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The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Enterprise, was laid down in 1958 and entered the fleet in November 1961. At the time, it was the largest warship ever built. Comparable in size to the Nimitz-class ships, Enterprise was built from a modified Forestal-class aircraft carrier design with large sizes, dictated power plant out of eight nuclear reactors A2W High costs forced the abandonment of a series of five other ships planned for construction in the naval construction program. From January 1979 to March 1982, the Enterprise was subjected to major renovation, which included redesigning the “island” superstructure and installing new radio-electronic systems. Enterprise is equipped with four steam catapults, four aircraft elevators and carries 2,520 tons of aviation ammunition and 10.3 million liters of aviation fuel, which is enough to conduct aviation operations for 12 days without replenishing on-board supplies. Like other American aircraft carriers, the Enterprise carries ammunition that includes nuclear bombs V61 (10 kt), V57 (20 kt), V43 (60 kt), V61 (100 kt), V43 (200 kt), V61 (330 kt), V43 (400 kt), V43 (600 kt) and V61 ( 900 kt), air-to-ground missiles with a nuclear warhead (100 kt) and 10-kt B57 nuclear depth charges. When required, the aircraft carrier can carry strategic nuclear bombs B43 (1.4 Mt) and B28 (1.2 Mt). The composition and size of the air group is similar to that of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The Enterprise has the same ASCAC (ASW Classification and Analysis Center), NTDS (Naval Tactical Data System) and TFCC (Tactical Flag Command Center) facilities. center). In addition to satellite system OE-82 communications the ship has two SCOT British satellite communications antennas (sets) installed in 1976, used on British ships and in NATO. Enterprise currently operates in the U.S. Pacific Fleet and was extensively refurbished twice between 1979 and 1994. The ship is expected to ultimately operate until approximately 2013.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Enterprise
- Displacement, t: 75 700 - standard; 89 600 - full;
- Dimensions, m: length 335.9; width 40.5; draft 10.9; flight deck width 76.8;
- Main power plant: steam turbines with four shafts, power, l. With. (kW): 280,000 (208,795);
- Travel speed, knots: 32;
- Aircraft: see Nimitz class;
- Weapons: three eight container launchers (without reloading) anti-aircraft missile system"Sea Sparrow", three 20-mm anti-aircraft guns artillery complex"Vulcan-Phalanx";
- Electronics: one SPS-10 navigation radar, one SPS-49 detection radar air target, one SPS-48C three-dimensional radar, one SPN-65 radar for detecting air and surface targets, one SPN-58 radar for detecting low-flying air targets, one SPN-35A, two SPN-41 and one SPN-44 aircraft landing support kits , three radar stations of the Mk.91 fire control system, one set of URN-26 TACAN radio navigation system, one set of stations electronic intelligence SLQ-29, four Mk.36 Super RBOC chaff launchers;
- Crew: 3395, plus 1891 - air group.
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The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Enterprise, was laid down in 1958 and commissioned in November 1961. At that time it was the largest warship ever built. Only the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers built later became larger than it. The Enterprise was built according to an improved design of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal, which included increased dimensions to accommodate a nuclear power plant consisting of eight A2W pressurized water reactors with enriched uranium fuel. The high cost of its construction led to a reduction in the US Navy's shipbuilding program by five units.
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From January 1979 to March 1982, significant repair and modernization work was carried out on the Enterprise, during which the superstructure was rebuilt, new radars and a mast to replace the characteristic dome for the REP system. The Enterprise is equipped with four steam catapults and four aircraft elevators, and carries reserves of aviation ammunition and aviation fuel in the amount of 2520 tons and 10.3 million liters, respectively. Like other American aircraft carriers, the ammunition included nuclear bombs of various calibers (10-kt B61, 20-kt B57, 60-kt B43, 100-kt B61, 200-kt B43, 330-kt B61, 400-kt B43 , 600-kt B43 and 900-kt B61), "Wallay" air-to-ground missile with 100-kt nuclear warhead and 10-kt B57 nuclear depth charges. In addition, if necessary, nuclear bombs B43 (1.4 Mt) and B28 (1.2 Mt) could be placed on board. The size and composition of the air wing is similar to that found on Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
Enterprise is equipped automated systems analysis of information about underwater targets ASCAC, combat control NTDS and flagship equipment command center TFCC. To provide satellite communications, in addition to the OE-82 antennas, two British SCOT antennas were installed on it (in 1976), which allows the ship to interact with NATO, including British, ships.
Enterprise is part of the Atlantic Fleet and underwent repairs and modernization under the 5LEP program in the period 1991-1994. It is planned that he will remain in the fleet until 2014.
Sold for scrap
total 25,500 (1945),
27 100 t
decks: 76 mm (upper),
25-76 mm (lower)
4 quad 27.94 mm anti-aircraft guns,
16 × 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine guns
15 torpedo bombers
37 dive bombers
Armament [ | ]
Artillery [ | ]
The aircraft carrier's artillery at the beginning of the war included 8 universal 127 mm Mk.12 guns, with whom he fought throughout the war, 4 quadruple 28 mm machine gun Mk 1/1 and 24 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun. With the beginning of the war, the number of machine guns was increased. However, the very first collisions demonstrated low effectiveness heavy machine guns. From February 1942 they began to be replaced by 20 mm Oerlikon automatic cannons. By the Battle of Midway Atoll, the Enterprise was already armed with 32 such machine guns, while the machine guns were removed from service. In July, the machine guns were finally removed, and the number of Oerlikons was increased to 40.
In October, almost all 28-mm machine guns were replaced with quadruple ones 40 mm Bofors L60 cannon(4 installations), only 1 installation of 28-mm machine guns remained in service for another year. The number of Oerlikons grew (in October 1942 - 44 units, in November - 46 units). Analysis of the battles required a constant increase in anti-aircraft artillery, and in October 1943 the aircraft carrier was rearmed again: it was now armed with two types of small-caliber anti-aircraft guns: 50 20-mm Oerlikons and 40 Bofors (8 twin and 8 quadruple installations). With such a set of weapons "Enterprise" ended the war.
Aviation [ | ]
By the beginning of the war in the Pacific, the air group "Enterprise" included three squadrons total number 72 aircraft (18 fighters F4F-3 "Wildcat", 36 dive bombers SBD "Dauntless" and 18 torpedo bombers TBD "Devastator".
Before the raid on Tokyo in April 1942, the fighter squadron was increased to 27 improved aircraft (F4F-4). The aircraft carrier operated with approximately this composition throughout 1942. So, on the eve of the battle at Midway Atoll in June 1942, the air group consisted of 79 aircraft (27 fighters, 38 dive bombers and 14 torpedo bombers).
TBD torpedo bombers on an aircraft carrier "Enterprise" during the Battle of Midway Atoll
The Battle of Midway Atoll demonstrated the need to increase the number of fighters, and by the beginning of the battles for Guadalcanal, the air group was increased to 87 aircraft (36 fighters and bombers each, as well as 15 torpedo bombers). Instead of outdated TBD "Devastator" torpedo bombers, the squadron received modern TBF "Avenger".
In 1943, fighter squadrons were re-equipped with new fighters F6F "Hellcat". At the beginning of 1944, one of the squadrons received fighters. F4U "Corsair", used for night interception.
During the battle of the Mariana Islands, the air group "Enterprise" included 78 aircraft: 35 fighters (including 32 F6F and 3 F4U), 23 SBD dive bombers and 20 torpedo bombers (7 TBM and 13 TBF). With the increase in the number of aircraft carriers, the Americans had the opportunity to allocate individual ships to solve special problems. Had an experienced air group "Enterprise" began to specialize in night cover and interception, receiving new types of aircraft with radars and more advanced radar equipment. After conversion into an aircraft carrier for night operations, the air group included a total of 45 aircraft: (16 F6F-5N Hellcat night fighters, 2 F6F-5P Hellcat photo reconnaissance aircraft and 27 TBM-3D Avenger). However, during the period of active daytime activities it could get stronger a large number both fighters and attack aircraft.
Characteristics of the aircraft that were part of the aircraft carrier's air group "Enterprise" during the Second World War | ||||||
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Type | Speed, km/h | Flight range, km | Armament | Crew | Note | |
Grumman F4F-4 "Wildcat" | 513 | 1335 | six 12.7 mm machine guns, two 45 kg bombs | 1 | Fighter. 1941-43 | |
Douglas SBD-6 "Dauntless" | 410 | 1244 | two 12.7 mm machine guns and two 7.62 mm machine guns, up to 1020 kg of bombs | 2 | Dive bomber. 1941-44 | |
Douglas TBD-1 "Devastator" | 332 | 700 | two 7.62 mm machine guns, a torpedo or up to 1362 kg of bombs | 3 | Torpedo bomber. Bomber. 1941-42 | |
Grumman TBF "Avenger" | 442 | 1610 | three 12.7 mm machine guns and two 7.62 mm machine guns, a torpedo or 907 kg of bombs | 3 | Torpedo bomber, bomber. 1942-45 | |
Grumman F6F-5 "Hellcat" | 610 | 1520 | four 12.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannons or six 12.7 mm machine guns, up to 1800 kg of bombs and missiles | 1 | Fighter, fighter-bomber, night interceptor, photo reconnaissance aircraft. 1943-45 | |
Chance Vought F4U-4 "Corsair" | 717 | 990 | six 12.7 mm machine guns or four 20 mm cannons, up to 1820 kg of bombs and missiles | 1 | Fighter, night interceptor, attack aircraft. 1944-45 |
Story [ | ]
Construction [ | ]
Construction of an aircraft carrier "Enterprise" was carried out according to the shipbuilding program, implemented taking into account restrictions Washington Conference. The United States had the right to build aircraft carriers with a total tonnage of 135,000 tons. Originally planned to be built in addition to two large aircraft carriers type "Lexington" with a displacement of 33,000 tons, five small aircraft carriers with a displacement of 13,800 tons. However, construction experience aircraft carrier "Ranger", showed that ships of this size have insufficient combat capability for operations in the open ocean and are inferior to ships of a potential enemy (Japanese aircraft carriers "Hiryu" And "Soryu"). Therefore, it was decided to build the following aircraft carriers with a displacement of 20,700 tons. The first ship this series became "Yorktown", second - "Enterprise". The ship entered the fleet on May 12, 1938.
Beginning of the war [ | ]
At the end of 1941, war with Japan became increasingly real. The command of the Pacific Fleet decided to strengthen the marine garrison at Wake Island squadron of F4F fighters. On November 28, 1941, having supplemented its air group with 11 Marine fighters, Enterprise was part of the 8th operational unit under the command of Admiral Halsey. At sea, orders were received to operate under wartime conditions. December 4, 1941, having delivered the aircraft to Wake, the connection moved back. Thanks to this operation, the aircraft carrier managed to avoid being hit by a Japanese carrier group during its attack on Pearl Harbor. Considering that there were aircraft carriers (along with battleships and heavy cruisers) main goal Japanese, the risk of the ship's destruction during such a raid was extremely high. However, the air group "Enterprise" it was not possible to avoid losses: during the raid, 5 dive bombers were shot down, returning to Pearl Harbor after carrying out aerial reconnaissance. Several fighters from the carrier were shot down by their own anti-aircraft artillery while attempting to land at Ford Airfield in Pearl Harbor. The unit returned to base only on December 8, after which, due to the possibility of a second attack by the Japanese, it cruised at sea for almost a week. December 10, 1941 dive bombers from "Enteprise" discovered and sank the Japanese submarine I-170.
Raid operations early 1942[ | ]
Taking advantage of the departure of the Japanese aircraft carrier squadron to the west, the American fleet intensified its actions against Japanese bases in the Pacific Ocean. Operations were carried out in the form of surprise attacks by task forces formed around aircraft carriers.
On February 1, 1942, the 8th Task Force attacked a group of atolls ( Kwajelein , Vautier , Maloelap)on Marshall Islands. During several attacks, aircraft with "Enterprise" sank a Japanese anti-submarine ship and transport, shot down and destroyed several dozen aircraft on the ground. Own losses amounted to 5 dive bombers. During the operation, the aircraft carrier was attacked twice by Japanese aircraft and received minor damage from a nearby bomb explosion (8 killed and 11 wounded) and from the fall of a downed bomber Mitsubishi G4M "Betty". At the end of February, the 8th task force went on another raid, during which it attacked Wake Island on February 24, and on March 4 the island Marcus. During the raid, 3 dive bombers were lost.
The most famous operation of this period was certainly raid on Tokyo April 18, 1942. On this day 16 basic twin-engine bombers B-25 Mitchell taking off from aircraft carrier "Hornet", for the first time during the war, attacked the Japanese capital. "Enterprise" accompanied "Hornet", carrying out reconnaissance and cover. Two aircraft carriers became part of the 16th operational formation.
Battle of Midway Atoll[ | ]
Participation in the raid on Tokyo did not provide an opportunity "Enterprise" To participate in battle in the Coral Sea. At the end of May, the aircraft carrier was returned to Pearl Harbor in connection with the expected attack of the Japanese fleet on Midway Atoll. Interception of Japanese radio messages allowed American ships to take up positions before the Japanese approached and remain undetected. On the morning of June 4, Japanese aircraft carriers and the commander of the 16th task force were discovered Admiral Spruance sent planes to the enemy aircraft carrier formation.
The torpedo bombers were the first to find the enemy: a squadron of 14 aircraft with "Enterprise" attacked in the second wave, without achieving success and losing 10 aircraft. The squadrons of the other two aircraft carriers were completely destroyed. Immediately after the end of the unsuccessful torpedo bomber attack, the Japanese ships were attacked by a squadron of 33 dive bombers with "Enterprise". The Japanese's attention was diverted to the previous attack and the American planes operated almost without resistance. Bombs hit two Japanese aircraft carriers "Akagi" And "Kaga". At this time, planes from the aircraft carrier "Yorktown" attacked and hit the third aircraft carrier "Sorry". During the attack and during the return, the squadron lost 14 dive bombers, but achieved a brilliant success, delivering a fatal blow to two aircraft carriers.
The advantage in the battle immediately passed to the American fleet. During the day, a squadron of torpedo bombers with "Enterprise" And "Yorktown" discovered and hit the last Japanese aircraft carrier from the Japanese formation - "Hiryu". Air group losses "Enterprise" amounted to 3 aircraft. The next day, June 5, aircraft from two aircraft carriers of the 16th Task Force attacked two Japanese heavy cruisers. Cruiser "Mogami" was seriously damaged and cruiser "Mikuma" sunk Thus, during the battle, aircraft with "Enterprise" sunk 4 Japanese ship, making a decisive contribution to the victory American Navy.
Battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands[ | ]
Air group "Enterprise" during the Battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands | ||||
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Unit/unit | Commander | Aircraft | 24 August | |
Total | are in good working order | |||
Air Group 6 | lieutenant commander Maxwell Leslie | torpedo bomber TBF-1 "Avenger" | 1 | 1 |
squadron VF-6 | lieutenant Lewis Bauer | fighter F4F-4 Wildcat | 28 | 27 |
squadron VB-6 | Lieutenant Ray Davis | dive bomber SBD-3 "Downtless" | 17 | 17 |
squadron VS-5 | Lieutenant Turner Caldwell | dive bomber SBD-3 "Downtless" | 18 | 16 |
squadron VT-3 | Lieutenant Charles Jet | torpedo bomber TBF-1 "Avenger" | 15 | 14 |
photographic reconnaissance F4F-7 | 1 | 1 | ||
TOTAL | 80 | 76 |
Success in the battle dramatically changed the balance of power in the Pacific War. The Japanese fleet no longer had such a clear advantage over its enemy. Moreover, for the first time the Americans gained an advantage in heavy aircraft carriers, having four ships ( "Saratoga" , "Wasp" , "Enterprise" And "Hornet") against two Japanese ( "Sekaku" And "Zuikaku"). This made it possible to confidently launch a counteroffensive, the target of which was the island Guadalcanal from the archipelago Solomon Islands. At the beginning of August 3 aircraft carriers, including "Enterprise", as part of 61 operational formations, took part in ensuring the landing of marines on the island. Over the course of two days on August 7-8, the aircraft carriers provided cover for the landings, shooting down a total of 33 aircraft. Due to the threat of attacks ground aviation on the evening of August 8, it was decided to leave the landing area.
A bomb exploded on the deck of an aircraft carrier during the Battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands on August 24, 1942.
The Japanese fleet accepted the challenge and began to build up its forces in the Solomon Islands. On August 24th took place Battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands. A Japanese carrier force (3 aircraft carriers), sent to support the landing on Guadalcanal, was attacked by 61 task forces, which included an aircraft carrier "Enterprise". In the morning, dive bombers from the aircraft carrier attacked the Japanese several times, but were unsuccessful. But the air group with "Saratoga" sank an aircraft carrier "Ryudze". In the evening, Japanese aircraft launched a retaliatory strike. Despite the fact that the Japanese planes were discovered long before the attack and were met in the air big number fighters, Japanese dive bombers managed to achieve three hits "Enterprise"(74 killed). The bombs damaged the flight deck and steering control, but the ship was even able to accept aircraft. Some of the dive bombers landed on the Henderson airfield on Guadalcanal. On August 25, they took part in an attack on Japanese transports, and the plane with "Enterprise" sank a transport with a displacement of 9,300 tons.
The victory in the battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands strengthened the American position on Guadalcanal. Aircraft carrier "Enterprise" was sent to Pearl Harbor for repairs and was replaced by an aircraft carrier "Hornet". However, the position of the American fleet soon became difficult again. On August 31, the submarine I-26 was damaged "Saratoga", and on September 15 the submarine I-19 sank "Wasp". As a result, the Americans were left with one heavy aircraft carrier and temporarily withdrew the main forces from the Solomon Islands area.
Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands[ | ]
Air group "Enterprise" during the battle near the Santa Cruz Islands | ||||||
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part/division | Commander | Aircraft | the 25th of October | October 26 | ||
Total | are in good working order | Total | are in good working order | |||
Air Group 10 | commander Richard Gaines | torpedo bomber TBF-1 "Avenger" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
squadron VF-10 | lieutenant commander | fighter F4F-4 Wildcat | 36 | 33 | 31 | 31 |
squadron VB-10 | Lieutenant Commander James Thomas | dive bomber SBD-3 "Downtless" | 22 | 17 | 18 | 13 |
squadron VS-10 | Lieutenant Commander James Lee | dive bomber SBD-3 "Downtless" | 22 | 16 | 16 | 10 |
squadron VT-10 | lieutenant commander | torpedo bomber TBF-1 "Evenzhder" | 14 | 14 | 9 | 9 |
TOTAL | 95 | 81 | 75 | 64 |
The next round of fighting took place at the end of October 1942. By this time "Enterprise" was quickly repaired and equipped with additional anti-aircraft weapons from 40 mm automatic guns. 23 October 16th operational formation under the command Rear Admiral Kincaid, formed around an aircraft carrier, arrived in the Solomon Islands. The main aircraft carrier forces of the Japanese fleet (4 aircraft carriers) also approached the islands. By this time another ground offensive The Japanese at Henderson airfield failed, and the Japanese fleet was preparing for battle with American ships.
A near explosion of an air bomb near an aircraft carrier during the battle off Santa Cruz Island
October 25 passed in a mutual search for the enemy, and "Enterprise" I lost 7 planes that ran out of fuel in these actions. On the morning of October 26, two torpedo bombers with "Enterprise" from among those sent for reconnaissance, discovered and suddenly attacked aircraft carrier "Zuiho", damaging its deck and making it impossible to accept planes for landing. The main forces discovered each other and launched the first massive strikes. The Japanese attacked the aircraft carrier "Hornet", which was hit by three bombs, two torpedoes, and also crashed into two downed planes. Nearby "Enterprise" was not noticed because it was hidden by a rain squall. In turn, the planes "Hornet" heavily damaged a Japanese aircraft carrier "Shokaku", but the pilots "Enterprise" were unable to strike at other Japanese aircraft carriers and limited themselves to attacking Japanese heavy cruisers, damaging cruiser "Tikuma".
Soon the American formation was attacked by a second wave of Japanese aircraft (35 aircraft). This time the main blow was dealt to "Enterprise". Despite strong fighter cover and anti-aircraft fire, the ship was hit by three bombs. Skillful maneuvering allowed him to evade 9 torpedoes fired at him. The third wave of Japanese planes failed to hit the American ship. Despite being hit by enemy bombs "Enterprise" was able to maintain progress and even receive his air group and planes from "Hornet".
As a result of the battle, the American fleet seemed to have lost its advantages in the battles for the Solomon Islands, since it only had a damaged one in the combat area. "Enterprise". However, the victory for the Japanese was too at great cost. In addition to the damage to two aircraft carriers, they lost a large number of pilots - 148 (more than in the previous three battles). This forced the withdrawal of even combat-ready weapons to Japan. "Zuikaku". As a result, the Japanese fleet was unable to use the fruits of its success - the Americans once again held their positions on Guadalcanal, and soon went on the offensive. "Enterprise" was in as soon as possible brought into combat readiness for Noumea archipelago and already on November 11 went to sea, although repairs were still ongoing and one of the aircraft lifts was not working.
November Battle of Guadalcanal[ | ]
In mid-November, both sides made another attempt to change the balance of forces in the battles for the island. The Americans landed troops on November 11th. The transports left, and the covering ships remained to wait for the Japanese fleet. On the night of November 13th took place first naval battle off Guadalcanal, which resulted in large American losses in ships. However, the Japanese refused to immediately attack Henderson Airfield. Moreover, on the afternoon of November 13 American aviation attacked and sank damaged in a night battle battleship "Hiei". Airplanes with "Enterprise", operating both from an aircraft carrier and from a land airfield, they scored hits from two torpedoes and 3 bombs. "Hiei" became the first Japanese battleship sunk in the war.
The next day the air group "Enterprise" together with Marine Corps aviation, operating mainly from Henderson airfield, even achieved more success. A heavy cruiser was sunk in four attacks. "Kinugasa" and the heavy cruiser was badly damaged "Mayan". But more important was the defeat of the Japanese convoy of 11 transports that were transporting reinforcements and heavy weapons to Guadalcanal. Seven air attacks led to the sinking of six and heavy damage to one transport (later also sunk). Although most of The soldier was rescued by escort destroyers, and all heavy weapons and ammunition were lost. The remaining four transports washed ashore on Guadalcanal. Thus the last attempt was thwarted Japanese army and the fleet to change the balance of power in the Pacific.
During the battle the planes "Enterprise" operated either through Henderson airfield or entering a mission through it. This for a long time prevented the Japanese from detecting the presence of the enemy Enterprise. But on the evening of November 14, "Enterprise" was finally discovered by Japanese aircraft. Fearing losses from air attacks, it was decided to withdraw the aircraft carrier to Noumea, leaving combat-ready aircraft at the land airfield. During the battle, Enterprise aircraft took part in the sinking of a battleship, a heavy cruiser and 6 transports; another 1 heavy cruiser and 5 transports were damaged.
Offensive in the Pacific[ | ]
The November Battle of Guadalcanal marked the end of major naval battles in this district. The Japanese fleet actually admitted defeat and no longer used battleships and aircraft carriers in battles. Now main task The Japanese fleet was defending the occupied lines. It was assumed that aircraft carriers and battleships would be used in a general battle, but in the meantime the fleet had to accumulate forces. On the other hand, the American fleet also expected to be strengthened due to the gradual commissioning of aircraft carriers type "Essex" And "Independence". "Enterprise" operated in the Solomon Islands area until May 1943, after which it was replaced by the British "Victors" and went to Pearl Harbor for long repairs.
American offensive in the central part Pacific Ocean began in September 1943. The fleet's strategy included neutralizing enemy aircraft on the islands with a series of carrier-based aircraft raids, then landing marines with massive support from both aviation and artillery ships.
The first operation in which I took part "Enterprise", began the landing on the islands Tarawa And Makin in the archipelago Gilbert Islands. "Enterprise" together with two light aircraft, it became part of the Northern Operational Group (OG 50.2), which was part of Task Force 50 or the Fast Carrier Force. The Northern Group's mission was to support the attack on Makin. The planes attacked the atoll, ensuring its capture by November 22. On the way back on October 4, the formation attacked the atoll Kwajalein on Marshall Islands. Aircraft from the aircraft carrier took part in the sinking of 3 transports and damaged a light cruiser. Airplanes in the battles for Makin "Enterprise" For the first time, they began operations to intercept Japanese aircraft at night carrying out harassing raids on American formations. According to the plan, F6F fighters were to attack targets guided by a TBF torpedo bomber equipped with a radar.
November 26, 1943 to a group with "Enterprise" managed to shoot down two B4M bombers, at the cost of the death of one fighter piloted by the first American naval ace. Subsequently, night patrols became the specialization of the air group "Enterprise".
On January 6, 1944, the Fast Carrier Force received the new designation Task Force 58 under the command of an admiral. The aircraft carrier fielded three F4U-2 Corsair fighters equipped with night interception radar. At the end of January, the fleet attacked the Marshall Islands. January 29 "Enterprise" took part in attacks on fortifications and air bases on the atoll Kwajalein. The two-day attacks of the formation, which had 12 aircraft carriers (more than 700 aircraft), completely destroyed the aircraft defending the atoll and destroyed the fortifications.
At the end of March, the task force again went to sea and attacked the island Palau, where not long ago the main forces of the Japanese Combined Fleet were based. "Enterprise" served as part of the 3rd operational group (Task Group 58.3 consisting of 4 aircraft carriers). Since the Japanese managed to withdraw the fleet, American planes sank more than 30 merchant and auxiliary ships. In April 1944, taking advantage of the inaction of the enemy fleet, the task force was engaged in supporting ground operations in New Guinea.
Battle of the Marianas[ | ]
The lack of aircraft and trained pilots did not allow the Japanese fleet to provide adequate resistance to the American offensive in both the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean. But as the enemy was getting closer and closer to Japan in March 1944, it was decided to impose a battle on the US Navy in the event of their attacks on Mariana And Caroline Islands. By the summer, the Japanese carrier fleet had reached the peak of its strength and could bring 9 aircraft carriers into battle. New types of carrier-based aircraft were adopted. According to the Japanese plan, the American invasion force was to be weakened by base air strikes from the Mariana Islands, and then exposed to attack by the Combined Fleet from a base in Tawi-Tawi. The most weak point The Japanese had training for pilots that could not be compared with the American ones.
The American fleet left the base on Majuro Atoll on June 6, 1944 and on the 11th attacked the Mariana Islands with air forces ("Operation Forager"). June 15 Marines began landing on Saipan. The next day the first mobile fleet under the command Vice Admiral Ozawa went out to sea. Ozawa intended to attack carrier formations using the long range of his aircraft. Thanks to active reconnaissance, the Japanese were able to determine the location of the Americans first and raise air groups for a strike on the morning of June 19. But the Americans' radar and numerical superiority reduced these advantages to nothing. All four waves of Japanese planes were repulsed. The enemy lost 220 aircraft, and most of them, piloted by inexperienced pilots, became such easy prey that one of the American pilots compared the battle to hunting turkeys. Subsequently, the term "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" began to be used everywhere.
The next day, the Americans had the opportunity to strike back. By this time, the Japanese fleet, in addition to most aircraft, had lost two large aircraft carriers ( "Taiho" And "Sekaku", sunk by submarines). June 20 at 15.40 torpedo bomber "Avenger" c "Enterprise", piloted by R. S. Nelson, discovered the Japanese fleet and directed strike formations of American carrier-based aircraft at it. During several raids they managed to sink the aircraft carrier "Hiyo" and 2 tankers, damage 4 more aircraft carriers. The return of American planes in the dark brought more losses than the Japanese attacks the day before. 14 aircraft with "Enterprise" landed on other aircraft carriers, he himself received 17 “strangers”. There were several incidents during landing, one of which was "Downtless" from an aircraft carrier "Lexington" crashed into the superstructure.
The result of the battle was the final defeat of the Japanese aircraft carrier fleet, which, while retaining its ships, lost most of its aircraft and trained pilots. This cost the Americans relatively small losses, which did not reduce their combat readiness. Air group "Enterprise" provided support to ground forces on Saipan until July 5, after which it was withdrawn to a base on Enewetak Atoll.
Battle of the Philippines[ | ]
After the Battle of the Mariana Islands, a reorganization was carried out naval forces, and the operational unit was transferred to the 3rd Fleet. In late August "Enterprise" as part of Task Force 38.4 attacked Bonin Islands. By this time, the critical position of the Japanese fleet had become apparent, and the decision was made to accelerate the attack on the Philippines.
Task Force 38, in anticipation of the invasion, launched a deep raid against Japanese bases north of the upcoming attack. October 10 carrier-based aircraft, including an air group with "Enterprise", attacked Okinawa, October 12 - Taiwan (Formoso), counterattacks by Japanese aircraft on October 13-14 were successfully repelled. During these battles, Japanese base and carrier-based aircraft suffered huge losses (up to 600 aircraft according to American data), which significantly limited its ability to resist the landing in Leyte Gulf.
When the landing began, aviation from the 38th formation supported it, attacking ground targets and fighting enemy aircraft. October 20, 1944 "Enterprise" was sent to Ulithi to replenish supplies, but at this time information was received that the main forces of the Japanese fleet were moving towards the Philippines. The aircraft carrier was returned. Already on October 22, his reconnaissance aircraft discovered the Southern Union Admiral Nishimura in the Mindanao Sea. 23 October air group "Enterprise" participated in numerous attacks on the Japanese central force in Sibuyan Sea, which resulted in the sinking of the Japanese battleship "Musashi".
Commander of the Japanese Central Force Admiral Kurita temporarily turned his ships back. Having learned about this, the commander of the 3rd American fleet, Admiral Halsey, decided to head against the Japanese Northern Force, which included aircraft carriers. On October 25, American planes discovered it and, in the course of six attacks, sank all four Japanese aircraft carriers. In the last battle of aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean, aircraft with "Enterprise".
After the naval battle ended, the aircraft carrier provided support to the landing troops for several days, including night patrols. By that time the Americans had new opponent- kamikaze. October 30 "Enterprise" for the first time was subjected to a kamikaze attack, successfully avoiding being hit. The next day, the ships of Task Group 38.4. left the combat area.
Last fights [ | ]
At the beginning of 1945 "Enterprise" became special ship for night operations, which is reflected even in its name (CVN-6). Along with an aircraft carrier "Independence", also adapted for night operations, they formed a separate task force 38.5. At the same time, during the day they were reinforced by Group 38.2 and acted as daytime aircraft carriers.
Explosion on an aircraft carrier after being hit by a kamikaze on May 14, 1945. The photo was taken from a battleship "Washington".
In January 1945, the 38th Force took part in a raid into the South China Sea, attacking targets on the coast of Indochina. Aircraft "Enterprise" launched night attacks. So on January 22, 6 Avenger bombed the port of Kiirun on Formosa at night, losing three aircraft. After the raid, the unit returned to Ulithi, where in early February it was again renamed 58th Unit. "Enterprise" And "Saratoga" formed night task force 58.5.
In February "Enterprise" took part in a raid on the Japanese Islands, and then until March 10 supported the landing on Iwo Jima Island without interrupting air patrols for 174 consecutive hours. In fact, the aircraft carrier served as an escort carrier, which is why it earned the title of “king of jeeps” from the participants in the battle (“Jeep aircraft carriers” were the name given to escort ships that provided direct support to troops during landing).
After that "Enterprise" Having united with the rest of the formation, he took part in a raid against Japan in anticipation of the landing on Okinawa. On March 18, he was hit by a bomb, which fortunately did not explode, killing 1 and injuring 2 people. On March 20, while repelling kamikaze attacks, the ship was hit by two 127-mm shells from neighboring escort ships, which led to a strong fire on the flight deck. The aircraft carrier was sent to Ulithi, but was returned to Okinawa before the repairs were completed. On April 11, having barely entered service, he was again attacked by two kamikazes and received further damage from close falls. The aircraft carrier returned to service in May. From 12 to 14 May he took part in attacks on the Japanese Islands. His air group successfully operated at night (from May 12 to 13, 14 were shot down, and from May 13 to 14, 4 Japanese aircraft). On May 14, the aircraft carrier was once again damaged by a kamikaze. This time the A5M Zero fighter crashed into the deck near the bow elevator, breaking through several decks. 13 people were killed and 64 were injured. This time the damage was so serious that to correct it "Enterprise" went to the USA. He took no further part in hostilities.
Results of the service [ | ]
Aircraft carrier "Enterprise" made the most significant contribution to the success of the American fleet of any ship in the US Navy. She became one of three pre-war aircraft carriers that fought throughout the war. Unlike "Saratoga", which spent a long time under repair and was used to a limited extent "Ranger", "Enterprise" active throughout the Pacific War. During the hostilities, he took part in 5 out of 6 aircraft carrier battles, and in the battle at Midway Atoll, the role of the aircraft of his air group was decisive in achieving victory. No less significant was the aircraft carrier's participation in the November Battle of Guadalcanal in 1943. Although with the advent of new aircraft carriers of the type "Essex" As the aircraft carrier's importance began to decline, it was able to maintain its importance and individuality by specializing in night operations.
The duration and intensity of participation in battles allowed the aircraft carrier to become a record holder both in the number of enemy aircraft shot down and in the number of enemy warships and transport vessels sunk. From large ships on the account of the Enterprise air group are battleship "Hiei", heavy cruisers "Mikuma" And "Kinugasa", aircraft carriers "Akagi", "Kaga" And "Hiryu" and several destroyers.
Post-war fate[ | ]
The ship's post-war service was short-lived. Already in 1946, she was sent to the New York Navy Yard for disarmament and was withdrawn from the active fleet in 1947. Despite attempts to find funds to convert the ship into a memorial, in 1958 it was sold for scrap and scrapped at a shipyard in New Jersey.
Commanders [ | ]
- Captain Newton H. White (May 12 – December 21, 1938)
- Captain Charles A. Pownall (December 21, 1938 – March 21, 1941)
- Captain George D. Murray (March 21, 1941 – June 30, 1942)
- Captain Arthur C. Davis (June 30 – October 21, 1942)
- Captain Osborne B. Hardison (October 21, 1942 – April 7, 1943)
- Captain Carlos W. Wieber (7 – 16 April 1943)
- Captain Samuel P. Ginder (April 16 – November 7, 1943)
- Captain Matthias B. Gardner (November 7, 1943 – July 10, 1944)
- Commander Thomas J. Hamilton (10 – 29 July 1944)
- Captain Cato D. Glover (July 29 – December 14, 1944)
- Captain Grover B. H. Hall (December 14, 1944 – September 25, 1945)
- Captain William A. Rees (September 25, 1945 – February 20, 1946)
- Captain Francis E. Bardwell (February 20 – June 10, 1946)
- Commander Conrad W. Craven (June 10, 1946 – January 31, 1947)
- Commander Lewis F. Davis (January 31 – February 17, 1947)
Awards [ | ]
Battle Stars [ | ]
"Enterprise" became the most decorated American ship of World War II. He has 20 Battle Stars to his credit (the closest ship in terms of the number of these achievements, the light cruiser San Diego, had 18 battle stars, the second most successful aircraft carrier - "Essex", had “only” 13 battle stars).
- 1 battle star: Defense of Pearl Harbor. 1941
- 2 battle star: Pacific raids. 1942
- 3 battle star: Battle of Midway Atoll. 1942
- 4th battle star: Battle of Guadalcanal. 1942
- 5th battle star: Defense of Guadalcanal. 1942
- 6th battle star: Battle of the Eastern Solomon Islands. 1942
- 7th battle star: Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. 1942
- 8th battle star: Sea battle near Guadalcanal. 1942
- 9th battle star: Battle of Rennel Island. 1942
- 10th battle star: Battle for the Gilbert Islands. 1943
- 11th battle star: Battle of the Marshall Islands. 1944
- 12th battle star: Pacific raids. 1944
- 13th battle star: Operation in New Guinea. 1944
- 14th battle star: Battle of the Mariana Islands. 1944
- 15th Battle Star: Operation Western Pacific. 1944
- 16th battle star: Battle of Leyte. 1944
- 17th battle star: Battle of Luzon. 1944
- 18th battle star: Night operations during raids to Japanese islands. 1945
- 19th Battle Star: Battle of Iwo Jima. 1945
- 20th battle star: Battle of Okinawa. 1945
Other awards [ | ]
The first of the aircraft carriers "Enterprise" received high reward Presidential Unit Citation. In total, 18 ships received this award during the war, including 3 aircraft carriers. Also in active "Enterprise"- Gratitude of the Navy unit