USS Yorktown (CV-10) facts for kids

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|} The USS Yorktown (CV/CVA/CVS-10) was a famous aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy during World War II. It was one of 24 Essex-class carriers. The ship was first going to be named Bonhomme Richard. But it was renamed Yorktown to honor an earlier carrier, USS Yorktown (CV-5), which was sunk in the Battle of Midway.

Yorktown was put into service in April 1943. It fought in many battles in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The ship earned 11 battle stars and a special award called the Presidential Unit Citation.

After the war, the Yorktown was taken out of service for a short time. It was then updated and brought back into service in 1953 as an attack carrier (CVA). It served well during the Korean War. Later, it was updated again with a special angled deck. It became an anti-submarine carrier (CVS). The ship served for many years in the Pacific, including during the Vietnam War, where it earned five more battle stars.

The Yorktown was also a recovery ship for the Apollo 8 space mission in 1968. This was the first time humans orbited the Moon. The ship was also used in two movies: Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and The Philadelphia Experiment (1984).

In 1970, Yorktown was taken out of service for good. In 1975, it became a museum ship at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It was named a National Historic Landmark.

Contents

• Building and Launching the Yorktown
• Yorktown at War: World War II

• Battles in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands
• Raids Across the Central Pacific
• Fighting in the Marianas and Palau Islands
• The Philippines Campaign
• Attacks on Japan and Iwo Jima
• The Battle of Okinawa
• The End of the War

History
United States
Name	Yorktown
Namesake	Battle of Yorktown
Builder	Newport News Shipbuilding
Laid down	1 December 1941
Launched	21 January 1943
Commissioned	15 April 1943
Decommissioned	9 January 1947
Nickname(s)	The Fighting Lady
Recommissioned	2 January 1953
Decommissioned	27 June 1970
Reclassified	CVA-10, 1 October 1952 CVS-10, 1 September 1957
Stricken	1 June 1973
Status	Museum ship at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
General characteristics as built
Class and type	Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement	27,100 long tons (27,500 t) (standard) 36,380 long tons (36,960 t) (full load)
Length	820 feet (249.9 m) (wl) 872 feet (265.8 m) (o/a)
Beam	93 ft (28.3 m)
Draft	34 ft 2 in (10.41 m)
Installed power	8 × Babcock & Wilcox boilers 150,000 shp (110,000 kW)
Propulsion	4 × geared steam turbines 4 × screw propellers
Speed	33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range	14,100 nmi (26,100 km; 16,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement	2,600 officers and enlisted men
Armament	12 × 5 in (127 mm) DP guns 32 × 40 mm (1.6 in) AA guns 46 × 20 mm (0.8 in) AA guns
Armor	Waterline belt: 2.5–4 in (64–102 mm) Deck: 1.5 in (38 mm) Hangar deck: 2.5 in (64 mm) Bulkheads: 4 in (102 mm)
Aircraft carried	90-100 aircraft
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location in South Carolina
Nearest city	Mount Pleasant
Built	1941
Architect	Newport News Shipbldg. & Dry Dock
NRHP reference No.	82001519
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	10 November 1982
Designated NHL	19 June 1980

• After the War: 1945–1975

• Reactivation and Korean War Service
• Updates and Anti-Submarine Role
• Vietnam War Service
• Apollo 8 Mission and Decommissioning

• Yorktown as a Museum Ship
• Awards and Honors
• See also

Building and Launching the Yorktown

Work on the ship, originally named Bonhomme Richard, started on December 1, 1941. This was just six days before the Attack on Pearl Harbor. It was built at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia.

On September 26, 1942, the ship was renamed USS Yorktown. This was to remember the USS Yorktown (CV-5) that was lost during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. The new Yorktown was launched on January 21, 1943. Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady, was its sponsor. The ship was officially put into service on April 15, 1943. Captain Joseph J. Clark was its first commander.

Yorktown at War: World War II

The USS Yorktown being put into service on April 15, 1943.

After being commissioned, Yorktown trained near Trinidad. Then, it sailed to the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal. It arrived in Pearl Harbor on July 24, 1943. For a month, it practiced in the Hawaiian Islands.

On August 22, 1943, Yorktown left Pearl Harbor for its first combat mission. On August 31, its planes attacked Marcus Island. After this, the ship returned to Pearl Harbor.

In October, Yorktown launched air strikes on Japanese bases on Wake Island. These attacks lasted for two days. The ship then returned to Oahu for more training.

Battles in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands

On November 10, Yorktown left Pearl Harbor to join Task Force 38. This force was part of a big attack to take over the Gilbert Islands. On November 19, its planes attacked Jaluit and Mili Atoll. This helped to weaken enemy air power during the landings on Tarawa, Abemama, and Makin.

The next day, its planes supported troops fighting on Makin. On November 22, the planes focused on Mili again. Before returning to Pearl Harbor, Yorktown also attacked Wotje and Kwajalein Atolls.

In January 1944, Yorktown supported the invasion of the Marshall Islands. Its planes attacked Taroa airfield on Maloelap Atoll. They also hit Kwajalein to prepare for the invasion there. When troops landed on January 31, Yorktown planes continued to support them.

Raids Across the Central Pacific

Over the next four months, Yorktown took part in many raids. These raids stretched from the Marianas to New Guinea. On February 12, it launched air strikes on the main Japanese base at Truk Atoll. These attacks were very successful.

On February 22, Yorktown attacked enemy airfields on Saipan. Then, it sailed to Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides. From there, it launched more raids on Japanese bases in the Palau Islands and Woleai.

In April, Yorktown supported General Douglas MacArthur's attack on the Hollandia area in New Guinea. Its planes attacked bases in Wakde-Sarmi and provided direct support for the troops. After these attacks, it raided Truk lagoon again.

Yorktown returned to Pearl Harbor in May for training. In June, it prepared for the next big operation: the attack on the Marianas.

Fighting in the Marianas and Palau Islands

On June 6, Yorktown sailed to the Mariana Islands. Its planes began bombing targets to prepare for the invasion of Saipan. Yorktown planes mostly focused on airfields on Guam.

On June 13, Yorktown went north to attack targets in the Bonin Islands. Then, it returned to the Marianas for the Battle of the Philippine Sea. On June 19, Yorktown aircraft attacked Japanese air bases on Guam. This was to stop Japanese planes from joining the battle. Yorktown planes also fought enemy carrier planes. On this day, Yorktown planes destroyed 37 enemy planes.

On June 20, Yorktown chased the retreating Japanese fleet. Its planes found the enemy fleet and attacked the Japanese aircraft carrier Zuikaku. They hit the carrier but did not sink it. They also attacked other Japanese ships.

After the battle, Yorktown returned to the Marianas. It attacked Pagan Island and Iwo Jima. On July 23, it attacked Yap, Ulithi, and the Palaus.

In August, Yorktown sailed back to the United States for repairs. It returned to the Pacific in October.

The Philippines Campaign

In November, Yorktown launched air strikes on targets in the Philippines. This supported the Leyte invasion. On December 17, the task force sailed through a very strong storm, Typhoon Cobra. Three destroyers sank in the storm. Yorktown helped rescue survivors.

In December 1944, Yorktown attacked targets in Formosa and the Philippines. This helped prepare for the landings at Lingayen. On January 10, 1945, Yorktown entered the South China Sea. Its planes attacked Japanese ships and bases in Saigon, Tourane, Indochina, Canton, and Hong Kong. They sank 44 enemy ships.

In January, Yorktown also attacked Formosa and Okinawa.

Attacks on Japan and Iwo Jima

Yorktown with planes of Carrier Air Group 1 in 1944.

In February 1945, Yorktown launched strikes on the Tokyo area of Honshū, Japan. Its planes also bombed Chichi Jima. When the landings on Iwo Jima began on February 19, Yorktown planes provided support. They continued these missions until February 23. Then, Yorktown returned to Japan to attack airfields near Tokyo and Kyūshū.

On March 18, Yorktown launched strikes on airfields on Kyūshū, Honshū, and Shikoku. The ship came under air attack. A Japanese bomber hit the ship, killing five men and wounding 26. But Yorktown kept working. Its gunners shot down the attacking plane.

On March 23, Yorktown began bombing Okinawa to prepare for the invasion.

The Battle of Okinawa

Yorktown during air operations in the Pacific.

From March 30, Yorktown focused its attacks on Okinawa. For two days, its planes bombed the island. When the troops landed on April 1, Yorktown planes provided direct support for almost six weeks.

On April 7, a Japanese task force, including the huge battleship Yamato, was spotted. Yorktown and other carriers launched planes to attack it. Yorktown planes hit Yamato with torpedoes, causing it to explode and sink. They also sank the light cruiser Yahagi.

Yorktown continued to support troops on Okinawa. It was attacked by enemy planes again but was not badly damaged. On May 11, Yorktown left the Ryūkyūs for rest and repairs.

In late May, Yorktown returned to Okinawa to continue air support. In June, it moved to attack the Japanese homeland again. Its planes hit airfields on Kyūshū and Minami Daito Shima.

The End of the War

From July 1, Yorktown joined other carriers for the final attacks on the Japanese home islands. Its planes attacked the Tokyo area of Honshū. They also hit southern Hokkaidō.

From July 19 to 22, Yorktown planes attacked the Japanese naval base at Yokosuka. They also pounded installations around the Kure naval base. In late July, they shifted targets back to the Tokyo area.

On August 8 and 9, Yorktown planes attacked northern Honshū and southern Hokkaido. On August 10, they hit Tokyo again. On August 13, its aircraft attacked Tokyo for the last time. On August 15, Japan agreed to surrender, and all planned strikes were canceled.

After the surrender, Yorktown provided air cover for forces occupying Japan. It also dropped supplies to Allied prisoners of war. On September 16, Yorktown entered Tokyo Bay. On October 6, it sailed for the United States.

After the War: 1945–1975

Mothballed Yorktown at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1948. From front to rear Essex, Ticonderoga, Yorktown, Lexington, Bunker Hill, Bon Homme Richard

Yorktown arrived in San Francisco Bay on October 20, 1945. It helped bring American servicemen home. It made several trips between the U.S. and the Far East.

On January 9, 1947, Yorktown was taken out of service and stored at Bremerton, Washington.

Reactivation and Korean War Service

In June 1952, the Navy decided to reactivate Yorktown. Work began at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. On February 20, 1953, Yorktown was fully put back into service as an attack carrier (CVA).

On August 3, 1953, it sailed to the Far East. It arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, on September 5. The Korean War armistice had been signed, so the carrier did training instead of combat missions. It served with TF 77 until February 1954.

Yorktown after its big update in 1953.

After returning home, Yorktown was used to film the documentary Jet Carrier. It returned to the Far East in July 1954. It operated out of the Manila-Subic Bay area, taking part in 7th Fleet exercises. In January 1955, it helped cover the evacuation of Chinese Nationalists from the Tachen Islands.

Updates and Anti-Submarine Role

On March 21, 1955, Yorktown went into reserve again for major updates. It received an angled flight deck to launch jet aircraft better. It was fully recommissioned on October 14, 1955.

In March 1956, it sailed for its third tour with the 7th Fleet in the Far East. It operated in the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. It visited places like Sasebo and Manila.

On September 1, 1957, Yorktown was reclassified as an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft carrier (CVS-10). It went into the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for more updates to become an ASW carrier.

Yorktown with its final flight deck design in 1960.

In November 1958, Yorktown returned to the western Pacific. It earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for showing strength near the Chinese islands of Quemoy and Matsu. It also joined forces off Vietnam during internal problems there.

In January 1960, Yorktown went back to the Far East. It earned more awards for its service in Vietnamese waters. Later that year, it had a four-month overhaul.

Vietnam War Service

In 1965, Yorktown became involved in the Vietnam War. It performed special operations in the South China Sea. It provided anti-submarine warfare (ASW) services for other carriers launching air strikes in Vietnam.

In January 1966, Yorktown returned to the western Pacific. It spent three long periods on "Yankee Station" providing ASW and sea-air rescue services for other carriers. It also took part in ASW exercises.

In February 1967, Yorktown had another seven-month overhaul. In December, it began its last tour in the western Pacific. In January 1968, it went to the Sea of Japan to provide ASW and search and rescue (SAR) support after North Korea captured the Pueblo.

Yorktown did three more tours on Yankee Station, supporting carriers launching air strikes in Vietnam. It finished its last tour in Vietnamese waters on June 16, 1968.

Apollo 8 Mission and Decommissioning

The Apollo 8 Command Module on Yorktown's deck.

In late 1968, Yorktown was used to film the movie Tora! Tora! Tora!, which showed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In December 1968, it served as a recovery ship for the Apollo 8 space mission. This was a very important mission where astronauts orbited the Moon for the first time.

In 1969, Yorktown moved to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and operated along the east coast and in the West Indies. It also took part in a fleet exercise in northern Europe.

On June 27, 1970, Yorktown was taken out of service for the final time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its name was removed from the Navy List on June 1, 1973.

Yorktown as a Museum Ship

In 1974, the Navy decided to donate Yorktown to the Patriot's Point Development Authority in Charleston, South Carolina. It was towed to Charleston in June 1975. On October 13, 1975, it was officially opened as a memorial and museum.

Yorktown was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

For many years, a local public radio station, WSCI-FM, had its offices and broadcast booth on the Yorktown.

Patriots Point has grown to include other vessels, like the destroyer Laffey. It also has a Cold War Submarine Memorial and a museum for the Medal of Honor Society.

In 2003, Senator John Kerry announced his plan to run for President on Yorktown's deck.

In 2012, a college basketball game was planned on Yorktown's deck between Marquette University and Ohio State University. Over 8,000 veterans and military members attended, but the game was canceled because the court became too wet.

In 2015, experts estimated that the ship's hull would need $40 million in repairs. The first step was to remove old fuel from its tanks.

Awards and Honors

Yorktown earned 12 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation during World War II. It also received five battle stars for its service in Vietnam.

See also

In Spanish: USS Yorktown (CV-10) para niños