |
1945 | ||||||
Meridian | RN | Raid on Palembang, Sumatra | 24 January 1945 | 29 January 1945 | BPF/Force 63 | Illustrious, Indefatigable, Indomitable, Victorious |
Mike I | USN | Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Philippines | 9 January 1945 | ? | TF-38 | ? |
Jamboree | USN | Raids on Tokyo | 16 February 1945 | 26 February 1945 | TF-58 | 11 CV, 5 CVL, |
Detachment | USN | Invasion of Iwo Jima, Vulcano Islands | 19 February 1945 | 26 March 1945 | TF-58, 50 | 12 CV, 5 CVL, 9 CVE |
Iceberg | USN | Invasion of Okinawa | 1 April 1945 | 22 June 1945 | ||
Teardrop | USN | Anti-sub US east coast | April 1945 | May 1945 | ||
Aircraft carriers at specific battles, invasions, and raids
Aircraft carriers were involved in many attacks and support activities in addition to the better known major carrier battles. The more complete list below includes battles, invasions, and raids and names the specific carriers involved. "Naval battle" refers to a naval engagement entirely on water, "invasion" refers to an operation involving amphibious landing of troops to occupy land areas, and "raid" refers to attacks without the intention to occupy the land areas involved. Also included in the list are some transport, convoy escort, and antisubmarine warfare operations.
[INVOLVEMENT OF ESCORT CARRIERS REPORTED BY Y'BLOOD HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETELY INCLUDED IN THE LIST BELOW]
1932
IJN Support for IJA Shanghai Incident (28 Jan – 3 March 1932) First IJN aerial combat IJN 3rd Fleet/1st Carrier Division (Nomura):
- IJN Hōshō (CVL)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
1937
IJN Support for IJA Battle of Shanghai (14–16 August 1937) IJN 3rd Fleet, 1st & 4th Carrier Divisions (3 carriers, 90 aircraft):
- IJN Hōshō (CVL)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
IJN Attack on USS Panay (12 December 1937) During "Rape of Nanking"
- IJN Kaga (CV)
1938
IJN Support for IJA Invasion of Guangdong (12 Oct – 31 December 1938)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
1939
IJN Support for IJA Operations against China (30 Jan – 19 February 1939)
- IJN Akagi (CV)
1940
INJ Support for IJA Operations against China (27 Mar – 2 April 1940)
- IJN Akagi (CV)
RN Escort for Convoy US-3 transporting Australian and New Zealand Troops to the UK (mid June 1940) •HMS Argus (CV-I49)
RN Battle of Calabria (9 July 1940)
RN Force C (Cunningham):
- HMS Eagle (CV, 94)
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Malta (31 July – 4 August 1940) Operation HURRY (a "Club Run")
RN Force H:
- HMS Argus (CV, I49) 12 Hawker Hurricanes reached Malta
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91) Attacked Cagliari
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Gold Coast (Aug – September 1940) • HMS Argus (CV-I49)
IJN Support for IJA invasion of French Indochina (22–26 September 1940) Operation FU
IJN 2nd Fleet, 2nd Carrier Division:
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
RN Search for Raiders including Kriegsmarine pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee in the Indian Ocean (Sept – December 1940)
RN Force I:
- HMS Eagle (CV, 94)
RN Delivery of Aircraft for Raid on Taranto (Nov 1940) Operation Coat (a "Club Run")
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91)) delivered 3 Fulmars to HMS Illustrious
- HMS Illustrious (CV, 87)
RN Raid on Taranto, Italy (11–12 November 1940) Operation JUDGMENT
RN Force H (Cunningham)
- HMS Illustrious (CV, 87) Air Squadron 815
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Malta (17 November 1940) Operation Operation White (a "Club Run")
RN Force H:
- HMS Argus (CV, I49) 12 Hurricane fighters launched, 4 arrived at Malta
RN Battle of Cape Spartivento (27 November 1940)
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91)
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Gibraltar (Dec 1940) • HMS Argus (CV-I49) aircraft transferred to HMS Ark Royal for delivery to Malta
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Gibraltar (mid-Dec 1940) rendezvoused with Convoy WS-5A • HMS Argus (CV-I49) attacked by Kriegsmarine Admiral Hipper (25 December 1940) • HMS Furious (CV, 47)
1941
Information for this section was obtained from online ship histories, principally from the following sources:
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships[13]
- Royal and Dominion Navy Warships[14]
- Imperial Japanese Navy Page[15]
- Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945[16]
- World War II Database[17]
RN Convoys to Malta, Greece, and Egypt (10–11 January 1941) Operation EXPRESS
RN Force A:
- HMS Illustrious (CV, 67) damaged by 5 Luftwaffe bombs
RN Raid on Genoa and La Spezia, Italy (9 February 1941)
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91)
IJN Support for IJA Blockade of Southern China (Feb 1941)
IJN 2nd Fleet, 2nd Carrier Division:
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
RN Battle of Cape Matapan (27–29 March 1941)
RN Force H- Mediterranean Fleet (Cunningham): • HMS Formidable (CV/67)
RN Eleven Deliveries of Aircraft, Troops, and Supplies to Malta (Apr – October 1941) Operations WINCH, DUNLOP, SPLICE, ROCKET, TRACER, RAILWAY I & II, STATUS I & II, CALLBOY, and SUBSTANCE ("Club Runs")
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91)
- HMS Furious (CV, 47)
- HMS Victorious (CV, 38)
USN Atlantic Patrols and Convoy Escort (Apr – December 1941)
- USS Yorktown (CV-5)
RN Convoy escort to/from Gibraltar (Sept – December 1941) Convoys OG74, HG74, OG76, HG76
RN:
- HMS Audacity (CVE/D10) Sunk off Gibraltar by U-751 12/2/41
RN Convoy to Malta (27 September 1941) Operation HALBERD
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91)
IJN Transport Fighter Aircraft to Formosa and Palau ( Oct – December 1941)
- IJN Taiyo (CVE)
RN Delivery of Aircraft to Malta (11–12 Nov) Operation PERPETUAL
RN Force H:
- HMS Ark Royal (CV, 91) sunk by single torpedo on return passage
IJN Raid on Pearl Harbor (Dec 7 1941) Operation AI
IJN 1st Air Fleet/Kido Butai/Carrier Divisions 1, 2, and 5 (Nagumo):
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) two strikes
- IJN Ziukaku (CV) two strikes
IJN Main Body/3rd Carrier Division (distant cover):
- IJN Hōshō (CVL)
Note: At the time of the attack, only three of the seven USN fleet carriers were in the Pacific theater. USS Saratoga was near San Diego CA following refitting at Bremerton WA. USS Lexington was ferrying aircraft to Midway Island. USS Enterprise was 200 miles west of Hawaii, returning from Wake Island.[18]
IJN Protection for 1st Air Fleet Returning Home From Pearl Harbor Raid (Dec 8 1941) IJN Main Body/3rd Carrier Division (distant cover):
- IJN Hōshō (CV)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
IJN Invasion of Wake Island (7–23 December 1941)
- IJN Sōryū (CV)
- IJN Hiryū (CV)
USN Relief of Wake Island (8 December 1941) Operation cancelled Dec 22 (or 23?) US Task Forces 11 (Brown) and 14:
- USS Lexington (CV-2)
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) Squadron VMF-221 to Midway Island instead.
IJN Invasion of Davao & Jolo, Mindanao, Philippines (8–20 December 1941) Operation M
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
USN convoy escort to Newfoundland (Dec 1942)
USN:
- USS Long Island (CVE-1)
1942
Information for this section was obtained from online ship histories, principally from the following sources:
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships[13]
- Royal and Dominion Navy Warships[14]
- Imperial Japanese Navy Page[15]
- Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945[16]
- World War II Database[17]
IJN Invasion of Malay Peninsula (Jan 1942)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
IJN Invasion of Rabaul and Kavieng, Raids on Lae, Salamaua, Bulolo, and Madang (4 Jan – February 1942) Operation R
IJN 1st & 5th Carrier Divisions:
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) raids on Lae, Salamaua, Bulolo, and Madang
- IJN Ziukaku (CV) raids on Lae, Salamaua, Bulolo, and Madang
USN Patrols around Midway Island (Jan 1942)
US Task Force 14:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) damaged by torpedo from I-6
- USS Enterprise?
IJN Invasion of Ambon (30 Jan – 3 February 1942) Operation H
IJN Second Carrier Division (Takahashi):
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
RN 14 Deliveries of Aircraft, Troops, and Supplies to Malta (Feb – October 1942) Operations SPOTTER I & II, PICKET I & II, CALENDAR, BOWERY, LB, STYLE, SALIENT, PINPOINT, INSECT, BELLOWS, BARITONE, and TRAIN ("Club Runs")
RN Force H:
- HMS Eagle (CV, 94)
- HMS Argus (CV, I49)
- USS Wasp (CV-7)
- HMS Furious (CV, 47)
USN transport of aircraft and aircrews in Pacific (Feb 1942– September 1945)
USN:
- USS Copahee (CVE-30)
IJN Transport of Aircraft to Philippines (Feb 1942)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
USN Raid on Marshall and Gilbert Islands (1 February 1942) [USN Task Forces 8 (Halsey) and 17 (Fletcher): TF-8??? or 16???] USN Task Force 17 (Fletcher):
- USS Yorktown (CV-5)
USN Task Force 16 (?) (Adm ?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-8)
IJN Unsuccessful Pursuit of US Carriers after Raid on Marshall Islands (1 February 1942)
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
IJN Raid on Ships Evacuating Singapore (mid-Feb 1942)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL) claimed sinking 4 ships and damaging 8 more
IJN Invasion of Java (14–27 February 1942) Operation J
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL) protected troop ships and sank USS Pope
IJN Raid on Darwin, Australia (19 February 1942) IJN 1st Carrier Air Fleet (Nagumo), 1st and 2nd Carrier Divisions (4 carriers, 188 carrier-launched aircraft)
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV) damaged going aground 9 February 1942 at Palau
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
IJN Invasion of Christmas Island (Feb – 31 March 1942) IJN 1st Carrier Air Fleet (Nagumo):
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
USN Raids on Wake Island ( 23–24 February 1942) [or was this TF-8??] USN Task Force 16 (Halsey?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raids on Marcus Islands (3–4 March 1942) [or was this TF-8??] USN Task Force 16 (Halsey?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
IJN Raid on Tjilatjap (5 March 1942) IJN 1st Carrier Air Fleet (Nagumo), 1st and 2nd Carrier Divisions? (4 carriers, 180 carrier-launched aircraft)
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Kaga (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
IJN Unsuccessful Pursuit of US Carriers after Raid on Marcus Islands (6 March 1942)
- IJN Shakaku (CV)
USN Raids on Shipping at Lae and Salamaua (10 March 1942) US Task Forces 11 (Brown):
- USS Lexington (CV-2)
USN Task Force 17 (Fletcher):
- USS Yorktown (CV-5)
IJN Patrols Around Japanese Homeland (11–16 March 1942) IJN Carrier Div 5
- IJN Shakaku (CV)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
IJN Invasion of Burma and Andaman Islands (23 March 1942) Operation D
IJN CarDiv4:
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL) Present but did not conduct air operations
IJN Indian Ocean Raid (31 Mar – 10 April 1942) Operation C
First Air Fleet, CarDiv 5, Striking Force, air attack force. IJN Kido Butai (5 carriers, 350 aircraft):
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Ziukaku (CV)
IJN Raids on Bay of Bengal Shipping (1 April 1942) IJN Malay Force:
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
IJN Raids on Indian Coast, Cocanada and Vizagapatam (6 April 1942)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
IJN Raid on Columbo, Cylon (5 April 1942) Operation C
IJN Kido Butai (5 carriers, 350 aircraft):
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Ziukaku (CV)
RN Force A:
- HMS Indomitable (CV-92)
IJN Raid on Trincomalee, Cylon (9 April 1942)
IJN Kido Butai:
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Soryu (CV)
- IJN Hiryu (CV) ?
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) participated in sinking HMS Hermes
- IJN Ziukaku (CV) participated in sinking HMS Hermes
USN Raid on Rabaul? (11–12 April 1942) IJN:
- IJN Taiyo (CVE) at Rabaul but not hit
USN Raid on Tokyo (18 April 1942) Doolittle Raid USN Task Force 16 (Mitcher): USN Task Group 16.1:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Task Group 16.2:
- USS Hornet (CV-8) launched 16 B-25 bombers; IJN Ryuho in drydock damaged by bombs
IJN Unsuccessful Pursuit Following Doolittle Raid (19 April 1942) IJN Carrier Divisions 1 and 2 and newly completed IJN Shoho:
- IJN Akagi (CV)
- IJN Sōryū (CV)
- IJN Hiryū (CV)
- IJN Shoho (CVL)
RN Delivery of 48 Spitfire Fighters to Malta (20 April 1942) Operation CALENDAR (a "Club Run")
RN Force W:
- USS Wasp (CV-7) Most aircraft immediately destroyed by Luftwaffe
USN Raid on Tulagi and Gavutu (4 May 1942) US Task Force 17 (Fletcher):
- USS Yorktown (CV-5)
USN/IJN Battle of the Coral Sea (4–8 May 1942) IJN Operation MO USN Task Force 44 comprising TF-11 and TF-17?: USN Task Force 11 (Fitch):
- USS Lexington (CV-2) sunk by bombs and torpedoes from Shōkaku
USN Task Force 17 (Fletcher):
- USS Yorktown (CV-5) heavily damaged
IJN Carrier Strike Force (Takagi):
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) heavily damaged by bombs and torpedoes from Lexington and Yorktown aircraft; also experienced excessive loss of flight crews
- IJN Zuikaku (CV) experienced excessive loss of flight crews
IJN Main Body Support Force (Gato):
- IJN Shōhō (CVL) sunk by 13 bombs and 7 aerial torpedoes from Lexington and Yorktown aircraft
RN Deliver 61 Spitfire Fighters to Malta (9 May 1942) Operation BOWERY (a "Club Run")
RN Force W:
- USS Wasp (CV-7)
- HMS Eagle (CV, 94)
IJN Invasion of Aleutian Islands (3–7 June 1942) Alaska; IJN Operation AL IJN 2nd Carrier Strike Force, Carrier Division 4:
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL) one zero captured largely intact by US
- IJN Jun'yō (CVL)
USN/IJN Battle of Midway (4–7 June 1942) IJN Operation MI USN Task Forces 16 (Spruance):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Hornet (CV-7)
USN Task Forces 17 (Fletcher):
- USS Yorktown (CV-5) sunk
IJN First Fleet/Main Force (Yamamoto):
- IJN Hōshō (CVL)
First Carrier Striking Force (Nagumo):
- IJN Akagi (CV) sunk
- IJN Kaga (CV) sunk
- IJN Hiryu (CV) sunk
- IJN Soryu (CV) sunk
Second Fleet/Midway Invasion Force Main Body (Kondo):
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
USN air cover for Hawaii after battle of Midway (June 1942)
USN:
- USS Long Island (CVE-1)
USN Resupply of Aircraft to Midway Island (22–29 June 1942) USN Task Force 11:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
IJN Cover Transport of Aleutian Island Reinforcement and Patrol Against Counter Attack (28 June – 6 July 1942)
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Jun'yō (CVL)
RN Convoy from Gibraltar to Malta (3–15 August 1942) Operation PEDISTAL
RN Force F (Syfret)
- HMS Victorious (CV, 38)
- HMS Eagle (CV, 94) sunk by torpedo from U-73
- HMS Indomitable (CV, 92) damaged
- HMS Furious (CV, 47) part of sub-operation BELLOWS
USN Invasion of Guadalcanal (7 August 1942) US Operation WATCHTOWER (aka "Operation Shoestring") USN Task Force 61 (Fletcher) USN Task Group 61.1 (Noyes) USN Task Unit 61.1.1 aka Task Force 11:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USN Task Unit 61.1.2 aka Task Force 16:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Task Unit 61.1.3 aka Task force 18:
- USS Wasp (CV-7)
USN support for Guadalcanal (20 August 1942)
USN:
- USS Long Island (CVE-1) launched first aircraft to reach Henderson Field
USN/IJN Battle of the Eastern Solomons (23–25 August 1942) IJN Operation Ka US Task Forces 61 (Fletcher? Kinkaid?) Two carriers, 176 aircraft; TF-18 with USS Wasp (CV-7) had been sent to refuel:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) 74 aircraft
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) 80 aircraft; damaged by 3 bombs from Shōkaku and Zuikaku but reinforced Henderson Field with her aircraft.
IJN Main Body (Nagumo) Three carriers of CarDiv1, 177 aircraft
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) launched two strikes
- IJN Zuikaku (CV) launched two strikes
- IJN Ryūjō (CVL) detached to protect invasion convoy; sunk by bombs and a torpedo from Saratoga aircraft.
IJN Transport of Aircraft to Marshall Islands (27–29 August 1942)
- IJN Taiyo (CVE)
? (Sept 1942)
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) damaged by torpedo from I-26
IJN Transport of Aircraft and Convoy Escort to Truk and Outer Bases (Sept 1942 – February 1944) Note: Some of these carriers were involved in these activities on and off during the period.
- IJN Taiyo (CVE) damaged by torpedo from USS Trout (28 September 1942) and from USS Tunny (9 April 1943) and from USS Cabrilla (24 September 1943). Attacked but not hit by torpedoes from USS Pike (6 August 1943).
- IJN Unyo (CVE) attacked twice but not hit by torpedoes from USS Steelhead (10 July and 4 August 1943)
- IJN Chuyo (CVE) sunk by torpedoes from USS Sailfish (4 December 1943); had made a total of 13 voyages ferrying planes, supplies, and passengers.
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE) attacked but not hit by torpedoes from USS Permit; used during this period for aircraft transport rather than escort duty
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
IJN Carrier trials and pilot training (Oct 1942 – September 1945)
IJN:
- IJN Hosho (CVL-21)
RN escort for Russian Convoys, Loch Ewe to/from Kola Inlet (9–20 September 1942) Convoys PQ18 and QP14
RN:
- HMS Avenger (BAVG-2/D14) Air Squadrons 802 and 8783
USN aircraft transport to Bermuda (Oct 1942)
USN:
- USN Charger (CVE-30)
USN reinforcement of Guadalcanal's Henderson Field (7–11 October 1942) USN Task Force 63: USN Task Unit 63.8: USN Task Group 63.8.1:
- USS Copahee (CVE-12)
USN raids on Buin (Papua, New Guinea) and Faisi Island (Solomons) (5 October 1942) USN Task Force 17:
- USS Hornet (CV-8) On 13 October 1942, launched Squadron VMF-? for Henderson Field.
USN/IJN Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands (25–27 October 1942) USN Task Forces 61, a combined TF-16 and TF-17: USN Task Force 16:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) damaged but not disabled
USN Task Force 17 (Kinkaid):
- USS Hornet (CV-8) sunk by bombs and torpedoes
IJN Support Force/Third Fleet Striking Force aka kido butai including CarDiv1 (Nagumo):
- IJN Zuihō (CVL) damaged by two bombs
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) damaged by bombs and out of action for 4 months
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
IJN Support Force/Second Fleet Advanced Force including CarDiv2 (Kondo):
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
- IJN Hiyo (CVL)
USN/RN Invasion of French North Africa (8–16 November 1942) Operation TORCH
USN Task Force 34 Western Naval Task Force (Hewitt) USN Task Group 34.8 Northern Attack Group-Mehedia/Port Lyatuey (Giffin): USN Air Group:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26)
- USS Chenango (CVE-28)
USN Task Group 34.9 Center Attack Group- Casablanca (Emmet) USN Air Group:
- USS Ranger (CV-4)
- USS Suwanee (CVE-27)
USN Task Group 34.10 Southern Attack Group- Safi (Davidson) USN Air Group:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
RN Central Naval Task Force (Troubridge): Oran, Algeria; group shot down five Vichy D520 aircraft;
- HMS Furious (CV/47)
- HMS Biter (BAVG-3/D97) Air Squadron 800;
- HMS Dasher (BAVG-5/D37) Air Squadrons 804 and 891;
RN Eastern Task Force (Burrough): [Algiers, Algeria]
- 2 aircraft carriers
Allied Force ?: to be included above
- HMS Ark Royal
- HMS Avenger (CVE, D14) sunk by torpedo from U-155 covering military convoy MKF1 after TORCH landings 11/15/42
Notes: Source http://www.navweaps.com/index_oob/OOB_WWII_Mediterranean/OOB_WWII_Casablanca.php
USN/IJN Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (12–15 November 1942) US Task Force 16 (Kinkaid)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft attacked Japanese battleship Hiei (13 November 1942)
USN Invasions of Solomon Islands (Nov 1942 – June 1943)
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) provided air cover for landings
IJN Support for Reinforcement of Wewak (Dec 1942 – January 1943) IJN Operation MU
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
USN Carrier trials and pilot training (Jan 1942 – September 1945)
USN:
- USS Ranger (CV-4) December 1942 & April 1943 in Atlantic; from January 1944 to September 1945 in Atlantic and Pacific theaters
- USS Long Island (CVE-) from Jan to April 1942 in Atlantic and from September 1942 to June 1943 in Pacific
- USS Charger (CVE-30) from May 1942 to September 1945 in Atlantic
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) from April 1943 to October 1944 in Pacific
- USS Casablanca (CVE-55) from August 1943 to December 1944 in Pacific
- USS Solomons (CVE-67) from November 1943 to September 1945 in Atlantic
- USS Takanis Bay (CVE-89) from March 1944 to September 1945 in Pacific
- USS Tripoli (CVE-64) June & July 1944 in Atlantic; from May to September 1945 in Pacific
- USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91) off and on from July 1944 in Pacific
- USS Wake Island (CVE-65) Sept & October 1944 in Atlantic?; from July to September 1945 in Pacific
- USS Prince William (CVE-31) mostly from October 1944 to April 1945 in Atlantic
- USS Matanikau (CVE-101) from November 1944 to June 1945 in Pacific
- USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85) Feb & March 1945 in Pacific
- USS Commencement Bay from February 1945 to September 1945 in Pacific
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) from March 1945 to September 1945 in Pacific
USN ? (Dec 1942 – January 1943)
Task Force 65 (Mason):
- USS Nassau (CVE-16)
1943
Information for this section was obtained from online ship histories, principally from the following sources:
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships[13]
- Royal and Dominion Navy Warships[14]
- Imperial Japanese Navy Page[15]
- Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945[16]
- World War II Database[17]
USN anti-submarine and anti-blockade running patrols in South Atlantic (Jan – 25 July 1943)
USN:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
RN Escort Russian Convoys to/from Kola Inlet (Jan – February 1943) Convoy JW53
RN:
- HMS Dasher (CVE/BAVG-5/D37) Air Squadrons 816 and 891; major structural damage due to extreme weather;
Battle of Rennell Island (29–30 January 1943) US Task Force 16 (Adm ?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) covered retreat of TF-18
USN Task Force 18 (Griffin): Note: Detached and not engaged due to "overly cautious leadership"???
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) Carried VGF-28 and VGS-28.
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27) Carried VGF-27, VGS-27.
IJN Support for Evacuation of Guadalcanal (31 Jan – 9 February 1943) IJN Operation KE
IJN "Forward Force Air Force":
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
USN Task Force 50 Night Strike on Truk (10 February 1943)
USN Task Force 50: USN Task Group 50.9:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
RN Convoy Escort from Jamaica (March 1943) Convoy CV1
RN:
- HMS Attacker (CVE/D94) Air Squadron 840
RN Atlantic convoy escort (Mar – November 1943) Convoys ONS4, HX237, SC129, ON207, SC146, and HX265.
RN 7th Support Group:
- HMS Biter (CVE/BAVG-3/D97) Air Squadron 811
IJN Raids against Allied Advances up the Solomons and New Guinea (1–19 April 1943) IJN Operation I-Go
IJN Carrier Division 1:
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
IJN Carrier Division 2:
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
- IJN Hiyo (CVL)
RN Atlantic Convoy Escort to/from Gibraltar and West Africa (May – July 1943) Convoys OS49/KMS16, OS76, OS46/KMS16, KMS16G, and XK9.
RN:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
USN invasion of Attu (11–30 May 1943) USN Operation LANDCRAB
Task Force 51: Task Group 51.1 – Support Group
- USS Nassau (CVE-16) Air Squadrons VC-21, VMO-155
IJN sortie to oppose US recapture of Attu (May 1943) Recalled without engaging.
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
- IJN Hiyo (CVL)
IJN Raid on Milne Bay (14 May 1943) IJN Carrier Division 2:
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
- IJN Hiyo (CVL)
USN Invasion of New Georgia (20 June – 7 October 1943) USN Operation TOENAILS
USN Task Force 36: USN Task Group 36.3:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- HMS Victorious (R-38)
RN/USN Invasion of Sicily (9–16 July 1943) Operation HUSKY
Allied Force (Cunningham):
- HMS Indomitable (CV, 92) damaged by torpedo in Ionian Sea
USN Atlantic convoy escort (25 July – November 1943) Included air cover for USS Iowa carrying President Roosevelt to Casablanca Conference?
USN:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
IJN Ferry Aircraft to Kwajalein, Kavieng, and Rabaul (July 1943)
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
IJN Ferry Aircraft to Singapore (Aug 1943)
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
RN Trials and training (Aug 1943 – September 1945)
RN:
- HMS Ravager (CVE-24?/D70)
- HMS Pretoria Castle (CVE) formerly an MAC (from January 1944)
USN Task Force 50 (Aug 1943) Raid on Rabaul USN Task Group 50.3
- USN Essex (CV-9)
- USN Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USN Independence (CV-22)
RN air cover for convoys en route to Salerno (6-6 August 1943)
RN Force V:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D12)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
RN support for invasion of Salerno, Italy (8–16 August 1943) Operation Avalanche
RN Task Force 88 (Vain):
- HMS Unicorn (CV/I72)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02) Air Squadron 886
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18) Air Squadrons 807 and 808
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D12)
USN raid on Marcus Island (31 Aug – 2 September 1943) USN Task Force 15:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
USN invasion of Baker and Howland Islands (Sept 1943) USN Task Force ?
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
USN raid on Tarawa and Makin Islands (18–19 September 1943) USN Task Force 50:
- USS Lexington (2) (CV-16)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
IJN ferry troops and equipment to reinforce Truk (Sept – October 1943)
- IJN Junyo (CVL)
RN Atlantic convoy escort (23 September 1943 – 25 March 1944)
RN:
- HMS Tracker (CVE/BAVG-6/D24)
RN Atlantic convoy escort of military convoy from Gibraltar to UK (30 Sept – 7 October 1943) Convoy MKF24
RN:
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02) Air Squadrons 886 and 879
USN transport of aircraft and aircrews in Pacific (Oct 1943 – September 1945)
USN:
- USS Nassau (CVE-12)
USN Raid on Wake Island (5–6 October 1943) USN Task Force 14:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Lexington (2) (CV-16)
- USS Yorktown (2) (CV-10)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
IJN Sortie To Eniwetok In Response to USN Raids on Wake (17–26 October 1943) No engagements
IJN Combined Fleet (Koga):
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
IJN Ferry Aircraft to Reinforce Rabaul (30 Oct – 13 November 1943) Operation RO
IJN:
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
USN Atlantic anti-submarine patrols (mid Nov – 10 December 1943)
USN Task Group 21.11:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
RN Indian Ocean Convoy Escort (Nov 1943 – January 1944) Convoys AB18, AB20, AB 24A, and AB27,
RN:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
USN Raids on Rabaul (5 & 11 November 1943)
USN Task Force 38 (Sherman)
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
USN Task Group 50.3 (Montgomery)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
Invasion of Makin Atoll (13–23 November 1943) Gilbert Islands US Task Forces ? and 52 (Turner):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) First carrier-launched night flights
- USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) Sunk by torpedo from I-175
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58)
[DIFFERENT CARRIERS- NEED TO RECONCILE; DID ALL CARRIERS STRIKE MAKIN?] USN Task Group 50.1 – Carrier Interceptor Force – Mili Landing
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Task Group 50.2 – Northern Carrier Group – Makin Landing
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) Until 8 Dec
USN Raids on Nauru Island (17–19 Nov & 8–12 December 1943) USN Task Group 50.4 – Relief Carrier Group – Nauru Landing
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
USN Task Group 50.4 – from 43/11/25 [DOUBLE COUNTED?]
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) After 8 Dec?
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) After 8 Dec?
USN Invasion of Tarawa Atoll (18–23 November 1943) Gilbert Islands; USN Operation GALVANIC USN Task Force 38 (Radford) [TF 38 or 50?] [DOUBLE COUNTING?]
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Task Force 50 (Nov – December 1943) Invasion of Gilbert Islands; USN Operation "GALVANIC"
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) Air Squadrons VF-12, VB-12, VT-12 [50.4]
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) Air Squadrons VF-2, VB-6, VT-6
- USS Essex (CV-9) Air Squadrons VF-9, VB-9, VT-9; Until 8 Dec
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) Air Squadrons VF-5, VB-5, VT-5
- USS Lexington (CV-16) Air Squadrons VF-16, VB-16, VT-16
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) Air Squadrons VF-17, VB-17, VT-17
- USS Independence (CVL-22) Air Squadrons VF-6, VF-22, VC-22
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) Air Squadrons VF-23, VT-23
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) Air Squadrons VF-6, VF-24, VC-22
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) Air Squadrons VF-6, VF-25, VC-25
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) Air Squadrons VF-30,VC-30; Until 8 Dec
USN Task Group 50.2 – Northern Carrier Group – Makin Landing (Radford)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
USN Task Group 50.3 -Southern Carrier Group – Tarawa Landing
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) Until 8 Dec
- USS Independence (CVL-22) Until 23 Nov
USN Task Force 52: USN Task Group 52.3 – Air Support Group: USN CVE CarDiv24:
- USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) Air Squadron VC-39; Sunk by aircraft 24 Nov
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) Air Squadron VC-41
USN Task Group 52.13 CarDiv24- Northern Attack Force (created 23 Nov):
- USS Nassau (CVE-16) attached from TG 53.6
- USS Barnes (CVE-20)
[DUPLICATION HERE]
- USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) Air Squadron VC-39; Sunk by aircraft 24 Nov
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) Air Squadron VC-41 From 28 Nov
USN Task Force 53: USN Task Group 53.6 – Carrier (Support) Group: USN Task Unit 53.6.1 CarDiv22:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26) CVEG-37 Air Squadrons VF-37, VC-37
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27) CVEG-60 Air Squadrons VF-60, VC-60
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) CVEG-35 Air Squadrons VF-35, VC-35
- USS Barnes (CVE-20)
- USS Nassau (CVE-16) From 18 to 28 November 11/18; Future Tarawa garrison, not part of CarDiv22
USN Atlantic transport of aircraft to UK (22 Dec – 24 Jan)
USN:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
USN Raid on Mili Atoll and Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands (19–25 November 1943) USN Task Group 50.1 – Carrier Interceptor Force – Mili Landing
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Invasion of Abemama Atoll in the Gilbert Islands (21 November 1943) USN Task Group 50.4 – Relief Carrier Group – Nauru Landing
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
IJN Convoys to Truk and Singapore (Nov 1943) IJN ?
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
- IJN Chuyo (CVE)
- IJN Unyo (CVE)
IJN ?
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Chitose (CVE)
Raids on Kwajalein Atoll and Wotje Atoll in the Marshall Islands (4 & 8–9 December 1943)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Task Group 50.1 – Carrier Interceptor Force – Mili Landing
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Lexington (CV-16) Disabled by aerial torpedo
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Task Group 50.2 – Northern Carrier Group – Makin Landing
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) Until 8 Dec
USN Task Group 50.3 -Southern Carrier Group – Tarawa Landing
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) Until 8 Dec
- USS Independence (CVL-22) Until 23 Nov
1944
Information for this section was obtained from online ship histories, principally from the following sources:
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships[13]
- Royal and Dominion Navy Warships[14]
- Imperial Japanese Navy Page[15]
- Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945[16]
- World War II Database[17]
USN aircraft and aircrew transport from US West Coast to Pacific areas (1944–1945)
USN:
- USS Long Island (CVE-1)
RN Anti-submarine patrols in Indian Ocean (Jan – March 1944) Operation COVERED; group sank German Supply ship Brake.
RN Force 67, CS4:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
RN Convoy Escort in Southwest Approaches (Jan – June 1944) Convoys OS68, ONS29, SL150, MKS41, and SC156.
RN 7th and 9th Escort Groups:
- HMS Biter (CVE/BAVG-3/D97) Air Squadron 811
USN Raids on Kavieng, New Ireland (1–4 January 1944): USN Task Force 37: USN Task Group 37.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
RN Convoy escort in North Atlantic (31 Jan – 4 July 1944) Convoys OS66/KMS70, ON222 and ONS28 (distant cover), SL147/MKS38, HX225, CU13, OS69/KMS43, MKF29, OS72/KMS46, SL154/MKS45, SL157/MKS48 and SL158/MKS49, KMF32, and KMF34
RN Western Approaches Command:
- HMS Activity (D94) Jan – March 1944
- HMS Nairana (D05)
USN Invasion of Kwajalein and Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands (29 Jan-3 February 1944) Operation FLINTLOCK USN Task Force 58 (Spruance/Mitscher) USN Task Group 58.1 – Roi-Namur Landing USN Task Unit 58.1.5 – Carrier Unit:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG-10 Air Squadrons VF-10, VB-10, VT-10
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-5 Air Squadrons VF-5, VB-5, VT-5
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24 Air Squadrons VF-24, VT-24
USN Task Group 58.2 – Maloelap Landing:
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-9 Air Squadrons VF-9, VB-9, VT-9
- USS Intrepid (CV-11) CVG-6 Air Squadrons VF-6, VB-6, VT-6, VF(N)-78
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 Air Squadrons VF-31, VT-31
USN Task Group 58.3 – Eniwetok Landing [ENIWETOK? NOT KWAJALEIN??]:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-17 Air Squadrons VF-18, VB-17, VT-17
- USS Monterey (CV-26) CVG-30 Air Squadrons VF-30, VT-30
- USS Cowpens (CV-25) CVG-25 Air Squadrons VF-25, VT-25
USN Task Group 58.4 – Wotje Landing:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) CVG-12 Air Squadrons VF-12, VB-12, VT-12
- USS Princeton (CV-23) CVG-23 Air Squadrons VF-23, VT-23
- USS Langley (CV-27) CVG-32 Air Squadrons VF-32, VT-32
- USS[5 CVE PER WIKI??]
USN Task Force 51 (Jan – February 1944) 11 CVEs? USN Task Group 51.2 – Ma juro Attack Group
- USS Nassau (CVE-16) Air Squadron VC-66
- USS Natoma Bay(CVE-62) Air Squadron VC-63
USN Task Group 52.9 – Southern Carrier Group: USN Task Unit 52.9.1 – CarDiv24:
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-16 Air Squadron VC-7
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) Air Squadron VC-41
Task Force 53 – Northern Attack Force (Roi-Namur): Task Group 53.6 – Northern Carrier Group: CarDiv22:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26) CVEG-37 Air Squadrons VF-37, VC-37
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27) CVEG-60 Air Squadrons VF-60, VC-60
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) CVEG-35 Air Squadrons VF-35, VC-35
Task Force 53 – Southern Attack Force, Operation SEVEDORE (Guam 21 July) Task Group 53.7 – Carrier Support Group CarDiv22:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26) Air Squadrons VF-37,VT-37)
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27) Air Squadrons VF-60, VT-60)
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) Air Squadrons VF-35, VT-35)
Task Unit 53.7.1 From 21 June: CarDiv24:
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) Air Squadron VC-41
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68) Air Squadron VC-3
USN Invasion of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands (Jan – February 1944) USN Operation CATCHPOLE USN Task Force 51: USN Task Group 51.17 – Fire Support Group 3 CVE
RN Convoy escort to/from West Africa and Gibraltar (29 Jan – 9 March 1944) Convoys SL147/KMS38, ON222, ONS28, OS69/KMS43, and MKF29; attacked by IGEL Group of U-Boats; escort group "operating independently" sank U-592, U-762, U-238 and U-734;
RN 2nd British Escort Group:
- HMS Activity (CVE/D94) Air Squadron 819
- HMS Nairana (CVE/D05)
USN Atlantic to Pacific transport of aircraft and personnel (Feb – March 1944)
USN:
- USS Santee (CVE-29)
USN Marshalls and Gilberts Escort and Patrol Force (Feb–Sept 1944)
USN Task Force 96 (Harrill): USN Task Group 96.? Hunter-Killer Group June–Aug 1945
- USS Kasaan Bay (CVE-
USN Raid on Truk (17–18 February 1944) Caroline Islands; Operation HAILSTONE Note: The raid destroyed 18 aircraft delivered by CVE IJN Kaiyo just 8 days before. US Task Force 58 (Spruance/Mitscher) [5 CV & 4 CVL per wiki- OK USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.1:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG-10 Air Squadrons VF-10, VB-10, VT-10; First carrier-launched night radar bombing attack
- USS Yorktown (CV-5) CVG-5 Air Squadrons VF-5, VB-5, VT-5
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24 Air Squadrons VF-24, VT-24
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-9 Air Squadrons VF-9, VB-9, VT-9
- USS Intrepid (CV-11) CVG-6 Air Squadrons VF-6, VB-6, VT-6, VF(N)-78
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 Air Squadrons VF-31, VT-31
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-17 Air Squadrons VF-18, VB-17, VT-17
- USS Monterey (CVL-26 CVG-30 Air Squadrons VF-30, VT-30
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25 Air Squadrons VF-25, VT-25
USN Raid on Jaluit Atoll (20 February 1944) Marshall Islands
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Marianas Islands (25? February 1944)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
RN antisubmarine operations with 6th Canadian Escort group in NW Approaches. (9–28 March 1944) problems with estreme weather, contamination of aircraft fuel, and malfunctioning depth charges.
RN:
- HMS Vindex(D15) Air Squadron 825
USN Raid on Palau Islands (30–31 March 1944) Operation DESECRATE 1 USN Task Group 58:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Monterey (CV-26)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
USN Resupply TF-58 at Majuro in the Marshall Islands and Tulagi in the Solomons (15 Mar – 7 April 1944) USN Task Force 50: USN Task Group 50.15- Fast Carrier Supply Group USN CarDiv22:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26) Air Squadrons VF-37,VT-37)
- USS Suwannee (CVE-26) Air Squadrons VF-60, VT-60)
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) Air Squadrons VF-35, VT-35)
- USS Santee ((CVE-29) Air Squadrons VF-26, VT-26)
IJN Ferry Aircraft to Singapore (Mar 1944)
- IJN Shōkaku (CV)
- IJN Zuikaku (CV)
USN Raid on Mili Atoll in the Marshall Islands (18 March 1944) USN Task Force 50 USN Task Group 50.10:
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
IJN Ferry Aircraft to Saipan, Guam, and Palau (Mar 1944)
- IJN Ryuho (CVL)
- IJN Chiyoda (CVL)
- IJN Chitose (CVL)
USN Invasion of Emirau Island, New Guinea (20 March 1944) Operation CARTWHEEL
USN Task Force? (Giffin?)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) Detached from TF 58
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-61)
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62)
USN Invasion at Hollandia (Mar–Apr 1944) Operation RECKLESS
USN Fifth Fleet (Spruance):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Task Group 78.1 (Ragsdale) CarDiv22:
- USS Sangamon (CVE- CVEG-37: VF-37,VT-37
- USS Suwannee (CVE- CVEG-60: VF-60, VT-60
- USS Chenango (CVE- CVEG-35: VF-35,VT-35
- USS Santee (CVE-29) CVEG-26: VF-36, VT-36
USN Task Group 78.2 (Davison) CarDiv24:
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE- VC-63
- USS Coral Sea (CVE- VC-33
- USS Corregidor (CVE- VC-41
- USS Manila Bay (CVE- VC-7
USN Invasion of Emirau Island, New Guinea (20–27 March 1944)
USN Task Force 36: USN Task Group 36.1
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Task Group 36.3
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) Air Squadron VC-7
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) Air Squadron VC-63;
From 2 Apr
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58)
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33
USN Raid on Palau Island (28–29 March 1944) USN Operation DESECRATE I
USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.1
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25
USN Task Group 58.2
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-30
Cabot (CV-28) CVG-31 USN Task Group 58.3
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
USN Task Group 50.10:
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-23
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
USN Task Group 58.5
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USN Task Group 58.9
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
RN Russian convoy escort to/from Murmansk (29 Mar – 14 April 1944) Operation FY; Convoy JW58 and RA58;
RN 2nd Escort Group:
- HMS Tracker (CVE/BAVG-6/D24) sank U-288
- HMS Activity (CVE/D94) Air Squadron 819
USN Raid on Yap in Caroline Islands (31 March 1944)
USN Task Force 58:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Ulithi in Caroline Islands (31 March 1944)
USN Task Force 58:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Woleai in Caroline Islands (1 April 1944) USN Task Force 58:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Hunter Killer Groups Patrol Seaway from Pearl Harbor to Midway (Mar – May 1944)
USN Task Group 11.1:
- USS Altamaha (CVE-18) Squadron VC-66 damaged I-45
USN Task Group 11.2:
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68)
- USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70)
IJN Transportation and Convoy Escort to Formosa, Indochina, and Singapore (Apr – June 1944)
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE) convoy is attached by USN submarines
USA Invasion at Hollandia (13 Apr – 14 May 1944) US Operations RECKLESS and PERSECUTION
RN Raids on Sabang (19 April 1944) Sumatra, Indonesia, Operation COCKPIT
Eastern Fleet:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- HMS Illustrious (87)
USA Invasion at Hollandia, Netherlands New Guinea (13 Apr – 14 May 1944) US Operations RECKLESS and PERSECUTION USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.1:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Belleau Wood (CV-24)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
- USS Bataan (CVL-29)
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
- USS Cabot (CV-28)
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
RN Russian convoy escort to/from Kola Inlet (19 Apr – 4 May 1944) Operation FZ; Convoys ?, RA59; brought Russian naval personnel from Murmansk to man ships being transferred to Russia.
RN:
- HMS Activity (CVE/D94)
- HMS Fencer (CVE-14/D64) aircraft sank U-277, U-674 and U-959.
RN anti-submarine operations in Northwest Approaches with 5th Escort Group (27 Apr – 12 May 1944) experienced extreme weather, petrol contamination, and crash landings.
RN:
- HMS Vindex (D15)
USN Raid on Truk in the Caroline Islands (29–30 April 1944)
USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Paulus Islands (29–30 April 1944)
USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
- USS Cabot (CV-28)
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
USN
- Approach to the Philippines
58.1 strike Wakde & Sawar Invasion Battle of Wakde 18–21 May 1944 US Operation STRAIGHT LINE 58.2 strike Wakde, Hollandia Battle of Hollandia Operation RECKLESS 58.3 strike Hollandia, support Tanahmerah Bay Landing 44/04/29 strike Truk 44/04/30 strike Palaus
USN Raid on Pohnpei in the Caroline Islands (1 May 1944) USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.1:
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
RN Convoy escort defense in Mediterranean Sea Convoys OS177/KMS51
RN:
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02) Air Squadron 879
RN Anti-Submarine Patrols in the Indian Ocean (17 May – 27 November 1944)
RN Task Force 66:
- HMS Shah (CVE-43/D21) Air Squadron 851; head of hunter-killer group which sank U-198 in the Indian Ocean on 12 August 1944
- HMS Begum (CVE-36/D38)
USN Transport to Marshall and Mariana Islands (May – August 1944) USN Operation "FORAGER"
USN Task Force 51 USN Task Group 51.18: USN Task Unit 51.18.10:
- USS White Plains (CVE-66)
USN Task Unit 51.18.11
- USS Copahee (CVE-12)
USN Task Group 52.11- Carrier Support Group 2 USN Task Unit 52.11.1 CarDiv26:
- USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) Air Squadron VC-5
- USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) Air Squadron VC-10
USN Task Unit 52.11.2 CarDiv24:
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26)
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27)
- USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-33; From 20 June
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58) Air Squadron VC-41
USN Task Group 52.14 – Carrier Support Group 1: USN Task Unit 52.14.1 CarDiv25:
- USS Midway (CVE-63) Air Squadron VC-65
- USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70) Air Squadron VC-68; Until 18 June
USN Task Unit 52.14.2:
- USS White Plains (CVE-66) Air SquadronVC-4)
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68) Air Squadron VC-3; From July
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74)
USN Task Force 57: USN Task Group 57.4: USN Task Unit 57.4.11 [AND/OR 57.19.7; SEE BELOW]
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
USN Task Group 57.5: USN Task Unit 57.5.5:
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68)
USN Task Group 57.19: USN Task Unit 57.19.7:
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
RN Anti-submarine sweeps of Indian Ocean (May–Oct 1944) U-198 sunk by HM Frigate FINDHORN was the only U-Boat sinking by the Eastern Fleet Hunting Groups.
RN Force 66:
- HMS Begum (CVE-36/D38/R305) 832 Naval Air Squadron
RN Raid on German Shipping Off Norway (6 May 1944) Operation CROQUET
RN:
- HMS Furious (CV D-47)
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
RN Raid in German Convoy and Shore Targets at Kristiansund, Norway (8 May 1944) Operation HOOPS
RN:
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Striker (CVE-19)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34)
Raid on Soerabaja in Java, Indonesia (17 May 1944) Operation TRANSOM Eastern Fleet:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- HMS Illustrious (87)
USN Raid on Marcus Island (19–20 May 1944) USN Task Force 58: USN Task Group 58.6 (15–31 May 1944):
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Raid on Wake Island (23 May 1944)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Hunter Killer Group Patrols (May – June 1944) USN Task Group 30.4:
- USS Hoggart Bay (CV-75) Group sank I-16, RO-106, RO-104, RO-116, RO-108, RO-105, and RO-111.
IJN Transportation of Aircraft and Convoy Escort to Philippines (May – August 1944)
- IJN Taiyo (CVE) sunk by USS Rasher (18 August 1944)
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE)
- IJN Shinyo (CVE)
USN Transportation to Marshall and Mariana Islands (May – August 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 51: USN Task Group 51.18: USN Task Unit 51.18.10:
- USS White Plains (CVE-66)
TU 51.18.11
- USS Copahee (CVE-12)
RN Prevention of U-boat activity around Normandy during D-Day Landings (June 1944) Operation NEPTUNE part of Operation OVERLORD
RN at Southwest Approaches, 150 mi west of Lands End: RCN 1st, 3rd, 4th 6th and 9th (Canadian) Support Groups
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D-98)
- HMS Tracker (CVE, BAVG-6)
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D-73)
[Vindex and Activity were NOT there as reported elsewhere. Only 3 CVEs were there per Mawdsley p. 424]
[?1. Eastern Task Force 2. Western Task Force?]
RN Indian Ocean convoy escort (June – July 1944) Convoys CM33 and KR11.
RN:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
RN Atlantic Convoy Protection to/from Gibraltar (June – August 1944) Convoys OS79, MKS53, SL160 MKS51, OS82, KMS56, SL163, MKS54, SL163, MKS54, OS85, KMS59, SL166 and MKS57.
RN:
- HMS Campania (D48) Air Squadron 813
RN Atlantic convoy escort (2 June – August 1944) Convoys OS78/KMS52, SL159/MKS50, SL162/MKS53, KMF33, MKF33, OS86/KMS60, SL167,
RN:
- HMS Activity (CVE/D94)
RN Simulated attack on Sabang, Sumatra as diversion for USN attacks on the Mariana Islands (11–13 June 1944) Operation COUNCILLOR
RN:
- HMS Illustrious (CV/87)
- HMS Atheling (CVE-33/D-51)
USN Support for Invasion of Marianas (June – August 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER
USN Task Force 58:
USN Task Force 50: USN Task Group 50.?:
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-61)
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62)
USN Task Group 50.17 – Fueling & Aircraft Replacement Group; Refueled TF-58 and TF-53:
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
- USS Copahee (CVE-12)
- USS Breton (CVE-23)
USN Raid on Saipan in the Mariana Islands (11–14 June 1944)
US Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Rota in the Mariana Islands (11–14 June 1944)
USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Guam in the Mariana Islands (11–14 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER
US Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)CVG-2)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-28; Until 07/23),
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31; Until 13 July
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) [?? WAS ENTERPRISE IN 58.3 PART OF GUAM RAID??]
USN Raids on IJN Convoys Trying to Reinforce Mariana Islands (11–13 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER US Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
USN Raid on Chichijima (14 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER US Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)CVG-2)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
USN Raid on Iwo Jima (15–16 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER US Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)CVG-2)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
USN Invasion of Saipan in the Marina Islands (15 June – 9 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)CVG-2)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5 From 30 June:
- USS Franklin (CV-13) From 29 July
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1 Until 29 July
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50 Until 12 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 From 13 July
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-28; Until 23 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31; Until 13 July
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Lexington (CV-16) CVG-16
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG-10
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) CVG-51
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27; Until ? July
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27: 14 July – 2 Aug
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) From 2 Aug
USN Task Group 52.11
- USS Kitkun Bay (CVE) VC-5
- USS Gambier Bay (CVE) VC-10
- Uss Corregidor (CVE) VC-41
- USS Coral Sea (CVE) VC-33
USN Task Group 52.14
- USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE) VC-68
- USS Midway (CVE) VC-65
- USS White Plains (CVE) VC-4
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE) VC-3
USN Task Force 53.7
- USS Sangamon (CVE) VF-37, VT-37
- USS Suwannee (CVE) VF-60, VT-60
- USS Chenano (CVE) VF-35, VT-35
USN/IJN Battle of the Philippine Sea (19–20 June 1944) USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): 24 aircraft carriers, 1,350 carrier-based aircraft with 29 aircraft lost: USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-28; Until 07/23),
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31; Until 13 July
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Lexington (CV-16) CVG-16
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG-10
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) CVG-51
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27; Until ? July
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27: 14 July – 2 Aug
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) From 2 Aug
[* 15 US carriers PER WIKI, NOT RECONCILED] [* 7 US battleships?] IJN Third Fleet (Ozawa) Operation A-GO 429 aircraft lost IJN "Mobile Fleet", Carrier Division 1:
- IJN Shōkaku (CV) sunk by torpedoes from USS Cavalla
- IJN Zuikaku
- IJN Taihō (CV) sunk by torpedo from USS Albacore followed by large internal explosion due to aviation gas vapor
IJN "Van Force"
- IJN Zuihō (CVL)
- IJN Chiyoda (CVL) damaged by a bomb
- IJN Chitose (CVL)
IJN "Force B"
- IJN Junyo (CVL) damaged by bombs
- IJN Hiyō (CVL) sunk
- IJN Ryuho (CVL)
RN Diversional Raid on Norwegian Coast (20 June 1944) Operation WANDERERS
RN:
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D-12)
- HMS Fencer (CVE-14/D-64)
Raid on Pagan Island in the Northern Mariana Islands (22–23 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Raid on Iwo Jima and Cicijima Island (24 June 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Raid on Pagan Island, Guam and Rota Island (28 June – 6 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
RN anti-submarine operations in Northwest Approaches with 5th Escort Group (1–15 July 1944) experienced petrol contamination
RN:
- HMS Vindex (D15)
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D12) from 10 July
USN Raid on Iwo Jima, Cicijima Island and Hahajima Island (3 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-28; Until 23 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31; Until 13 July
USN Raid on Rota Island (4 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
USN Raid on Guam and Rota Island (6 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) CVG-28; Until 23 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31; Until 13 July
USN Raids on Guam (7–17 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5:
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1; Until 31 July
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-24; Until 2 Aug
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50
USN Invasion of Guam (21 July – 10 August 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5 From 30 June:
- USS Franklin (CV-13) From 29 July
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1 Until 29 July
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) CVG-50 Until 12 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 From 13 July
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25) CVG-25: Until 10 July
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27: 14 July – 2 Aug
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) From 2 Aug
USN Raids on Palau, Tinian Yap, Ulithi, and Fais Island (25–29 July 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5 From 30 June:
- USS Franklin (CV-13) From 29 July
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1 Until 29 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 From 13 July
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
USN Task Group 58.3:
- USS Lexington (CV-16) CVG-16
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG-10
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) CVG-51
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27; Until ? July
USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27: 14 July – 2 Aug
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) From 2 Aug
USN Raids on Guam (29 July – 5 August 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.4
- USS Essex (CV-9) CVG-15
- USS Langley (CVL-27) CVG-32
- USS Princeton (CVL-23) CVG-27: 14 July – 2 Aug
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) From 2 Aug
USN Raid on Cicijima Island (4–5 August 1944) Part of USN Operation FORAGER USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1 CarDiv5 From 30 June:
- USS Franklin (CV-13) From 29 July
- USS Hornet (CV-12) CVG-2
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-1 Until 29 July
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) CVG-31 From 13 July
USN Task Group 58.2:
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) CVG-8
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-14; From 30 June
- USS Franklin (CV-13) 30 June – 29 July
IJN Transportation of Aircraft to Philippines (July 1944) Note: Convoy (HI-69) attacked by USN submarines.
- IJN Taiyo (CVE) loaded with aircraft for delivery
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE) loaded with aircraft for delivery
- IJN Shinyo (CVE) provided Combat Air Patrols
USN Hunter/Killer CVE Patrolling Area Around Guam (July – August 1944) Hunter/Killer Group "Forager" Task Force 12.4:
- USS Hoggatt Bay (CVE-75) destroyer escort sinks sub RO-48
RN air attacks on airfield at Gossen, Norway and on shipping (9–10 August 1944) Operation OFFSPRING
RN:
- HMS Indefatigable (CV/R10) OR HMS Implacable (CV/86) [WHICH??? INCONSISTENT AT NAVAL HISTORY WEBSITE]
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Nabob (CVE-41/D77)
Anti-submarine patrols in Indian Ocean (Aug – November 1944)
RN:
- HMS Battler (CVE-6/D18)
RN/USN Invasion of Southern France (15 Aug – 15 September 1944) Operation ANVIL/DRAGOON
USN Task Force 88 (Troubridge): USN Task Group 88.1 provided fighter protection, spotting aircraft and close support during landings:
- HMS Seacher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D-02) Air Squadron 879
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D-98) attacked shore targets
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62) CAP over landing area and attacked shore targets
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D-73)
USN Task Group 88.?
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72)
- USS Kasaan Bay (CVE-69)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80) Air Squadron 807
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D91)
RN Escort for Russian convoy JW69 RA59 to Kola Inlet (17 Aug – 5 September 1944) Group sank U-344; problem with depth charges failing to explode.
RN Force 31:
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15) Air Squadron 825
- HMS Striker (CVE-319/D912)
RN raids against Kaafjord, Norway to hit battleship Tirpitz (20–22 August 1944) Operation GOODWOOD
RN:
- HMS Indefatigable (CV/R10)
- HMS Formidable (CV/67)
- HMS Furious (CV/47)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09) diversionary raids on airfields at Hammerfest
- HMS Nabob (CVE-41/D77) torpedoed by U-354; never repaired
IJN Transportation of Aircraft to Singapore (Aug – November 1944) Convoys include HI-69, HI-70, HI-75, HI-76, and HI-18
- IJN Unyo (CVE) sunk by torpedoes from USS Barb (17 September 1944)
- IJN Shinyo (CVE) sunk by torpedoes from USS Spadefish (17 November 1944)
USN Raid on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Chichijima in the Bonin Islands (31 Aug-2 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?): USN Task Group 38.4:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Franklin (CV-13)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
all of these?
RN Aircraft transport to Far East (Sept 1944 – August 1945) Convoys MKS36 and KM39;
RN:
- HMS Activity (CVE/D94)
USN Raid on Wake Island (3 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?): USN Task Force 12 USN Task Group 12.5:
- USS Monteray (CVL-26)
USN Raid on Yap (6–8 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Ulithi (6–8 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USN Raid on Palau Islands (6–8 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?): USN Task Groups 38.2 and 38.4?
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
more? see fleet orgs
USN Raid on Mindanao Island (9 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?): USN Task Group 38.3:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
more?
RN Raids on Axis shipping and Crete, Scarpanto, and Rhodes in the Aegean Sea (9 September 1944) Operation OUTING I
RN:
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62) CAP, strikes on evacuating enemy shipping
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D73)
RN Convoy escort from Gibraltar (10–14 September 1944) Convoy KMF34
RN Western Approaches Command:
- HMS Nairana (D05)
USN Raids on Japanese Shipping (10–20 September 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (Halsey/McCain?):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
RN minelaying and shipping attacks south of Volko Islands (11–12 September 1944) Operation BEGONIA
RN:
- HMS Furious (CV/47)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
USN Raids on Central Philippines- strike Visajans, Cebu, Negros (12 September 1944)
[TO BE COMPLETED] USN Task Groups 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 ;carriers?
- Hornet II?
44/09/21-24 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 strike Luzon – Nichols Field, Clark Field, Manila Bay 38.1, 38.4 strike N Luzon
USN strikes on 44/09/15 38.1 strike Morotai 38.4 strike Peleliu
RN Russian Convoy Escort to/from Kola Inlet (17 Sept – 3 October 1944) Operation RIGMAROLE; Convoys JW60 & RA60
RN:
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D12)
- HMS Campania (D48) Air Squadron 842 or 813; sank U-921
USN Transport (?) and Anti-Submarine Patrols (?) Between Ulithi and Eniwetok (Sept 1944 – April 1945) [need to check each carrier's history here] USN Task Force 12 (Sept 1944 – April 1945) USN Task Group 12.2 (Jan – February 1945):
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Randolph (CV-15)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
USN Task Group 12.3 (Mar – April 1945):
- USS Corregidor (CVE-58)
USN Task Group 12.4:
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72)
USN Task Group 12.5:
- USS Santee (CVE- 29)
RN Clearing Out the Aegean Area of the Mediterranean sea (Sept – November 1944) Operations OUTING I & II, MANNA, and CONTEMPT
RN British Aegean Fleet Force A:
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98/307)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D12)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02)
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D73)
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
USN Invasion of Peleliu and Angaur Islands (Sept 1944 – November 1944) USN Task Group 38.4 – Peleliu landing – direct support 16–17 Sept
USN Task Group 32.4:
- USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76) Utill 24 Aug
- USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) 12 Aug – 24 Aug
- USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) 12 Aug – 24 Aug
USN Task Group 32.7 – Western Escort Carrier Group: Task Unit 32.7.1 CarDiv27:
- USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76) Air Squadron VC-20
- USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) Air Squadron VC-21
- USS Savo Island (CVE-78) Air Squadron VC-27
- USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) Air Squadron VC-75
USN Task Unit 32.7.2 CarDiv28:
- USS Kalinin Bay (CVE-68) Air Squadron VC-3
- USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) Air Squadron VC-76
- USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82) Air Squadron VC-78
USN Task Unit 32.7.3 CarDiv26:
- USS White Plains (CVE-66) Air Squadron VC-4)
- USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) Air Squadron VC-5)
- USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) Air Squadron VC-10)
USN Raid on Okinawa (10 or 12 October 1944) USN Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (/Halsey)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Task Group 38.1, 38.3
RN Aerial minelaying and shipping strikes on Norwegian Coast (13–16 October 1944) Operation LYCIDAS
RN Force 9:
- HMS Fencer (CVE-14/D64)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
RN Escort for Russian Convoy JW61 (22–28 October 1944) Operation TRIAL No merchant ship losses.
RN:
- HMS Nairana (CVE/D05)
- HMS Tracker (CVE/BAVG-6/D24)
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15)
RN Escort for Russian convoy JW RA61 and RA61 to/from Kola Inlet (23 Oct – 7 November 1944)
RN:
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15) Air Squadron 811
- HMS Niarana (CVE/D05)
- HMS Tracker (CVE/BAVG-6/D24)
RN Aerial minelaying and airfield strikes on Norwegian Coast (23–24 October 1944) Operation HARDY
RN Force 2:
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Campania (CVE/D48)
USN Raids on Buka Island, Bonis, and Rabaul (1–5 November 1943) USN Task Force 38:
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Princeton (CVL-23)
USN Raid on Formosa (12? October 1944) US Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (/Halsey)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
38.1 strike S Formosa 38.2 38.3
USN Raid on Philippines (10 to? 20 October 1944) US Task Force 38/3rd Fleet? (/Halsey)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
38.4 strike Aparri 38.2 + 38.3 Franklin damaged? 38.4 strike Legaspi and Clark Field, Luzon 38.1 + 38.4 strike Manila area:
[Layte not yet organized] [USN Task Group 30.3:] [CTF VAdm Mitscher, from 10/30 VAdm McCain] 19 Oct 8.1 + 38.4 proceed south to provide direct support for the landings at Leyte 38.1 – Cowpens+Cabot rejoined after covering retreat of "CripDiv1" – TU 30.3.1 21 Oct 38.2 strike Panay, Cebu, Negros, and Masbate 38.3 strike Visajans airfields – 200 miles NE of San Bernardino Straits 23 Oct Bunker Hill detached for overhaul 38.2 44/10/24 8 CV, 8 CVL, 6 BB, 15 CA(L), 58 DD 24 Oct x Sibuyan Sea 38.2, 38.3, 38.4 attacking Central Force 24 Oct 38.3 attacked by aircraft: Princeton disabled by dive bomber 38.4 off Leyte Gulf
USN/IJN Battle of Leyte Gulf and Invasion of the Philippines (20–26 October 1944) USN Operation King II; IJN Operation SHO-GO Note: First use of kamikazes and last battle between battleships. US Task Force 38/3rd Fleet (Halsey/McCain)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Intrepid (CV-11)
- USS Franklin (CV-13)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
- [8 CV, 8 CVL, 18 CVE per wiki]
IJN Mobile Fleet, Third Fleet CarDiv 3- "decoy fleet" (Ozawa) (Battle off Cape Engaño 25–26 October 1944)
- IJN Zuihō (CVL) sunk by bombs and aerial torpedoes
- IJN Zuikaku (CV) sunk by bombs and aerial torpedoes
- IJN Chiyoda (CVL) sunk by bombs and cruiser gunfire
- IJN Chitose (CVL) sunk by bombs or aerial torpedoes
- IJN Hyuga (BBV) damaged by near-missed bombs
- IJN Ise (BBV)
IJN Transport of Aviation Materials to Formosa (25 October 1944)
- IJN Ryuho (CVL)
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE)
USN Task Force 30- Leyte Landing (Oct – November 1944) [25 Oct TG 30.3 "DuBose Grip" created; TU 30.3.1 – "Crippled Division 1" ]
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
USN Task Group 30.7- Hunter Killer Group:
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) Squadron VC-82
USN Task Group 30.8- At Sea Logistics Group:
- USS Nassau (CVE-16)
- USS Altamaha (CVE-18)
- USS Barnes (CVE-20)
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74)
- USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81)
- USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83)
- USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85)
- USS Sitkoh Bay CVE-86)
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87)
- USS Cape Esperance (CVE-88)
- USS Kwajalein (CVE-98)
IJN Transport of Battleship Ammunition to Borneo and Suicide Subs and troops to the Philippines (30 Oct – 9 November 1944)
- IJN Junyo (CVL) transported supplies
- IJN Shinyo (CVE) provided air cover for part of return trip
USN Raids on Philippines (Nov – December 1944) US Task Force 38/3rd Fleet (Halsey/McCain) 44/11/05 off Polilo – strike Luzon, Mindoro, Manila Bay, Lingayen Gulf 38.1 – Wasp II new FF – strike Santa Cruz 38.2 – strike Luzon, Wedderburn detached to Ulithi for repairs 38.3 100 miles E of Luzon (16-17N, 123-38E) – attacked by kami. – damaged Lexington (16-20N, 123-59E) 38.1+38.3 strike Manila Bay: 6 NOV strike Luzon, Mindoro, Manila Bay, Lingayen Gulf, 44/11/11 38.1, 38.3, 38.4 strike reinforcement convoy (Operation "TA-3") heading to Ormoc Bay: 44/11/13 38.1, 38.3, 38.4 strike central and southern Luzon – primary target = ships that would reinforce Leyte: 44/11/14 38.1, 38.4 strike Luzon 44/11/25 strike Luzon: 38.2+38.3 strike "TA-5" convoys: 38.2 – Intrepid damaged by kamikaze (15-47N, 123-14E), Independence by aircraft landing accident (15-47N, 124-14E) Intrepid sinking APA T-6, T-10, damaging T-9 and Take at Balanacan Harbor, Marinduque Island (13-25N, 121-55E) 38.3 -kami – damage Essex (15-47N, 123-14E) Ticondegaga sinking Kumano in Dasol Bay, Luzon (15-45N, 119-48E) Essex and Langley sinking Jasoshima (15-45N, 119-45E) and landing ships T-112, T-142, T-161 (15-40N,191-45E) SW of Santa Cruz, Luzon Essex and Langley sinking AK Mane; 13–16 Dec strikes on Luzan; 38.2 – Hornet II. sinking landing ship ;
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9) hit by kamikaze but remained on front lines
RN Russian Convoy to/from Murmansk (2–17 November 1944) Operation GOLDEN; Return convoys RA61A;
RN:
- HMS Campania (D48)
USN At Leyte Gulf (10–23 November 1944) Operation KING II Task Force 77: Task Group 77.4:
- USS Bismarck Sea 14–23 Nov
- USS Makin Island 10-? Nov
RN Strikes on German shipping off ListerfJord, Norway (12 November 1944) Operation COUNTERBLAST
RN:
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D-73)
RN Strikes on German shipping at Trondheim and Titran, Norway (14 November 1944) Operation STEAK
RN:
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D-73)
RN Aerial minelaying at Kara Sound and Salhusstrommen, Norway (20 November 1944) Operation HARDFAST
RN Force 3:
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D73)
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
RN Raids on German shipping between Mosjoen and Rorvik, Norway (26 November 1944) Operation PROVIDENT
RN:
- HMS Implacable (CV/86)
- HMS Pursuer (CVE- ) returned early due to weather conditions
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23) returned early due to weather conditions
USN Task Force 30?- Strikes on Luzon and Mindoro Landing (25 Nov – December 1944) USN Operation "Love III" USN Task Force 38 (Dec 1944) [Mindoro Landings- Opn Love III] (Halsey/McCain) USN Task Group 38.1:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Wasp (CV-18)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Group 38.2:
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Hancock (CV-19)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
USN Task Group 38.3:
- USS Essex (CV-9) [ALSO IN TG 38.1??]
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) [ALSO IN TG 38.1??]
- USS Langley (CVL-27) [ALSO IN TG 38.1??]
USN Task Group 30.7- Antisubmarine Warfare Group:
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) Squadron VC-82
USN Task Group 30.8- At Sea Logistical Group:
- USS Altamaha (CVE-18) Damaged in Typhoon "Cobra" (18 December 1944)
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74) Damaged in Typhoon "Cobra" (18 December 1944)
- USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81)
- USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85) replacement planes
- USS Cape Esperance (CVE-88) Damaged in Typhoon "Cobra" (18 December 1944)
- USS Kwajalein (CVE-98)
USN Raid on Yap (Nov 1944)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
IJN Transport of Suicide Aircraft and Subs to Inland Sea (28–29 November 1944)
- IJN Shinano (CV) sunk by torpedoes from USS Archerfish
IJN Transport and Convoy Escort to and from Singapore (25 November 1944 – 13 January 1945) Note: Convoys include HI-83 and HI-84. IJN:
- IJN Kayio (CVE) convoys attached by USN submarines
RN Escort for Russian Convoys to/from Kola Inlet (1–19 December 1944) Operation ACUMEN; JW62 and RA62; group sank U-387 and U-365
RN:
- HMS Nairana (CVE/D05)
- HMS Campania (CVE/D48) aircraft sank U-365
RN Aerial minelaying and shipping strikes on Norwegian Coast (6–10 December 1944) Operation URBANE
RN Force 1:
- HMS Implacable (CV/86)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
RN Aerial minelaying and shipping strikes on Norwegian Coast (14–17 December 1944) Operation LACERATE
RN Force 2:
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
USN Invasion of Luzon at Lingayen Gulf (Dec 1944)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
IJN Transport of Suicide Aircraft to Philippines (Dec 1944)
- IJN Unryu (CV) sunk by torpedoes from USS Redfish
IJN Transport of Suicide Aircraft to Formosa
- IJN Ryuho (CVL)
USN Experience with Typhon "Cobra" (18 December 1944) [typhoon "Cobra" – sunk Spence, damaged Cowpens, Monterey, Cabot, San Jacinto, Miami, Buchanan, Dyson, Hickox, Benham II]
USN Task Force 30- Luzon Landing (Dec 1944 – January 1945) USN Task Group 30.7- Hunter Killer Group:
- USS Anzio (CVE-57)
USN Task Group 30.8- 3rd Fleet Logistical Group:
- USS Altamaha (CVE-18)
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74)
- USS Shipley Bay
- USS Kwajalein (CVE-98)
USN Raids on Formosa (Dec 1944 – February 1945) USN ?
- USS Essex (CV-9)
IJN ?
- IJN Ryuho (CVL) came under TFB attack by USN
USN Raids on Sakishima Island Group (Dec 1944 – February 1945)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Raids on Okinawa (Dec 1944 – February 1945)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
1945
Information for this section was obtained from online ship histories, principally from the following sources:
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships[13]
- Royal and Dominion Navy Warships[14]
- Imperial Japanese Navy Page[15]
- Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945[16]
- World War II Database[17]
RN Escort for Russian convoy JW63 and RA63 to/from Kola Inlet (1–21 January 1944)
RN:
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15) Air Squadron 825
USN Raids- "MIKE I?." – Luzon Landing at Lingayen Gulf & Operation GRATITUDE (Indochina strikes?)] 1–25 January 1945 MORE ON THIS RE TF-38
USN Task Force 77: USN Task Group 77.14 Created 17 Jan: [8 CVE?]
- USS Wake island (CVE-
- USS Hoggatt Bay (CVE- damaged in accidental explosion
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-
- USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-
- USS Lunga Point (CVE-
- USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) Hit by kamikaze and scuttled 4 January 1945
USN Task Group 77.4 (Stump) Reformed from 17 January 1945:
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-
- USS Marcus Island (CVE-
- USS Savo Island (CVE-
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-
- USS Petrof Bay (CVE-
- USS Tulagi (CVE-
USN Task Group 77.5 aka Task Unit 77.4.1 (Cronin) Hunter – Killer Group:
- USS Tulagi(CVE-) VC-92
[Salamaua ?]
USN Night Raids on Indochina, Formosa, Hong Kong, and Okinawa (10–25 January 1945) Note: Also attacked shipping. USN Task Force 5/Task Group 38.5: [???]
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
RN Minelaying and anti-shipping strikes on Norwegian Coast (11–13 January 1945) Operations SPELLBINDER and GRATIS.
RN Force 3:
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
RN Escort for Russian convoy JW66 and RA66 to/from Kola Inlet (18 Apr – 6 May 1945)
RN:
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15) Air Squadron 813
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
RN night air attacks on shipping off Vaagso, Norway (24–30 January 1945) Operation WINDED
RN:
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
- HMS Campania (CVE/D48)
- HMS Nairana (CVE/D05)
RN Raid on Palembang, Sumatra (24 & 29 January 1945) Reduced fuel outputs of plants at Palembang by 75%, Operation MERIDIAN
RN British Pacific Fleet: RN Force 63: • HMS Illustrious (CV) • HMS Indefatigable (CV) • HMS Indomitable (CV) • HMS Victorious (CV)
RN Landings on Cheduba Island, Burma (25 January 1945) Operation SANKEY
RN Force 64?:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-01)
RN Convoy Escort for Convoys to/from Kola Inlet (6–27 February 1945) Operation HOTBED; Convoys JW64 and RA64; experienced extreme weather condition;
RN:
- HMS Narana (CVE/D05)
- HMS Campania (CVE/D48) Air Squadron 813
RN Aerial minlaying at Skatestrommen, Norway (11–13 February 1945) Operation SELENIUM
RN Force 2:
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
- HMS Puncher (CVE-53
USN Raids on Tokyo (16–17 February 1945) Task Force 58 (Spruance/Mitscher):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- 11 fleet carriers
- 5 light carriers
USN Raids on Tokyo (16–26 Feb – 1944) Operation JAMBOREE USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): 45/02/16 strike Tokyo area – start operation 45/02/17 strike Tokio, Jokohama – Tachikawa motor factory, Kasumigaura 45/02/21 strike Tokio 45/02/24 strike Tokio 45/02/25 strike Tokio 45/02/26 strike Tokio, Hacino Is., Nagoja 45/03/03 58.5 strike Cicijima WHICH CARRIERS? SAME ONES SUPPORTING IWO JIMA INVASION?
Invasion of Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima (19 Feb – 26 March 1945) USN Operation DETACHMENT USN Task Force 58/Fifth Fleet ((Mitscher/Spruance): USN Task Group 58.1: USN Task Unit 58.1.1? – Carrier Unit ComCarDiv5:
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Wasp (CV-18) CVG-81
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) CVG-30
USN Task Group 58.2: USN Task Unit 58.2.? – Carrier Unit
- USS Lexington (CV-16) CVG-9
- USS Hancock (CV-19) CVG-80
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG(N)-90: From 21 Feb
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-3)
USN Task Group 58.3: USN Task Unit 58.3.? – Carrier Unit:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) From 15 Feb
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Task Group 58.4: USN Task Unit 58.4.? – Carrier Unit:
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Randolph (CV-15) CVG-12
- USS Langley (CVL-27) Damaged by bomb 21 Feb
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
USN Task Group 58.5:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) CVG(N)-90; ADDED 23 FEB [DOUBLE COUNTED?]
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) damaged by 7 bombs from land-based aircraft
USN Task Force 50: USN Task Group 50.7 – Antisubmarine Group USN Task Unit 50.7.1
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-82
USN Task Unit 50.7.3:
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72) Air Squadron VC-92; Replenishment Aircraft for TG-52.2 and TG-58
USN Task Group 50.8 – At Sea Logistic Support Group Replenishment ships:
- USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE-86)
- USS Windham Bay (CVE-92)
- USS Admiralty Islands (CVE-99) 16 Feb – 2 Mar
- USS Bougainville (CVE-100)
- USS Attu (CVE-102)
Covering ships:
- USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84)
- USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91)
USN Task Group 52.2 – Support Carrier Group (Durgin): USN Task Unit 52.2.1 CarDiv26 (Sprague):
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) VC-81
- USS Wake Island (CVE-65) VOC-1
- USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) VC-76)
- USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) VC-83
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) VC-90
USN Task Unit 52.2.2 CarDiv29 (Durgin):
- USS Makin Island (CVE-93) VC-84
- USS Lunga Point (CVE-94) VC-85
- USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95 VC-86
USN Task Unit 52.2.3 Cardiv25 (Henderson):
- USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81) VC-77
- USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82) VC-88
WATCH OUT FOR DOUBLE COUNTING USN Task Unit 52.2.3 from 45/03/08:
- USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82) VC-88)
- USS Wake Island (CVE-65) VOC-1
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72) VC-92
USN Task Unit 52.2.4 (Moebus) – attached 45/02/21
- USS Saratoga (CV-3) until 22 Feb
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) from 22 Feb
RN 30th Aircraft Carrier Squadron at Sydney, Australia for service in Fleet Train (as of 22 February 1945)
RN Task Force 112:
- HMS Slinger (CVE-32/D26/R313)
- HMS Speaker (CVE-40/D90/R314)
- HMS Ruler (CVE-50/D-72/A731))
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D12)
- HMS Chaser (CVE-10/D32)
RN aerial minelaying and air strikes at Karm Sound, Norway (22 February 1945) Operation GROUNDSHEET
RN Force 4:
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
- HMS Puncher (CVE-53
RN Photo-reconnaissance flights over Malaya (26 Feb – 7 March 1945) Operation STACEY
RN Force 64:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-01)
- HMS Empress (CVE-38/D42)
RN Operations Clearing the Indian Ocean (Mar – September 1945) Operations DRACULA, DUKEDOM, COLLIE, ZIPPER, JURIST
RN Eastern Fleet/Force 61/East Indies Fleet (21st Aircraft Carrier Squadron) based at Trincomalee as of 7 July 1945:
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98/R307)
- HMS Begum (CVE-36/D38/R305)
- HMS Empress (CVE-38/D42)
- HMS Shah (CVE-43/D21/R312)
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D01/R302)
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
- HMS Slinger (CVE-32/D26/R313)
- HMS Speaker (CVE-40/D90/R314)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02)
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D73)
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D40)
- HMS Smiter (CVE-52/D55/R321)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D91)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09/R318)
USN Raids on Okinawa (1 Mar – ? 1945)
USN Task Force 58
RN Escort for Russian Convoys JW65 and RA65 (15–30 March 1945) Operation SCOTTISH
RN:
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
- HMS Campania (CVE/D48) Air Squadron 825
USN Raids on Kyushu and Inland Sea (16–19 March 1945) UNS Task Force 58 (Spruance/Mitscher) Note: First USN attacks on Inland Sea area, by at least 240 USN aircraft, was made on 19 March 1945. Note: " Task Groups 58.1, 58.3 and 58.4 were to attack Kure, and Task Group 58.2 was to strike Kobe."
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) light damage
- USS Intrepid (CV-11) light damage [HMS???]
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) damaged by a bomb
- USS Wasp (CV-18) damaged by a bomb
- USS Franklin (CV-13) damaged by two bombs
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- 15 carriers total in 4 task groups
IJN:
- IJN Amagi (CV) damaged by bombs while at anchor in the Inland Sea
- IJN Katsuragi (CV) damaged by bombs while at anchor in the Inland Sea
- IJN Ryuho (CVL) damaged by bombs and rockets
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE) damaged by a bomb
- IJN Hyuga (BBV)
- IJN ISE (BBV)
RN aerial minelaying and air strikes at Askevold, Norway (20–21 March 1945) Operation CUPOLA
RN Force 1:
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
- HMS Seacher (CVE-22/D40)
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320)
RN Raids on Shipping off Trondheim and Alesund, Norway (26–29 March 1945) Operation PREFIX
RN:
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320)
- HMS Nairana (CVE/D05)
- HMS Puncher (CVE-53/D79)
RN air attack on U-Boat Depot Ships at Kilbotn (6 April 1945) Operation NEWMARKET
RN:
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320)
- HMS Puncher (CVE-53/D79)
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D-40)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09/R318)
RN photo-reconnaissance flights and strikes on Sumatra(14–16 April 1945) Operation SUNFISH
RN Force 63, Group 2 of Eastern Fleet:
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
RN Russian Convoy Escort for JW66 and RA66(18-2 April 1945) Operations ROUNDEL and TRAMMEL; last set of Russian Convoys
RN:
- HMS Premier (CVE-42/D23)
- HMS Vindex (CVE/D15)
RN Raid on Nicobar and Port Blair in the Andamans, to provide cover for landings at Rangoon (27–30 April 1945) Operation BISHOP
RN Task Force 63:
- HMS Empress (CVE-38/D42)
- HMS Shah (CVE-43/D21)
USN Invasion of Okinawa (before 7 April 1945) USN Operation ICEBERG (Halsey?/Mitscher) USN Task Force 58 (Mitscher):
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
USN Task Group 58.1 (Clark):
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Wasp (CV-18) Until 19 March
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Group 58.2 (Davison) Disjoined 20 March to 8 April 1945
- USS Franklin (CV-13) Until 19 March
- USS Randolph (CV-15)
USN Task Group 58.3 (Sherman):
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
- USS Hancock (CV-19) Until 9 April
- USS Bataan (CVL-29)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28) Until ? May
USN Task Group 58.4 (Radford):
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) Until 18 March then from 5–8 April
- USS Yorktown (CV-10) CVG-9
- USS Intrepid (CV-11) CVG-10
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
[WHAT ABOUT CVEs??]
USN Invasion of Okinawa (after 7 April 1945 and until 25 May 1945 TF-58?) USN Operation ICEBERG (Halsey?/Mitscher) USN Task Force 58 (Mitscher): USN Task Group 58.1 (Clark):
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Group 58.2 (Davison) Disjoined 16 April
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) April 18-10?
- USS Randolph (CV-15)
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
USN Task Group 58.3 (Sherman): USN Task Unit 58.3.1 – Carrier Unit
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) Until 11 May
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) April 18-10? 04/10-04/14, 05/06-05/16??
- USS Randolph (CV-15) From 16 April
- USS Bataan (CVL-29) Detaches 17–2 April
- USS Langley (CVL-27) 10–11 May
- USS Monterey (CVL-26) 12–28 May
USN Task Unit 58.3.10 9–11 April:
- USS Hancock (CV-19)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
USN Task Group 58.4 (Radford)
- USS Intrepid (CV-11)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)K From 10 April
- USS Shangri-La (CV-38) From 24 April
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) CVG-87 From 22 May
- USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) From 6 June
- USS Langley (CVL-27)
- USS Independence (CVL-22) From 16 April
[WHAT ABOUT CVEs??] [45/05/28 TF 58 > TF 38]
USN Invasion of Okinawa (After 28 May 1945 to TF 38) 1 Apr – 22 June 1945) USN Operation ICEBERG USN Task Force 38:
- USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) From 6 June
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
USN Task Group 38.1:
- USS Hornet (CV-12)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Group 38.3:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
USN Task Group 38.4:
- USS Shangri-La (CV-38)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
USN Task Force 30- Okinawa Covering Force (28 May – 17 June 1945) USN Task Group 30.7- Antisubmarine Warfare Group:
- USS Anzio (CVE-57)
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72)
USN Task Group 30.8- Logistic Support Group (ServRon6):
- USS Block Island (CVE-21) until 16 June
- USS Windham Bay (CVE-92)
- USS Salamaua (CVE-96) 4–6 June
- USS Admiralty Islands (CVE-99) until 15 June
- USS Bougainville (CVE-100)
USN Task Force 32: USN Task Group 32.1 – Support Carrier Group
- USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) From 2 June
- USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85) 6–22 June
- USS Salamaua (CVE-96) Until 4 June
USN Task Unit 32.1.1:
- USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) From 31 May
- USS Makin Island (CVE-93) Until 1 June
- USS Lunga Point (CVE-94)
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62)
USN Task Unit 32.1.3:
- USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107) Until 16 June
- USS Hoggatt Bay (CVE-75)
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) Air Squadron VC-93; 15–22 June
- USS Block Island (CVE-106)
USN Task Group 50.7 – Antisubmarine Warfare Group
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) 22 Mar – 30 April 1945 & from 21 May 1945
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72)
USN Task Group 50.8 – At Sea Logistic Support Group (ServRon6): [DUPLICATION WITH TASK FORCE 30 AND THEIR GROUPS. NEED TO SORT THIS OUT.]
- USS Savo Island (CVE-78) 7–16 Apr
- USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81) 17–27 Apr; Attached from 52.1 7 Apr
USN Task Unit 50.8.4 – CVE Plane Transport Unit
- USS Windham Bay (CVE-92)
- USS Admiralty Islands (CVE-99)
- USS Bougainville (CVE- 100)
- USS Attu (CVE-102)
USN Task Unit 50.8.13:
- USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) Detached to 52.1.1 7 Apr; Air Squadron VC-94
Task Unit 50.8.23:
- USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91) Detached 7 Apr to 52.1.2; Air Squadron VC-97
Task Unit 52.1.1
- USS Makin Island (CVE-93) Air Squadron VC-84
- USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70) Air Squadron VOC-2
- USS Lunga Point (CVE-94) Air Squadron VC-85
- USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) Air Squadron VC-9; Detached 17 Apr – 8 May
- USS Savo Island (CVE-78) Air Squadron VC-91; Detached to 50.8 on 7 Apr
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) Air Squadron VC-90
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) Air Squadron VC-13); Antisubmarine Warfare
- USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) Air Squadron VC-94; 04/07; Attached 7 Apr from TG-50.8
- USS Hoggatt Bay (CVE-75) Joined 8 May
Task Unit 52.1.2 ComCarDiv24:
- USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) Air Squadron VC-87) Until 29 Apr
- USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82) Air Squadron VC-88)
- USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) Air Squadron VC-83; Detached to TG-50.8 7–18 Apr
- USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) Air Squadron VC-93
- USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81) Air Squadron VC-96; Detached to TG-50.8 17–27 Apr
- USS Wake Island (CVE-65) Air Squadron VOC-1 Until 3 Apr
- USS Tulagi (CVE-72) Air Squadron VC-92; Antisubmarine Warfare
- USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91) Attached 7 Apr – 7 May
Task Unit 52.1.3 ComCarDiv22:
- USS Suwannee (CVE-27) CVEG-40: Air Squadrons VF-40, VT-40
- USS Sangamon (CVE-26) CVEG-33: Air Squadrons VF-33, VT-33
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) CVEG-25: Air Squadrons VF-25, VT-25
- USS Santee (CVE-29) CVEG-24: Air Squadrons VF-24, VT-24
- USS Block Island (CVE-21) (MCVG-1: VMF-511, VMTB-233) from 5 May
- USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107) (MCVG-2: VMF-512, VMTB-143) from 21 May
USN SpecEscCarGrp – Special Escort Carrier Group [TF?] Transported 192 F4Us and 30 F6Fs of MAG-31 & MAG-33:
- USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE-86) Transported Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31)
- USS Breton (CVE-23) Transported Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31)
- USS Hollandia (CVE-97) Transported Marine Aviation Training Support Group 33 (MAG-33)
- USS White Plains (CVE-66) Transported Marine Aviation Training Support Group 33 (MAG-33)
RN British Pacific Fleet Strikes on Sakishima Islands, Ishigaki Island, and Formosa (Apr – May 1945) Operation ICEBERG Task Force 57 (Apr – May 1945): USN Task Group 57.2 CarRon1
- HMS Indomitable (CV-92); Hit by kamikaze 4 May
- HMS Victorious (CV-38); Hit by kamikaze 9 May
- HMS Indefatigable (CV-R10) Hit by kamikaze 1 Apr
- HMS Illustrious (CV-87) From 15 Apr
- HMS Formidable (CV-67) From 15 Apr; Hit by kamikaze 4 May and 9 May
[45/05/28 TF 57 > TF 37]
RN British Pacific Fleet Logistical Support (May 1945) Operation ICEBERG I Task Force 112- Fleet Train supporting Task Force 57 (Fisher)
- HMS Chaser (CVE-10/D32)
- HMS Fencer (CVE-14/D64)
- HMS Ruler (CVE-50/D72/A731) Air Squadron 885?
- HMS Slinger (CVE-32/D26)
Task Group 112.2: Task Unit 112.2.1 17 Apr:
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D12)
Task Unit 112.2.5 45/04/17:
- HMS Speaker (CVE-40/D90/R314) provided air cover for ships of BPF and Fleet Train during replenishment
Task Unit 112.2.6: HMS Indefatigable (CV- 19–20 July HMS Arbiter (CVE HMS Striker (CVE [DOUBLE COUNTED?]
[MORE MISC INFO ON OPERATION ICEBERG TO BE INTEGRATED ABOVE] [USN/RN Invasion of Okinawa (1 Apr – 22 June) USN Operation ICEBERG 12 ships lost to kamikaze attacks USN Fifth Fleet: USN Task Force 50: USN Task Force 58: (took part in all USN battles during the last two years of the war) 11 fleet carriers, 6 light carriers, 22 escort carriers USN/RN Task Force 57 (BPF): 5 fleet carriers] [WHAT IS ICEBERG II VS ICEBERG I??]
RN Raids on shipping and U-boat base at Kilbotn, Norway (4 May 1945) Operation JUDGMENT (1945) Last offensive operation by Home Fleet during the war; submarine Depot Ship and U-711 sunk, the last U-Boat sunk by aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm aircraft during the war.
RN Home Fleet Task Force:
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D40)
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
RN at Copenhagen for Surrender of German Warships (9 May 1945) Operation CLEAVER
RN:
- HMS Searcher (CVE-22/D40)
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320)
- HMS Trumpeter (CVE-37/D09)
RN intercept Japanese craft evacuating troops from Andaman Islands (10–19 May 1945) Operation DUKEDOM
RN Force 61:
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-
- HMS Shah (CVE-
- HMS Emperor (CVE-
RN Escort for Russian convoy JW67 and RA67 to/from Kola Inlet (12–30 May 1944) Operation TIMELESS; last set of Russian convoys;
RN 4th Escort Group:
- HMS Queen (CVE-49/D19/R320) Air Squadron 853
RN patrol for Japanese warships in Indian Ocean (14–16 May) Operation MITRE; destroyers from group sank cruiser IJN Haguro
RN:
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98/R307) Air Squadron 851
USN ?
USN Task Force?:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6) damaged by kamikazes twice
- USS Essex (CV-9)
RN aircraft transport from India to Cylon (June – July 1945)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02)
USN Raids on Kyushu (2–8 June 1945) USN Operation Iceberg USN Task Force 38 (Halsey/McCain): USN:
- USS
USN caught in typhoon (4 June 1945)
USN: Hornet (22-54N, 132-25E), Bennington (23-03N, 132-04E), Belleau Wood (22-45N, 132-10E), San Jacinto (22-53N, 131-55E)
RN Raid on Truk (14–15 June 1945) Operation INMATE Task Force 111: Task Group 111.2 (Brind)
- HMS Implacable (CV/86)
- HMS Ruler (CVE-50/D72/A731)
RN Reconnaissance missions over southern Malaya and attacks on airfields in northern Sumatra. (14–20 June 1945) Operation BALSAM
RN Force 63 (Oliver):
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D01)
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D12)
USN Raid (6th) on Wake Island (20 June 1945) USN Task Force 12, Task Group 12.4:
- USS Hancock (CV-19)
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Raids on Home Islands (July – August 1945)
- USS Wasp (CV-18) From 26 July
- USS Independence (CVL-22)
USN Task Group 38.1:
- USS Lexington (CV-16)
- USS Hancock (CV-19)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
- USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Group 38.2:
- ?
USN Task Group 38.3:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
- USS Randolph (CV-15)
- USS Monterey (CVL-26)
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
- USS Bataan (CVL-29)
USN Task Group 38.4:
- USS Essex (CV-9) From 20 Aug
- USS Shangri-La (CV-38)
- USS Yorktown (CV-10)
- USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31)
- USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
USN Task Group 38.5 – 45/08/13 – British Pacific Fleet
- HMS Indefatigable (R10) [DOUBLE COUNTED? SEE TF-37, BELOW]
[SEE MORE INFO RE SPECIFIC RAIDS AT valka.] USN Task Force 37- The British Pacific Fleet (July – August 1945):
- HMS Formidable (67) Air Squadrons 1841, 1842, 1848, and 848.
- HMS Victorious (38) Air Squadrons 1834, 1836, and 849.
- HMS Indefatigable (R10) Air Squadrons 887, 894, 1772, and 820.
- HMS Implacable (86) Air Squadrons 801, 880, 1771, and 828.
USN Task Force 30: USN Task Group 30.7- Antisubmarine Warfare Group:
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) Squadron VC-13
USN Task Group 30.8- Third Fleet Logistical Group:
- USS Chenango (CVE-28) 26 July – ?
- USS Anzio (CVE-57) 6 July – 19 Aug
- USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) Until 15 Aug
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74)
- USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE-86) 25 Aug – 5 Sept
- USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) 3 July – 21 July
- USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90)
- USS Hollandia (CVE-97)
- USS Admiralty Islands (CVE-99) 29 June – 21 July)
- USS Roi (CVE-103)
- USS Munda (CVE-104) From 20 July
- USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107)
RN BPF RAIDS ON HOME ISLANDS??
RN Replacement carriers supporting BPF operations off Japan (20 July – 13 August 1945)
RN:
- HMS Striker (CVE-19/D12)
- HMS Ruler (CVE-50/D72/A731)
- HMS Speaker (CVE-40/D90/R314)
- HMS Arbiter (CVE-51/D31/R303)
- HMS Chaser (CVE-10/D32)
RN cover for a major minesweeping operation off Nicobar and to carry out attacks by embarked aircraft on airfields in North Sumatra (2 July 1945) Operation COLLIE
RN Force 61:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-01)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D-98)
RN air cover and strikes during bombardments Nicobar Islands (9–10 July)
RN Force 61?:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-01)
USN Raid on Tokyo (10 July 1945) USN Task Force 38 (Halsey/McCain) ~1,000 aircraft:
- 9 fleet carriers
- 6 light carriers
USN Raids on Hokkaido and Northern Honshu (14–15 July 1945) USN Task Force 38 (Halsey/McCain)
USN & RN Raid on Yokosuka (17–18 July 1945) USN Task Force 38 (Halsey/McCain)
- ?
USN Task Force 37 British Pacific Fleet:
- HMS Formidable (67) Air Squadrons 1841, 1842, 1848, and 848.
- HMS Victorious (38) Air Squadrons 1834, 1836, and 849.
- HMS Indefatigable (R10) Air Squadrons 887, 894, 1772, and 820.
- HMS Implacable (86) Air Squadrons 801, 880, 1771, and 828.
USN & RN Raids on Kure and the Inland Sea Area (24–28 July 1945) USN Task Force 38 (Halsey/McCain) attacked Kure:
- USS Essex (CV-9)
- USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
- USS Randolf (CV-15)
- USS Hancock (CV-19)
- USS Bennington (CV-20)
- USS Monterey (CV-26)
- USS Bataan (CVL-29)
- USS Jacinto (CVL-30)
USN Task Force 37 (British Pacific Fleet) attacked Kure:
- HMS Formidable (67) Air Squadrons 1841, 1842, 1848, and 848.
- HMS Victorious (38) Air Squadrons 1834, 1836, and 849.
- HMS Indefatigable (R10) Air Squadrons 887, 894, 1772, and 820.
- HMS Implacable (86) Air Squadrons 801, 880, 1771, and 828.
RN Task Force 57 (admiral?) attacked Osaka:
- HMS Formidable (67)
- HMS Indefatigable (R10)
- HMS Victorious (R38)
IJN:
- IJN Amagi (CV) damaged by bombs while at anchor in the Inland Sea
- IJN Katsuragi (CV) damaged by bombs while at anchor in the Inland Sea
- IJN Ryūhō (CVL)
- IJN Kaiyo (CVE) damaged
- IJN Hyūga (BBV) damaged
- IJN Ise (BBV) damaged
["Sank one carrier"(?)]
RN air strikes on airfields at Kota Raja and Lho Nga, NW Sumatra. (11 July 1945)
RN Force 61?:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-73)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98)
RN cover minesweeping operation off Phuket Island on Kra Isthmus. (19–26 July 1945) Operation LIVERY last offensive operation by the East Indies Fleet during the war
RN Force 63:
- HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D-73)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98)
USN Raid (7th) on Wake Island (1 August 1945)
USN Task Force 12, Task Group 12.3:
- USS Cabot (CVL-28)
USN Raid on Tokyo (13–15 August 1945) USN Task Force 38 (Spurance/Mitscher)
USN Task Force 44-Northern Honshu & Hokkaido Surrender Force (Aug 1945):
- USS Manila Bay (CVE-61)
- USS Fanshaw Bay (CVE-70)
- USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71)
- USS Nehenta Bay (CVE-74)
- USS Hoggatt Bay (CVE-75)
- USS Savo Island (CVE-78) From 15 Aug
RN landings in Malaya (28 Aug – 3 September 1945) Operation JURIST part of Operation ZIPPER
RN (Walker):
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMs Stalker (CVE-15/D91)
- HMS Archer (CVE/BAVG-1/D78)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98/R307)
- HMS Pursuer (CVE-17/D73)
USN Occupation Duty (Sept 1945) Task Force 72:
- CarDiv 5
RN Landings at Singapore () Operation TIDERACE part of Operation ZIPPER
RN:
- HMS HMS Ameer (CVE-35/D01/R302)
- HMS Attacker (CVE-7/D02)
- HMS Emperor (CVE-34/D98/R307)
- HMS Empress (CVE-38/D42)
- HMS Hunter (CVE-8/D80)
- HMS Khedive (CVE-39/D62)
- HMS Stalker (CVE-15/D91)
USN Returning Servicemen Home (after September 1945) USN Operation Magic Carpet
- USS Saratoga (CV-3)
- USS Enterprise (CV-6)
IJN Returning Servicemen Home'
- IJN Hōshō (CVL)
- IJN Katsuragi (CV)
Footnotes
- ^ Britain and America shipped war-sustaining goods to the Soviet Union via Arctic Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Pacific Ocean routes.
References
- ^ Mawdsley, Evan (2019). The War For The Seas- A Maritime History of World War II. London: Yale University Press. p. 478. ISBN 978-0-300-19019-9.
- ^ Overy, p. 61
- ^ Symonds, p. 641
- ^ Overy, 1995 p18-19
- ^ Overy p. 19, 254, 321
- ^ Mawdsley, p.478
- ^ Baranov, Sergey (14 Mar 2018). "Lend-Lease: How American supplies aided the USSR in its darkest hour". Russia. Science & Tech. Retrieved 29 Aug 2019.
- ^ Hill, Alexander (July 2008). "Did Russia Really Go It Alone- How Lend-Lease Helped The Soviets Defeat The Germans". History.net. Retrieved 28 Aug 2019.
- ^ Toland, John (1965). The Last 100 Days. New York, NY & Toronto, Canada: Bantam Books. p. 102. ISBN 0-553-34208-8.
- ^ Symonds, WWII at Sea, p. xi-xii
- ^ Mawdsley, page=xxxix, 477
- ^ Symonds, p. 268
- ^ a b c d e "DANFS Aircraft Carriers", DANFS Online: Aircraft Carriers, retrieved 30 September 2020
- ^ a b c d e Tully, Anthony, "Kido Butai", Imperial Japanese Navy Page, retrieved 30 Sep 2020
- ^ a b c d e "Ships Index", Naval War In The Pacific 1941–1945, retrieved 30 Sep 2020
- ^ a b c d e World War II Database, Lava Development, 2019, retrieved 4 April 2019
- ^ Yarnall, Paul R (2010). "Locations Of Warships Of The United States Navy December 7 1941". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 30 Sep 2020.
- Overy, Richard (1995). Why The Allies Won. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-03925-0.