USS Marcus Island: Difference between revisions
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*'''CVHE-77''' (1955–59) |
*'''CVHE-77''' (1955–59) |
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*'''AKV-27''' (1959–60) |
*'''AKV-27''' (1959–60) |
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|Ship ordered=as a [[Casablanca-class escort carrier|Type S4-S2-BB3]] hull, [[Maritime Commission|MC]] hull 1114 |
|Ship ordered=as a [[Casablanca-class escort carrier|Type S4-S2-BB3]] hull, [[Maritime Commission|MC]] hull 1114 |
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|Ship awarded=18 June 1942 |
|Ship awarded=18 June 1942 |
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|Ship builder=[[Kaiser Shipyards]] |
|Ship builder=[[Kaiser Shipyards]] |
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{{Infobox ship characteristics |
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|Header caption={{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}} |
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|Ship class={{sclass|Casablanca|escort carrier}} |
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*Ship's Crew: 860 officers and men |
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**Embarked Squadron: 50 – 56 |
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**Ship's Crew: 860 |
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'''USS ''Marcus Island'' (CVE-77)''' was the twenty-third of fifty {{sclass|Casablanca|escort carrier}}s built for the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War II]]. She was named after an engagement on 31 August 1943 over [[Minami-Tori-shima]], known on American maps as Marcus Island. |
'''USS ''Marcus Island'' (CVE-77)''' was the twenty-third of fifty {{sclass|Casablanca|escort carrier}}s built for the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War II]]. She was named after an engagement on 31 August 1943 over [[Minami-Tori-shima]], known on American maps as Marcus Island. She was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] in December 1943, [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] in January 1944, and she served in the [[Mariana and Palau Islands campaign]], the [[Philippines campaign (1944–45)|Philippines campaign]], as well as the [[Battle of Okinawa]]. She spent the majority of her World War II as a [[flagship]] for various escort carrier formations, serving as the headquarters for [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[William Sample|William D. Sample]] and [[Felix Stump]]. During the Philippines campaign, she participated in the [[Battle off Samar]], the largest naval engagement in history, and during the [[Battle of Mindoro]], she had multiple near-brushes with Japanese [[kamikaze]]s. Post-war, she participated in [[Operation Magic Carpet (World War II)|Operation Magic Carpet]], repatriating U.S. servicemen from throughout the Pacific. She was decommissioned in December 1946, being [[Reserve fleet|mothballed]] in the [[Atlantic Reserve Fleet]]. Ultimately, she was [[Ship breaking|broken up]] in 1960. |
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==Design and description== |
==Design and description== |
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{{main|Casablanca-class escort carrier}} |
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[[File:Inboard and outboard profiles of a Casablanca-class escort carrier, 1946.png|thumb|left|A profile of the design of {{USS|Takanis Bay|CVE-89|2}}, which was shared by all ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers]] |
[[File:Inboard and outboard profiles of a Casablanca-class escort carrier, 1946.png|thumb|left|A profile of the design of {{USS|Takanis Bay|CVE-89|2}}, which was shared by all ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers]] |
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''Marcus Island'' was a ''Casablanca''-class escort carrier, the most numerous type of [[aircraft carrier]] ever built,{{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}} and was designed specifically to be rapidly mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early war losses |
''Marcus Island'' was a ''Casablanca''-class escort carrier, the most numerous type of [[aircraft carrier]] ever built,{{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}} and was designed specifically to be rapidly mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early war losses. Standardized with her [[sister ship]]s, she was {{convert|512|ft|3|in|abbr=on}} [[length overall|long overall]], had a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|65|ft|2|in|abbr=on}}, and a [[draft (nautical)|draft]] of {{convert|20|ft|9|in|abbr=on}}. She [[Displacement (ship)|displaced]] {{cvt|8188|LT|lk=on}} [[Standard displacement|standard]] and {{cvt|10902|LT}} with a [[Full-load displacement|full load]]. She had a {{convert|257|ft|abbr=on}} long [[Hangar#Hangars aboard ships|hangar deck]] and a {{convert|477|ft|abbr=on}} long [[flight deck]]. She was powered with two [[Skinner Unaflow]] [[Reciprocating engine|reciprocating]] [[steam engine]]s, which drove two shafts, providing {{convert|9000|hp|lk=in}}, thus enabling her to make {{Casablanca class speed}}. The ship had a cruising range of {{convert|10240|nmi|lk=in}} at a speed of {{convert|15|kn}}. Her compact size limited the length of the flight deck and necessitated the installment of an [[aircraft catapult]] at her bow, and there were two [[Elevator#Elevators for aircraft|aircraft elevators]] to facilitate movement of aircraft between the flight and hangar deck: one each [[Bow (watercraft)|fore]] and [[Stern|aft]].{{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|pp=34–35}}{{sfn|Hazegray|1998}} |
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One [[5"/38 caliber gun|{{cvt|5|in|mm|0}}/38]] [[Caliber (artillery)|caliber]] [[dual-purpose gun]] was mounted on the stern. Anti-aircraft defense was provided by eight [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|Bofors {{convert|40|mm|in|abbr=on}} anti-aircraft guns]] in single mounts, as well as twelve [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|Oerlikon {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} cannon]]s, which were mounted around the perimeter of the deck.{{sfn|Hazegray|1998}} By the end of the war, ''Casablanca''-class carriers had been modified to carry thirty {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} cannons, and the number of Bofors {{convert|40|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns had been doubled to |
One [[5"/38 caliber gun|{{cvt|5|in|mm|0}}/38]] [[Caliber (artillery)|caliber]] [[dual-purpose gun]] was mounted on the stern. Anti-aircraft defense was provided by eight [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|Bofors {{convert|40|mm|in|abbr=on}} anti-aircraft guns]] in single mounts, as well as twelve [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|Oerlikon {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} cannon]]s, which were mounted around the perimeter of the deck.{{sfn|Hazegray|1998}} By the end of the war, ''Casablanca''-class carriers had been modified to carry thirty {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}} cannons, and the number of Bofors {{convert|40|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns had been doubled to sixteen, by putting them into twin mounts. These modifications were in response to increasing casualties due to [[kamikaze]] attacks. Although ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers were designed to function with a crew of 860 and an embarked squadron of 50 to 56, the exigencies of wartime often necessitated the inflation of the crew count. ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers were designed to carry 27 aircraft, but the hangar deck could accommodate more. During the [[Mariana and Palau Islands campaign]], ''Marcus Island'' carried 16 [[Grumman F4F Wildcat#FM-1/-2 Wildcat|FM-2 Wildcat]] [[Fighter aircraft|fighters]] and 12 [[Grumman TBF Avenger#TBM|TBM-1C Avenger]] [[torpedo bomber]]s for a total of 28 aircraft.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=109}} At the beginning of the [[Philippines campaign (1944–45)|Philippines campaign]], she carried 17 FM-2 Wildcats and 12 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 29 aircraft.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=121}} During the [[Battle of Mindoro]], she carried 24 FM-2 Wildcats and 9 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 33 aircraft. This increase in fighter capabilities was due to the threat of kamikaze attacks.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=251}} During the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]], she carried 26 FM-2 Wildcats and 9 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 35 aircraft.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=277}} By the [[Battle of Okinawa]], she carried 20 FM-2 Wildcats, 11 TBM-3 Avengers, and a TBM-3P [[Aerial reconnaissance|photo]]-[[reconnaissance]] plane for a total of 32 aircraft.{{sfn|Hazegray|1998}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=349}} |
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==Construction== |
==Construction== |
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[[File:Launch of USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) at Kaiser Shipyards in December 1943.jpg|thumb|left|''Marcus Island'' being launched from a building berth at [[Kaiser Shipyards]], [[Vancouver, Washington|Vancouver]] on 16 December 1943.]] |
[[File:Launch of USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) at Kaiser Shipyards in December 1943.jpg|thumb|left|''Marcus Island'' being launched from a building berth at [[Kaiser Shipyards]], [[Vancouver, Washington|Vancouver]] on 16 December 1943.]] |
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Her construction was awarded to [[Kaiser Shipyards|Kaiser Shipbuilding Company]], [[Vancouver, Washington]], under a [[Maritime Commission]] contract, on 18 June 1942. |
Her construction was awarded to [[Kaiser Shipyards|Kaiser Shipbuilding Company]], [[Vancouver, Washington]], under a [[Maritime Commission]] contract,{{sfn|Kaiser Vancouver|2010}} on 18 June 1942. She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 15 September 1943 under the name ''Kanalku Bay'',{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} under [[Frank Knox]]'s directive naming escort carriers for "sounds, bays, and islands". She was laid down as MC hull 1114, the twenty-third of a series of fifty ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers. On 6 November 1943, she was renamed to ''Marcus Island'' as part of a modified convention that set escort carriers to be named after "sounds, bays, and islands, and famous American battles".{{sfn|Ship Naming Report|2013}} She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 16 December 1943; [[Ship sponsor|sponsored]] by Mrs. S.L. LaHache; transferred to the Navy and commissioned at [[Astoria, Oregon|Astoria]], [[Oregon]] on 26 January 1944, with [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]] Charles F. Greber in command.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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==Service history== |
==Service history== |
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===World War II=== |
===World War II=== |
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[[File:TBF makes first landing on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77), 5 March 1944.jpg|thumb|left|[[Commander (United States)|Commander]] R.Y. McElroy's TBF Avenger sticks the first landing on the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'', 5 March 1944 at 11:39. Acting as the [[landing signal officer]] is Captain Greber.]] |
[[File:TBF makes first landing on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77), 5 March 1944.jpg|thumb|left|[[Commander (United States)|Commander]] R.Y. McElroy's TBF Avenger sticks the first landing on the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'', 5 March 1944 at 11:39. Acting as the [[landing signal officer]] is Captain Greber.]] |
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⚫ | Upon being commissioned, ''Marcus Island'' underwent a [[shakedown cruise]] down the West Coast. Upon its completion, she began transporting aircraft from the West Coast to bases in the South Pacific, with her first ferry mission starting on 19 May. Finishing her transport run on 1 July, she embarked Composite Squadron (VC) 21, and departed westwards from [[San Diego, California|San Diego]] on 20 July.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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[[File:USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) in a South Pacific port on 17 June 1944.jpeg|thumb|left|''Marcus Island'' docked in a South Pacific port, 17 June 1944. As evidenced by the packed flight deck, she is conducting an aircraft ferry mission. On the flight deck, from amidships to the stern, there appear to be parked [[Interstate TDR|TDR-1]] [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|unmanned drones]]. From amidships to the fore, there are TBM Avengers, which are likely control aircraft used to pilot the drones. The aircraft onboard are likely bound for Special Task Air Group (STAG) 1, which used the drones with some success against Japanese ships. ''Marcus Island'' is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 15A.]] |
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⚫ | Upon being commissioned, ''Marcus Island'' underwent a [[shakedown cruise]] down the West Coast. Upon |
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====Marianas and Palau Islands campaign==== |
====Marianas and Palau Islands campaign==== |
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[[File:USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) at Tulagi in August 1944.jpg|thumb|left|Tulagi harbor, photographed August 1944.]] |
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She arrived in [[Tulagi]] of the [[Solomon Islands archipelago|Solomon Islands]] on 24 August, where she joined Task Group 32.7, the Western Escort Carrier Group. As Task Unit 32.7.1's [[flagship]], [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[William Sample|William D. Sample]] raised his flag over ''Marcus Island''. Her task group was assigned to provide [[close air support]] for the [[United States Marine Corps|marines]] participating in the planned landings on [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu]] and [[Battle of Angaur|Angaur]] of the [[Palau|Palau Islands]], as a part of the larger [[Mariana and Palau Islands campaign]].{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=109}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
She arrived in [[Tulagi]] of the [[Solomon Islands archipelago|Solomon Islands]] on 24 August, where she joined Task Group 32.7, the Western Escort Carrier Group. As Task Unit 32.7.1's [[flagship]], [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[William Sample|William D. Sample]] raised his flag over ''Marcus Island''. Her task group was assigned to provide [[close air support]] for the [[United States Marine Corps|marines]] participating in the planned landings on [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu]] and [[Battle of Angaur|Angaur]] of the [[Palau|Palau Islands]], as a part of the larger [[Mariana and Palau Islands campaign]].{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=109}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Marcus Island'' commenced pre-invasion strikes on 12 September, softening up Japanese positions on [[Peleliu]] and [[Angaur]]. ''Marcus Island'' |
''Marcus Island'' commenced pre-invasion strikes on 12 September, softening up Japanese positions on [[Peleliu]] and [[Angaur]]. ''Marcus Island'' began close air support operations on 15 September, the day of the landings. On the first day of the landings, her aircraft contingent lost an Avenger along with its pilot in combat, although losses were generally light for the rest of the battle.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=114}} She continued providing air cover and launching strikes until 2 October, when she retired to [[Manus Island|Manus]] of the [[Admiralty Islands]], arriving on 4 October.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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====Philippines campaign==== |
====Philippines campaign==== |
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=====Battle of Leyte===== |
=====Battle of Leyte===== |
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[[File:FM-2 Wildcat makes crash landing on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1944.jpg|thumb |
[[File:FM-2 Wildcat makes crash landing on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1944.jpg|thumb|A Wildcat makes a bumpy landing on the flight deck of ''Marcus Island''.]] |
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At Manus, ''Marcus Island'' joined Task Group 77.4, the escort carrier group tasked with supporting the [[Philippines campaign (1944–1945)|return to the Philippines]] as part of the [[United States Seventh Fleet|Seventh Fleet]]. She maintained her status as a flagship for Task Unit 77.4.2, also known as "Taffy 2". She, accompanied by eighteen other escort carriers and their screens of [[battleships]], [[cruisers]], and [[destroyers]], steamed on 12 October for [[Leyte Gulf]], where they were expected to support the [[Battle of Leyte|landings]] on [[Leyte]]. "Taffy 2" was positioned to the direct south of "Taffy 3", which was positioned to the east of the [[San Bernardino Strait]]. Arriving off the island on 18 October, her aircraft began carrying out naval patrols and strikes against predesignated targets. Once the [[Sixth United States Army|Sixth Army]] had landed on 20 October, her aircraft transitioned towards a focus on close air support, supporting the initial advances for the next few days. On that day, Rear Admiral Sample insisted on accompanying one of ''Marcus Island''{{'}}s Avengers as it conducted a close air support mission, |
At Manus, ''Marcus Island'' joined Task Group 77.4, the escort carrier group tasked with supporting the [[Philippines campaign (1944–1945)|return to the Philippines]] as part of the [[United States Seventh Fleet|Seventh Fleet]]. She maintained her status as a flagship for Task Unit 77.4.2, also known as "Taffy 2". She, accompanied by eighteen other escort carriers and their screens of [[battleships]], [[cruisers]], and [[destroyers]], steamed on 12 October for [[Leyte Gulf]], where they were expected to support the [[Battle of Leyte|landings]] on [[Leyte]]. "Taffy 2" was positioned to the direct south of "Taffy 3", which was positioned to the east of the [[San Bernardino Strait]]. Arriving off the island on 18 October, her aircraft began carrying out naval patrols and strikes against predesignated targets. Once the [[Sixth United States Army|Sixth Army]] had landed on 20 October, her aircraft transitioned towards a focus on close air support, supporting the initial advances for the next few days. On that day, Rear Admiral Sample insisted on accompanying one of ''Marcus Island''{{'}}s Avengers as it conducted a close air support mission, and was wounded by shrapnel when the aircraft had a shell penetrate and explode within its fuselage. During the initial landings, the ''Marcus Island''{{'}}s air contingent flew 261 sorties over Leyte.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=153}} |
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======Battle off Samar====== |
======Battle off Samar====== |
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[[File:Stinson L-5B Sentinel takes off from USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1944.jpg|thumb |
[[File:Stinson L-5B Sentinel takes off from USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1944.jpg|thumb|A [[Stinson L-5 Sentinel]] [[liaison aircraft]] takes off from the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'', circa late 1944.]] |
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On 23 October, the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] began. |
On 23 October, the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] began. The majority of the Japanese naval fleet had been concentrated in an attempt to repel the Americans from the Philippines, the seizure of which would have cut the vital oil supply lines from Southeast Asia. [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]] [[William Halsey Jr.]], commander of the Third Fleet, detached his surface ships to engage the diversionary Northern Force. Therefore, on the early morning of 25 October, Vice Admiral [[Takeo Kurita]]'s Center Force emerged into the waters of Leyte Gulf, catching Taffy 3, some {{cvt|20|mi}} north of ''Marcus Island'', by surprise.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=153}} |
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With "Taffy 3" helplessly overmatched, the entirety of Taffy 2's aircraft was recalled to join the defense. ''Marcus Island'' only had a single Avenger available, as the rest had been sent to airdrop supplies to the [[96th Sustainment Brigade (United States)|96th Division]]. By the time these Avengers returned, the battle had already concluded.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|pp=168–169}} Nonetheless, ''Marcus Island'' dispatched all her available aircraft, and her sole Avenger recorded a torpedo hit on the portside aft of what was probably the {{sclass|Tone|cruiser|2}} {{Ship|Japanese cruiser|Chikuma|1938|2}}. Her fighters strafed and bombed the advancing Japanese ships, recording fourteen hits and shooting down five Japanese planes. ''Marcus Island'' was also obliged to refuel and rearm seven Avengers originating from "Taffy 3" which had been diverted.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=176}} |
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While the American forces had been distracted with the Battle off Samar and its immediate aftermath, Vice Admiral [[Naomasa Sakonju]]'s six ship transport unit was in the process of unloading 2,000 troops onto [[Ormoc Bay]], on the Western coast of Leyte. After unloading the troops in the morning of 26 October it was sighted while attempting to retire westwards. A strike group of twenty-three Avengers and twenty-nine fighters was assembled to strike the Japanese ships. ''Marcus Island'' contributed twelve of its aircraft to the strike group, and the strike group reached the Japanese ships at 10:00 in the morning, sinking one and crippling another, which later sank.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|pp=229–231}} |
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=====Battle of Mindoro===== |
=====Battle of Mindoro===== |
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[[File:USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) under air attack c1944.jpg|thumb |
[[File:USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) under air attack c1944.jpg|thumb|''Marcus Island'' photographed from her starboard side under kamikaze threat. The first kamikaze is shown crashing off her starboard bow, whilst the second kamikaze is depicted exploding off her port bow.]] |
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On the morning of 30 October, ''Marcus Island'' and three of her [[ |
On the morning of 30 October, ''Marcus Island'' and three of her [[sister ship]]s withdrew from Leyte towards Manus, having been reorganized into Task Unit 77.4.4,{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=241}} still maintaining her status as flagship.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=251}} Throughout the month of November, she provided air cover for convoys traveling near the eastern Philippines, which had been harassed by Japanese planes based on [[Mindanao]].{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=247}} In late November, ''Marcus Island'' left [[Seeadler Harbor]] for [[Kossol Roads|Kossol]] of the Palau Islands. On 10 December, ''Marcus Island'' steamed for [[Mindoro]] as a flagship for Task Unit 77.12.7, providing air screening for the Mindoro attack group.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=251}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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⚫ | On 15 December, during the morning of the Mindoro landings, ''Marcus Island'' and her sisters came under intense [[kamikaze]] attack. At around 4:30, about 40 Japanese aircraft, divided approximately in half between kamikazes and escorts, began taking off from [[Clark Air Base|Clark Field]] and [[Davao (province)|Davao]] to engage Task Group 77.12. At 8:00, TG 77.12 began turning back towards Leyte, having been relieved of their duties covering the landing forces by [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]] aircraft, but the Japanese kamikazes pursued closely.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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[[File:Japanese Kamikaze Dives on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77).jpg|thumb|A Japanese kamikaze photographed head-on diving towards ''Marcus Island'' through heavy clouds of flak.]] |
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⚫ | On 15 December, during the morning of the Mindoro landings, ''Marcus Island'' and her sisters came under intense kamikaze attack. At around 4:30, about 40 Japanese aircraft, divided approximately in half between kamikazes and escorts, began taking off from [[Clark Air Base|Clark Field]] and [[Davao (province)|Davao]] to engage Task Group 77.12 |
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[[File:Kamikaze |
[[File:Kamikaze on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) Impacts.jpg|thumb|Crew on board the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'' scramble as a disintegrating kamikaze, still followed by flak, plunges into the ocean.]] |
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⚫ | At 8:22, three kamikaze Zeros were spotted approached ''Marcus Island'' from the port quarter, at about {{cvt|15000|ft}} in altitude, when one Zero disappeared into a cloud, and the other two reoriented themselves towards her. One Zero crossed over the carrier towards her starboard quarter, whilst the other one made a steep bank to remain at her port. The first kamikaze skimmed over her flight deck, making impact with the water just {{cvt|20|ft}} off her starboard bow, glancing a lookout platform and killing one. Scarcely ten seconds after the first attack, the second Zero dove on ''Marcus Island'', but careened into the water {{cvt|30|ft}} off her port bow. As it entered the water, its bomb detonated, spraying shrapnel across the flight deck and injuring six of her crew.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|pp=261–262}} A few minutes later, a [[Yokosuka D4Y]] [[dive bomber]] attempted to make a run against ''Marcus Island'', but it missed with its bomb and was shot down.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=262}} ''Marcus Island'' was able to continue her air support operations on Mindoro.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=265}} |
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[[File:Kamikaze on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77).jpg|thumb|Crew onboard the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'' dive for the ground as a flaming kamikaze passes over.]] |
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[[File:Kamikaze on USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) Impacts.jpg|thumb|Crew onboard the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'' scramble as a disintegrating kamikaze, still followed by flak, plunges into the ocean.]] |
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⚫ | At 8:22, three kamikaze Zeros were spotted approached ''Marcus Island'' from the port quarter, at about {{cvt|15000|ft}} in altitude, when one Zero disappeared into a cloud, and the other two reoriented themselves towards her. One Zero crossed over the carrier towards her starboard quarter, whilst the other one made a steep bank to remain at her port. |
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[[File:Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" Attacks USS Marcus Island (CVE-77).jpg|thumb|left|A Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" photographed as it conducts its attack against ''Marcus Island''.]] |
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A few minutes later, a [[Yokosuka D4Y]] [[dive bomber]] attempted to make a run against ''Marcus Island''. Trying to pass parallel against the carrier, the pilot may have been disoriented by anti-aircraft fire, as the bomb that it released missed astern, with the dive bomber splashing into the water shortly afterwards.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=262}} At the same time, kamikazes had been conducting attacks against her sisters {{USS|Manila Bay|CVE-61|2}}, {{USS|Natoma Bay|CVE-62|2}}, and {{USS|Ommaney Bay|CVE-79|2}}, but the escort carrier force came out of the attacks nearly unscathed, with ''Marcus Island'' suffering the only damage.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=265}} |
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=====Invasion of Lingayen Gulf===== |
=====Invasion of Lingayen Gulf===== |
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''Marcus Island'' retired from operations off of Mindoro on 16 December, returning to the Admiralty Islands on 23 December. |
''Marcus Island'' retired from operations off of Mindoro on 16 December, returning to the Admiralty Islands on 23 December. There, she joined Task Unit 77.4.4, the San Fabian Protective Group as its flagship, which was assigned to participate in the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]], assisting the Sixth Army as it landed on [[Luzon]]. Task Unit 77.4.4 was responsible for providing air screening for Task Force 78, the San Fabian Task Force, commanded by [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]] [[Daniel E. Barbey]].{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=296}} During the night of 4–5 January 1945, as TF 78 passed through the Surigao Strait, it encountered two Japanese [[midget submarine]]s. As one of the midget submarines raised its periscope to look around, a plane from ''Marcus Island'' dropped a depth charge onto it, leaving it dead in the water and with a severe list. It was finished off by an escorting destroyer, which rammed it.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=297}} |
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''Marcus Island'' arrived in [[Lingayen Gulf]] on 6 January, |
''Marcus Island'' arrived in [[Lingayen Gulf]] on 6 January, where she provided an air screen to fend off kamikazes. On the morning of 8 January, her morning patrol of fighters a group of Japanese planes, shooting down four. Nonetheless, a kamikaze damaged {{USS|Kadashan Bay|CVE-76|2}}. On 10 January, ''Kadashan Bay'' was ordered to transfer her entire stock of aircraft to ''Marcus Island'' and withdraw.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|pp=304–306}} During time period, ''Marcus Island'' averaged to a launching or landing every 3.8 minutes of operations, setting a record for an escort carrier in combat.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=310}} On 9 January, as the landings proceeded, ''Marcus Island'' assisted in providing close air support, sinking two small Japanese coastal on the north shore of Luzon. As a result of casualties, on 10 January, the screening escort carriers were reconstituted into Task Unit 77.4.6, the Close Covering Carrier Group.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=311}} |
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⚫ | On 17 January, ''Marcus Island'', along with the rest of Task Group 77.4, retired from the waters off of Luzon, joining Rear Admiral [[Russell S. Berkey]]'s Close Covering Group, stationed west of northern Mindoro.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=316}} On 29 January, she supported unopposed landings at [[Zambales]] in Luzon, before heading to [[Ulithi]] in the [[Caroline Islands]], arriving on 5 February. En route, Captain Howard Vaniman Hopkins took over command of the vessel. On 6 February, Rear Admiral Sample left ''Marcus Island'', and she embarked Rear Admiral [[Felix Stump]], commander of Carrier Division 24. At Ulithi, she unloaded VC-21 and took on Composite Squadron (VC) 87 on 14 February. She spent the rest of February conducting training, before heading for [[Leyte Gulf]] in early March to conduct rehearsals for [[Battle of Okinawa|Operation Iceberg]], the planned landings on [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]].{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=349}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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Later, on the night of 8 January, {{USS|Kitkun Bay|CVE-71|2}} was also damaged by a kamikaze, suffering more severe damage than ''Kadashan Bay'', and forced to withdraw. During this flurry of action, ''Marcus Island'' launched 94 aircraft and recovered 99 (the additional planes were diverted from ''Kadashan Bay''), equaling to a launching or landing every 3.8 minutes of operations, which was believed to be a record for an escort carrier in combat.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=310}} On 9 January, as the landings proceeded, ''Marcus Island'' assisted in providing close air support, sinking two small Japanese coastal on the north shore of Luzon. As a result of casualties, on 10 January, the screening escort carriers were reconstituted into Task Unit 77.4.6, the Close Covering Carrier Group.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=311}} On the same day, rough weather in the area adversely affected ''Marcus Island''{{'}}s air contingent. In the afternoon, she abruptly rolled 14° to her starboard, jettisoning one Wildcat into the ocean, sending another Wildcat upside-down into a catwalk, and yet another Wildcat sliding into a different catwalk. One of her Avengers also suffered damage to the tail.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=312}} |
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⚫ | On 17 January, ''Marcus Island'', along with the rest of Task Group 77.4, retired from the waters off of Luzon |
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====Battle of Okinawa==== |
====Battle of Okinawa==== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Flight deck of USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1945.jpg|thumb|A view of the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'', circa 1945. Eight Wildcats are preparing to take off, while at the left foreground, part of an Avenger is visible.]] |
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⚫ | ''Marcus Island'' departed Ulithi on 21 March, as the flagship for Task Unit 52.1.2.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=349}} She arrived south of [[Kerama Retto]] on 26 March, where she commenced air operations.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=354}} On 5 April, Composite Observation Squadron (VOC) 1, which had previously been operating onboard ''Wake Island'' was embarked by ''Marcus Island''. In turn, she exchanged her aircraft contingent to ''Wake Island'', which had been damaged by a kamikaze, to be ferried back to Guam.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=358}} |
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[[File:Flight deck of USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) c1945.jpg|thumb|left|A view of the flight deck of ''Marcus Island'', circa 1945. Eight Wildcats are preparing to take off, while at the left foreground, part of an Avenger is visible.]] |
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⚫ | ''Marcus Island'' departed Ulithi on 21 March, as the flagship for Task Unit 52.1.2.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=349}} She arrived south of [[Kerama Retto]] on 26 March, |
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On 13 April, the escort carriers turned their focus towards the airfields on the [[Sakishima Islands]], which served as a key base for kamikazes. While attempting to neutralize the airfield on [[Ishigaki Island|Ishigaki]], two aircraft from {{USS|Tulagi|CVE-72|2}} and one aircraft from ''Marcus Island'' were brought down from intense flak, with no survivors recovered.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=374}} On 18 April, ''Marcus Island'' launched twelve Wildcats to strike the islets of [[Minamidaitō, Okinawa|Minami Daito]] and [[Kitadaitōjima|Kita Daito]]. This mission proved to be difficult with multiple aircraft damaged, and two Wildcats shot out of the air. The pilot of one Wildcat was rescued by a [[Dumbo (air-sea rescue)|Dumbo aircraft]], but the other was killed.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=376}} |
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On 29 April, ''Marcus Island'' left Okinawa in a convoy along with her sisters {{USS|Saginaw Bay|CVE-82|2}} and {{USS|Savo Island|CVE-78|2}}.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=380}} During the Battle of Okinawa, planes of her air contingent |
On 29 April, ''Marcus Island'' left Okinawa in a convoy along with her sisters {{USS|Saginaw Bay|CVE-82|2}} and {{USS|Savo Island|CVE-78|2}}.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=380}} During the Battle of Okinawa, planes of her air contingent had flown 1,085 sorties, shooting down 11 Japanese aircraft and destroying another 13 grounded aircraft. She took on a load of damaged aircraft at Guam, steaming on 5 May for the West Coast, arriving back at San Diego on 22 May. She sailed westwards again on 10 July, ferrying troops and replacement aircraft to [[Pearl Harbor]] and Guam. She returned to [[Naval Air Station Alameda]] on 15 August, the same day that the [[Surrender of Japan]] was announced.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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===Postwar=== |
===Postwar=== |
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At [[Alameda, California|Alameda]], ''Marcus Island'' was assigned to the [[Operation Magic Carpet (World War II)|Operation Magic Carpet]] fleet, which repatriated U.S. servicemen from throughout the Pacific. Her first Magic Carpet trip went to Okinawa, making stops at Pearl Harbor and Guam, arriving in [[San Francisco]] on 24 October. For the rest of 1945, she conducted more Magic Carpet runs to Guam and Pearl Harbor.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
At [[Alameda, California|Alameda]], ''Marcus Island'' was assigned to the [[Operation Magic Carpet (World War II)|Operation Magic Carpet]] fleet, which repatriated U.S. servicemen from throughout the Pacific. Her first Magic Carpet trip went to Okinawa, making stops at Pearl Harbor and Guam, arriving in [[San Francisco]] on 24 October. For the rest of 1945, she conducted more Magic Carpet runs to Guam and Pearl Harbor.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Marcus Island'' left San Diego on 12 January 1946, transiting the [[Panama Canal]] and stopping at [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], before arriving in [[Boston Harbor]] on 2 February. On 12 December, she was [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] and [[Reserve fleet|mothballed]], joining the Boston group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, mooring at the [[South Boston Naval Annex]]. On 12 June 1955, she was redesignated as a [[Helicopter carrier|helicopter aircraft carrier]], receiving the hull symbol '''CVHE-77'''. On 7 May 1959, she was further redesignated as an aviation transport, receiving the hull symbol '''AKV-27'''. She was struck from the [[Naval Vessel Register|Navy list]] on 1 September 1959, and she was sold for scrapping on 29 February 1960 to Comarket Inc. She was ultimately [[Ship breaking|broken up]] in Japan during June 1960. '' |
''Marcus Island'' left San Diego on 12 January 1946, transiting the [[Panama Canal]] and stopping at [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], before arriving in [[Boston Harbor]] on 2 February. On 12 December, she was [[Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] and [[Reserve fleet|mothballed]], joining the Boston group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, mooring at the [[South Boston Naval Annex]]. On 12 June 1955, she was redesignated as a [[Helicopter carrier|helicopter aircraft carrier]], receiving the hull symbol '''CVHE-77'''. On 7 May 1959, she was further redesignated as an aviation transport, receiving the hull symbol '''AKV-27'''. She was struck from the [[Naval Vessel Register|Navy list]] on 1 September 1959, and she was sold for scrapping on 29 February 1960 to Comarket Inc. She was ultimately [[Ship breaking|broken up]] in Japan during June 1960. ''Marcus Island'' received four [[battle star]]s for her World War II service.{{sfn|Hazegray|1998}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* {{cite web| url = http://shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencylarge/kvancouver.htm| title = Kaiser Vancouver, Vancouver WA| publisher = www.ShipbuildingHistory.com| date = 27 November 2010| access-date = 14 June 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190616103407/http://shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencylarge/kvancouver.htm|archive-date=2019-06-16|ref = {{sfnRef|Kaiser Vancouver|2010}}}} |
* {{cite web| url = http://shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencylarge/kvancouver.htm| title = Kaiser Vancouver, Vancouver WA| publisher = www.ShipbuildingHistory.com| date = 27 November 2010| access-date = 14 June 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190616103407/http://shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencylarge/kvancouver.htm|archive-date=2019-06-16|ref = {{sfnRef|Kaiser Vancouver|2010}}}} |
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* {{cite web | url = https://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/us_esc2.htm| title= World Aircraft Carriers List: US Escort Carriers, S4 Hulls| publisher= Hazegray.org | date= 14 December 1998| access-date= 1 July 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119084210/https://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/us_esc2.htm|archive-date=2021-11-19|ref= {{sfnRef|Hazegray|1998}}}} |
* {{cite web | url = https://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/us_esc2.htm| title= World Aircraft Carriers List: US Escort Carriers, S4 Hulls| publisher= Hazegray.org | date= 14 December 1998| access-date= 1 July 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119084210/https://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/us_esc2.htm|archive-date=2021-11-19|ref= {{sfnRef|Hazegray|1998}}}} |
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* {{cite web | url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/browse-by-topic/heritage/pdf/Shipnamingreport.pdf| title= A Report on Policies and Practices of the U.S. Navy for Naming the Vessels of the Navy| publisher= history.navy.mil | date= 2013| page= 35|access-date= 26 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220415233349/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/browse-by-topic/heritage/pdf/Shipnamingreport.pdf|archive-date=2022-04-15|ref= {{sfnRef|Ship Naming Report|2013}}}} |
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* {{cite web | last = Maksel| first = Rebecca| url = https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/how-do-you-name-an-aircraft-carrier-22717003/| title= How Do You Name an Aircraft Carrier?| publisher= [[Air & Space/Smithsonian]] | date= 14 August 2012| access-date= 23 December 2019}} |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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* {{citation|last= Chesneau|first= Robert|last2= Gardiner|first2 = Robert|title= Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|year= 1980 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= [[London]], [[England]]|isbn= 9780870219139}} |
* {{citation|last= Chesneau|first= Robert|last2= Gardiner|first2 = Robert|title= Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|year= 1980 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= [[London]], [[England]]|isbn= 9780870219139}} |
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* {{citation|last= Y'Blood|first= William|title= The Little Giants: U.S. Escort Carriers Against Japan|year= 2014 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= [[Annapolis]], [[Maryland]]|type = [[E-book]]|isbn= 9781612512471}} |
* {{citation|last= Y'Blood|first= William|title= The Little Giants: U.S. Escort Carriers Against Japan|year= 2014 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= [[Annapolis]], [[Maryland]]|type = [[E-book]]|isbn= 9781612512471}} |
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* {{citation|author= United States Navy|title= The story of the U.S.S. Hoggatt Bay|year= 1946|publisher= World War Regimental Histories |location= [[Bangor, Maine|Bangor]], [[Maine]]|url= https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1203&context=ww_reg_his| ref= {{sfnRef|Regimental Histories|1946}}}} |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Commons category|USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)}} |
{{Commons category|USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)}} |
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* {{navsource|03/077|USS Marcus Island (CVE-77}} |
* {{navsource|03/077|USS Marcus Island (CVE-77)}} |
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* {{cite book|title=USS Marcus Island (CVE 77) World War II Cruise Book 1944–45|url=https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cve77-45/|access-date=8 April 2022}} |
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{{portal bar|World War II}} |
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{{Casablanca class escort carrier}} |
{{Casablanca class escort carrier}} |
Revision as of 16:06, 2 February 2024
USS Marcus Island underway.
| |
History | |
---|---|
United States | |
Name |
|
Namesake |
|
Ordered | as a Type S4-S2-BB3 hull, MC hull 1114 |
Awarded | 18 June 1942 |
Builder | Kaiser Shipyards |
Laid down | 15 September 1943 |
Launched | 16 December 1943 |
Commissioned | 26 January 1944 |
Decommissioned | 12 December 1946 |
Stricken | 1 September 1959 |
Identification |
|
Honors and awards | 4 Battle stars |
Fate | Scrapped in 1960 |
General characteristics [1][2] | |
Class and type | Casablanca-class escort carrier |
Displacement |
|
Length | |
Beam |
|
Draft | 20 ft 9 in (6.32 m) (max) |
Installed power |
|
Propulsion | |
Speed | 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) |
Range | 10,240 nmi (18,960 km; 11,780 mi) at 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
Complement | Ship's Crew: 860 officers and men |
Armament |
|
Aircraft carried | 27 |
Aviation facilities | |
Service record | |
Part of: |
|
Operations: |
USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) was the twenty-third of fifty Casablanca-class escort carriers built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was named after an engagement on 31 August 1943 over Minami-Tori-shima, known on American maps as Marcus Island. She was launched in December 1943, commissioned in January 1944, and she served in the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, the Philippines campaign, as well as the Battle of Okinawa. She spent the majority of her World War II as a flagship for various escort carrier formations, serving as the headquarters for Rear Admiral William D. Sample and Felix Stump. During the Philippines campaign, she participated in the Battle off Samar, the largest naval engagement in history, and during the Battle of Mindoro, she had multiple near-brushes with Japanese kamikazes. Post-war, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating U.S. servicemen from throughout the Pacific. She was decommissioned in December 1946, being mothballed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. Ultimately, she was broken up in 1960.
Design and description
Marcus Island was a Casablanca-class escort carrier, the most numerous type of aircraft carrier ever built,[1] and was designed specifically to be rapidly mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early war losses. Standardized with her sister ships, she was 512 ft 3 in (156.13 m) long overall, had a beam of 65 ft 2 in (19.86 m), and a draft of 20 ft 9 in (6.32 m). She displaced 8,188 long tons (8,319 t) standard and 10,902 long tons (11,077 t) with a full load. She had a 257 ft (78 m) long hangar deck and a 477 ft (145 m) long flight deck. She was powered with two Skinner Unaflow reciprocating steam engines, which drove two shafts, providing 9,000 horsepower (6,700 kW), thus enabling her to make 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph). The ship had a cruising range of 10,240 nautical miles (18,960 km; 11,780 mi) at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph). Her compact size limited the length of the flight deck and necessitated the installment of an aircraft catapult at her bow, and there were two aircraft elevators to facilitate movement of aircraft between the flight and hangar deck: one each fore and aft.[1][3][2]
One 5 in (127 mm)/38 caliber dual-purpose gun was mounted on the stern. Anti-aircraft defense was provided by eight Bofors 40 mm (1.6 in) anti-aircraft guns in single mounts, as well as twelve Oerlikon 20 mm (0.79 in) cannons, which were mounted around the perimeter of the deck.[2] By the end of the war, Casablanca-class carriers had been modified to carry thirty 20 mm (0.79 in) cannons, and the number of Bofors 40 mm (1.6 in) guns had been doubled to sixteen, by putting them into twin mounts. These modifications were in response to increasing casualties due to kamikaze attacks. Although Casablanca-class escort carriers were designed to function with a crew of 860 and an embarked squadron of 50 to 56, the exigencies of wartime often necessitated the inflation of the crew count. Casablanca-class escort carriers were designed to carry 27 aircraft, but the hangar deck could accommodate more. During the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, Marcus Island carried 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters and 12 TBM-1C Avenger torpedo bombers for a total of 28 aircraft.[4] At the beginning of the Philippines campaign, she carried 17 FM-2 Wildcats and 12 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 29 aircraft.[5] During the Battle of Mindoro, she carried 24 FM-2 Wildcats and 9 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 33 aircraft. This increase in fighter capabilities was due to the threat of kamikaze attacks.[6] During the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, she carried 26 FM-2 Wildcats and 9 TBM-1C Avengers for a total of 35 aircraft.[7] By the Battle of Okinawa, she carried 20 FM-2 Wildcats, 11 TBM-3 Avengers, and a TBM-3P photo-reconnaissance plane for a total of 32 aircraft.[2][8]
Construction
Her construction was awarded to Kaiser Shipbuilding Company, Vancouver, Washington, under a Maritime Commission contract,[9] on 18 June 1942. She was laid down on 15 September 1943 under the name Kanalku Bay,[10] under Frank Knox's directive naming escort carriers for "sounds, bays, and islands". She was laid down as MC hull 1114, the twenty-third of a series of fifty Casablanca-class escort carriers. On 6 November 1943, she was renamed to Marcus Island as part of a modified convention that set escort carriers to be named after "sounds, bays, and islands, and famous American battles".[11] She was launched on 16 December 1943; sponsored by Mrs. S.L. LaHache; transferred to the Navy and commissioned at Astoria, Oregon on 26 January 1944, with Captain Charles F. Greber in command.[10]
Service history
World War II
Upon being commissioned, Marcus Island underwent a shakedown cruise down the West Coast. Upon its completion, she began transporting aircraft from the West Coast to bases in the South Pacific, with her first ferry mission starting on 19 May. Finishing her transport run on 1 July, she embarked Composite Squadron (VC) 21, and departed westwards from San Diego on 20 July.[10]
Marianas and Palau Islands campaign
She arrived in Tulagi of the Solomon Islands on 24 August, where she joined Task Group 32.7, the Western Escort Carrier Group. As Task Unit 32.7.1's flagship, Rear Admiral William D. Sample raised his flag over Marcus Island. Her task group was assigned to provide close air support for the marines participating in the planned landings on Peleliu and Angaur of the Palau Islands, as a part of the larger Mariana and Palau Islands campaign.[4][10]
Marcus Island commenced pre-invasion strikes on 12 September, softening up Japanese positions on Peleliu and Angaur. Marcus Island began close air support operations on 15 September, the day of the landings. On the first day of the landings, her aircraft contingent lost an Avenger along with its pilot in combat, although losses were generally light for the rest of the battle.[12] She continued providing air cover and launching strikes until 2 October, when she retired to Manus of the Admiralty Islands, arriving on 4 October.[10]
Philippines campaign
Battle of Leyte
At Manus, Marcus Island joined Task Group 77.4, the escort carrier group tasked with supporting the return to the Philippines as part of the Seventh Fleet. She maintained her status as a flagship for Task Unit 77.4.2, also known as "Taffy 2". She, accompanied by eighteen other escort carriers and their screens of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, steamed on 12 October for Leyte Gulf, where they were expected to support the landings on Leyte. "Taffy 2" was positioned to the direct south of "Taffy 3", which was positioned to the east of the San Bernardino Strait. Arriving off the island on 18 October, her aircraft began carrying out naval patrols and strikes against predesignated targets. Once the Sixth Army had landed on 20 October, her aircraft transitioned towards a focus on close air support, supporting the initial advances for the next few days. On that day, Rear Admiral Sample insisted on accompanying one of Marcus Island's Avengers as it conducted a close air support mission, and was wounded by shrapnel when the aircraft had a shell penetrate and explode within its fuselage. During the initial landings, the Marcus Island's air contingent flew 261 sorties over Leyte.[10][13]
Battle off Samar
On 23 October, the Battle of Leyte Gulf began. The majority of the Japanese naval fleet had been concentrated in an attempt to repel the Americans from the Philippines, the seizure of which would have cut the vital oil supply lines from Southeast Asia. Vice Admiral William Halsey Jr., commander of the Third Fleet, detached his surface ships to engage the diversionary Northern Force. Therefore, on the early morning of 25 October, Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita's Center Force emerged into the waters of Leyte Gulf, catching Taffy 3, some 20 mi (32 km) north of Marcus Island, by surprise.[10][13]
With "Taffy 3" helplessly overmatched, the entirety of Taffy 2's aircraft was recalled to join the defense. Marcus Island only had a single Avenger available, as the rest had been sent to airdrop supplies to the 96th Division. By the time these Avengers returned, the battle had already concluded.[14] Nonetheless, Marcus Island dispatched all her available aircraft, and her sole Avenger recorded a torpedo hit on the portside aft of what was probably the Tone-class cruiser Chikuma. Her fighters strafed and bombed the advancing Japanese ships, recording fourteen hits and shooting down five Japanese planes. Marcus Island was also obliged to refuel and rearm seven Avengers originating from "Taffy 3" which had been diverted.[10][15]
While the American forces had been distracted with the Battle off Samar and its immediate aftermath, Vice Admiral Naomasa Sakonju's six ship transport unit was in the process of unloading 2,000 troops onto Ormoc Bay, on the Western coast of Leyte. After unloading the troops in the morning of 26 October it was sighted while attempting to retire westwards. A strike group of twenty-three Avengers and twenty-nine fighters was assembled to strike the Japanese ships. Marcus Island contributed twelve of its aircraft to the strike group, and the strike group reached the Japanese ships at 10:00 in the morning, sinking one and crippling another, which later sank.[10][16]
Battle of Mindoro
On the morning of 30 October, Marcus Island and three of her sister ships withdrew from Leyte towards Manus, having been reorganized into Task Unit 77.4.4,[17] still maintaining her status as flagship.[6] Throughout the month of November, she provided air cover for convoys traveling near the eastern Philippines, which had been harassed by Japanese planes based on Mindanao.[18] In late November, Marcus Island left Seeadler Harbor for Kossol of the Palau Islands. On 10 December, Marcus Island steamed for Mindoro as a flagship for Task Unit 77.12.7, providing air screening for the Mindoro attack group.[6][10]
On 15 December, during the morning of the Mindoro landings, Marcus Island and her sisters came under intense kamikaze attack. At around 4:30, about 40 Japanese aircraft, divided approximately in half between kamikazes and escorts, began taking off from Clark Field and Davao to engage Task Group 77.12. At 8:00, TG 77.12 began turning back towards Leyte, having been relieved of their duties covering the landing forces by Army Air Forces aircraft, but the Japanese kamikazes pursued closely.[10]
At 8:22, three kamikaze Zeros were spotted approached Marcus Island from the port quarter, at about 15,000 ft (4,600 m) in altitude, when one Zero disappeared into a cloud, and the other two reoriented themselves towards her. One Zero crossed over the carrier towards her starboard quarter, whilst the other one made a steep bank to remain at her port. The first kamikaze skimmed over her flight deck, making impact with the water just 20 ft (6.1 m) off her starboard bow, glancing a lookout platform and killing one. Scarcely ten seconds after the first attack, the second Zero dove on Marcus Island, but careened into the water 30 ft (9.1 m) off her port bow. As it entered the water, its bomb detonated, spraying shrapnel across the flight deck and injuring six of her crew.[10][19] A few minutes later, a Yokosuka D4Y dive bomber attempted to make a run against Marcus Island, but it missed with its bomb and was shot down.[20] Marcus Island was able to continue her air support operations on Mindoro.[10][21]
Invasion of Lingayen Gulf
Marcus Island retired from operations off of Mindoro on 16 December, returning to the Admiralty Islands on 23 December. There, she joined Task Unit 77.4.4, the San Fabian Protective Group as its flagship, which was assigned to participate in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, assisting the Sixth Army as it landed on Luzon. Task Unit 77.4.4 was responsible for providing air screening for Task Force 78, the San Fabian Task Force, commanded by Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey.[22] During the night of 4–5 January 1945, as TF 78 passed through the Surigao Strait, it encountered two Japanese midget submarines. As one of the midget submarines raised its periscope to look around, a plane from Marcus Island dropped a depth charge onto it, leaving it dead in the water and with a severe list. It was finished off by an escorting destroyer, which rammed it.[10][23]
Marcus Island arrived in Lingayen Gulf on 6 January, where she provided an air screen to fend off kamikazes. On the morning of 8 January, her morning patrol of fighters a group of Japanese planes, shooting down four. Nonetheless, a kamikaze damaged Kadashan Bay. On 10 January, Kadashan Bay was ordered to transfer her entire stock of aircraft to Marcus Island and withdraw.[24] During time period, Marcus Island averaged to a launching or landing every 3.8 minutes of operations, setting a record for an escort carrier in combat.[25] On 9 January, as the landings proceeded, Marcus Island assisted in providing close air support, sinking two small Japanese coastal on the north shore of Luzon. As a result of casualties, on 10 January, the screening escort carriers were reconstituted into Task Unit 77.4.6, the Close Covering Carrier Group.[26]
On 17 January, Marcus Island, along with the rest of Task Group 77.4, retired from the waters off of Luzon, joining Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey's Close Covering Group, stationed west of northern Mindoro.[27] On 29 January, she supported unopposed landings at Zambales in Luzon, before heading to Ulithi in the Caroline Islands, arriving on 5 February. En route, Captain Howard Vaniman Hopkins took over command of the vessel. On 6 February, Rear Admiral Sample left Marcus Island, and she embarked Rear Admiral Felix Stump, commander of Carrier Division 24. At Ulithi, she unloaded VC-21 and took on Composite Squadron (VC) 87 on 14 February. She spent the rest of February conducting training, before heading for Leyte Gulf in early March to conduct rehearsals for Operation Iceberg, the planned landings on Okinawa.[8][10]
Battle of Okinawa
Marcus Island departed Ulithi on 21 March, as the flagship for Task Unit 52.1.2.[8] She arrived south of Kerama Retto on 26 March, where she commenced air operations.[28] On 5 April, Composite Observation Squadron (VOC) 1, which had previously been operating onboard Wake Island was embarked by Marcus Island. In turn, she exchanged her aircraft contingent to Wake Island, which had been damaged by a kamikaze, to be ferried back to Guam.[29]
On 29 April, Marcus Island left Okinawa in a convoy along with her sisters Saginaw Bay and Savo Island.[30] During the Battle of Okinawa, planes of her air contingent had flown 1,085 sorties, shooting down 11 Japanese aircraft and destroying another 13 grounded aircraft. She took on a load of damaged aircraft at Guam, steaming on 5 May for the West Coast, arriving back at San Diego on 22 May. She sailed westwards again on 10 July, ferrying troops and replacement aircraft to Pearl Harbor and Guam. She returned to Naval Air Station Alameda on 15 August, the same day that the Surrender of Japan was announced.[10]
Postwar
At Alameda, Marcus Island was assigned to the Operation Magic Carpet fleet, which repatriated U.S. servicemen from throughout the Pacific. Her first Magic Carpet trip went to Okinawa, making stops at Pearl Harbor and Guam, arriving in San Francisco on 24 October. For the rest of 1945, she conducted more Magic Carpet runs to Guam and Pearl Harbor.[10]
Marcus Island left San Diego on 12 January 1946, transiting the Panama Canal and stopping at Norfolk, before arriving in Boston Harbor on 2 February. On 12 December, she was decommissioned and mothballed, joining the Boston group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, mooring at the South Boston Naval Annex. On 12 June 1955, she was redesignated as a helicopter aircraft carrier, receiving the hull symbol CVHE-77. On 7 May 1959, she was further redesignated as an aviation transport, receiving the hull symbol AKV-27. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 September 1959, and she was sold for scrapping on 29 February 1960 to Comarket Inc. She was ultimately broken up in Japan during June 1960. Marcus Island received four battle stars for her World War II service.[2][10]
References
- ^ a b c Chesneau & Gardiner 1980, p. 109.
- ^ a b c d e Hazegray 1998.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 34–35.
- ^ a b Y'Blood 2014, p. 109.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 121.
- ^ a b c Y'Blood 2014, p. 251.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 277.
- ^ a b c Y'Blood 2014, p. 349.
- ^ Kaiser Vancouver 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r DANFS 2016.
- ^ Ship Naming Report 2013.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 114.
- ^ a b Y'Blood 2014, p. 153.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 168–169.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 176.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 229–231.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 241.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 247.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 261–262.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 262.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 265.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 296.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 297.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 304–306.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 310.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 311.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 316.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 354.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 358.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 380.
Sources
Online sources
- "Marcus Island (CVE-77)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. 27 April 2016. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2022. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- "Kaiser Vancouver, Vancouver WA". www.ShipbuildingHistory.com. 27 November 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
- "World Aircraft Carriers List: US Escort Carriers, S4 Hulls". Hazegray.org. 14 December 1998. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- "A Report on Policies and Practices of the U.S. Navy for Naming the Vessels of the Navy" (PDF). history.navy.mil. 2013. p. 35. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 April 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
Bibliography
- Chesneau, Robert; Gardiner, Robert (1980), Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946, London, England: Naval Institute Press, ISBN 9780870219139
- Y'Blood, William (2014), The Little Giants: U.S. Escort Carriers Against Japan (E-book), Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, ISBN 9781612512471
External links
- Photo gallery of USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) at NavSource Naval History
- USS Marcus Island (CVE 77) World War II Cruise Book 1944–45. Retrieved 8 April 2022.