Image: Task Force 38 off the coast of Japan 1945

Description: The U.S. Navy Task Force 38, of the U.S. Third Fleet maneuvering off the coast of Japan, 17 August 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender. The aircraft carrier in lower right is USS Wasp (CV-18). Note that her forward hull number on the flight deck is painted to be readable for planes coming from the bow. This was discontinued as escort carriers with such high numbers, like in this case USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81), were commissioned. The other identifiable carrier is USS Shangri-La (CV-38) in the left center. She is the only known carrier to have her air group identification letter ("Z") painted in white on her flight deck, instead of her hull number. Also present in the formation are four other Essex-class carriers, four Independence-class light carriers, at least three battleships, two of the Iowa-class and one of the South Dakota-class, plus several cruisers and destroyers.
Title: Task Force 38 off the coast of Japan 1945
Credit: Official U.S. Navy photo 80-G-278815 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command
Author: Taken by a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) photographer.
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No