USS Wake Island CVE-65
The USS Wake Island (CVE-65) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier built during World War II. Laid down on January 6, 1943, by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company in Vancouver, Washington, it was part of a massive wartime shipbuilding effort. The ship launched on September 15, 1943, and joined the U.S. Navy on November 7, 1943. This rapid construction was a testament to America's industrial might during the war. Kaiser Shipbuilding, known for its innovative techniques, was crucial in meeting the Navy's urgent need for escort carriers.
Named after Wake Island, a small atoll in the Pacific, the ship honored the brave defense by U.S. Marines and civilians against a larger Japanese force in December 1941. Though the island fell, their courage became a symbol of American resilience. Naming the carrier after Wake Island paid tribute to their sacrifice and highlighted the Pacific's strategic importance during the war.
The USS Wake Island was compact and versatile. As a Casablanca-class carrier, it was 512 feet long with a 65-foot beam. It carried about 28 aircraft, including fighters and torpedo bombers. The flight deck had catapults and arresting gear for aircraft operations. Despite its smaller size, it was heavily armed with anti-aircraft guns, including 5-inch dual-purpose and 40mm Bofors guns, providing strong defense against enemy threats.
The USS Wake Island's legacy in the U.S. Navy is significant. It exemplified the crucial role of escort carriers in World War II, providing essential air support for convoys, amphibious operations, and anti-submarine warfare. The ship and its Casablanca-class sisters protected Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats in the Atlantic and supported island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific. Their contributions were vital to numerous naval operations, underscoring the importance of air power in modern naval warfare.
The Casablanca class was the most numerous class of escort carriers ever built, with 50 ships completed. Their primary purpose was to provide air cover for convoys and amphibious assaults and conduct anti-submarine patrols. Designed for rapid construction and deployment, they reflected the urgent need for naval air support during the war. Their simple design and standardized construction allowed for quick production, making them a vital part of the U.S. Navy's strategy.
Commissioned on November 7, 1943, the USS Wake Island quickly became active in the Pacific theater. Under Captain H. H. Goodwin, the ship provided air support and protection for Allied forces. It played a pivotal role in operations like the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the invasion of Okinawa. The ship's aircraft conducted numerous sorties, providing critical air cover and engaging enemy forces. The USS Wake Island's commissioning marked the start of a distinguished service record that significantly contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.
USS Wake Island CVE-65: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Wake Island (CVE-65) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier, a class known for its versatility and rapid production during World War II. It measured 512 feet and 3 inches in length, with a beam of 65 feet and 2 inches, and a draft of 22 feet and 6 inches. The flight deck stretched the entire length of the ship, providing ample space for aircraft takeoffs and landings. Built with welded steel, the hull struck a balance between durability and weight, allowing the ship to reach a top speed of 19 knots. Below the flight deck was a hangar deck, where aircraft were stored and maintained, ensuring the ship could sustain long operations at sea.
The USS Wake Island was equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems for its time. It featured radar systems like the SK air-search radar and the SG surface-search radar, crucial for spotting enemy aircraft and ships. These radars gave the ship an early warning capability, boosting its defensive and offensive operations. Advanced radio communication equipment allowed for effective coordination with other naval units and aircraft. These technologies ensured the USS Wake Island could operate effectively in the complex and dynamic environment of naval warfare.
The ship's armament was designed for both offense and defense. It was armed with a variety of anti-aircraft guns, including one 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose gun, capable of engaging both surface and aerial targets. Additionally, it had eight 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and twelve 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These weapons were strategically placed around the ship to create overlapping fields of fire, providing a robust defense against enemy aircraft and small surface vessels. This combination of armaments ensured the USS Wake Island could protect itself and its aircraft from a wide range of threats.
The primary weaponry of the USS Wake Island, however, was its complement of aircraft. The ship typically carried around 28 to 34 aircraft, including fighters like the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat and later the F6F Hellcat, as well as torpedo bombers like the Grumman TBM Avenger. These aircraft were the ship's main offensive tools, capable of conducting a variety of missions including air superiority, ground attack, and anti-submarine warfare. The versatility and firepower of the embarked air wing made the USS Wake Island a formidable asset in the US Navy's arsenal, capable of projecting power and providing critical support to naval and ground operations across the Pacific Theater.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Wake Island (CVE-65) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members and their families, as evidenced by the numerous heartfelt guestbook entries. These entries provide a vivid tapestry of memories, experiences, and connections that span decades, reflecting the ship's storied history during World War II.
Bernell Austin's service in 1943 as a Seaman First Class (S1/C) is remembered by his family, who seek to gather more stories to pass on to his grandchildren. Jack Beck, an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class (AOM 3/C), recalls his journey with VC 69 from San Diego through the Panama Canal to the Atlantic, witnessing the sinking of a submarine and the loss of the USS Fisk (DE 143). He also participated in the invasions of Luzon and Iwo Jima before returning to the States and being discharged in 1947.
Abbie Borinstein, a Radioman Second Class (RADIOMAN 2/C), fondly remembers flying in the back seat of a TBF off the deck of the "baby flat-top." Fred Braug's daughter shares that her father, though not tech-savvy, is in good health and enjoying retirement. Norman Corbin, an Ensign and Navy Fighter Pilot, flew a Wildcat and is celebrated by his family as he approaches his 95th birthday.
DM Crane, a Boatswain's Mate Second Class (BM2C), mentions the reunions held in Branson, MO, organized by the late Ron Paul. Jack M. Cunningham, a Gunner's Mate Third Class (GUNNER'S MATE 3/C), served in the Atlantic and participated in the invasions of Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. He witnessed the first jet-powered plane land on a carrier and helped decommission the ship in New York.
E. Donald Hall, a Petty Officer Second Class, worked the arresting gear and loaded anti-aircraft guns. He expresses a desire to reconnect with his division mates. Harry Lee Jones' daughter found old WWII documents and hopes someone remembers her father. Walter Koch, an Aviation Boatswain's Mate Third Class (3RD CLASS PETTY OFFICER AVIATION BOATSWAINE MATE), was injured in battle but never received a Purple Heart. He was promoted in 1945.
Karl Arthur Koehler, a Seaman First Class Aviation Ordnanceman (S1ST CLASS AOM), seeks information about ship reunions. William Laggren, an Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), is alive and well in Santa Barbara, CA, and is looking to connect with former shipmates. William Larsen's grandson shares that his grandfather, a flagman, passed away at age 39, leaving behind a family.
Larry Maggi's son honors his father, a Gunner's Mate, who served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Alfred Manson's family hopes to hear from anyone who knew him. William Markell's son remembers his father, who served in various locations and passed away in 1985. Ernie Medrano's family seeks to reunite him with his buddies, noting that he is in great health at 90.
Francis Moore, a First Class Radioman, cherishes the support of his shipmates. Thomas P. Murphy's nephew found radiograms detailing the ship's history. Jim Perdue's family remembers him as a Fighter Director who passed away in 1976. Sherman Scott, an Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class (AMS 2ND CLASS), mentions reunions organized by Ronald Paul.
Robert Sealey's family honors his memory, noting his passing in April 2007. R. Howard Smith's grandson is searching for service records to verify his grandfather's time aboard the ship. Lawrence Tanksley's daughters seek information about their father's Navy history. Max Tenney's grandson adds his name to the list, noting his passing in 2001.
Gerald Van Eps' family remembers him, noting his early death at 38 and his son's subsequent Navy service in Vietnam. Alva Wood's son adds his father's name, inviting anyone who remembers him to get in touch.
These entries collectively paint a picture of camaraderie, bravery, and enduring connections forged aboard the USS Wake Island. The ship's legacy lives on through the memories and stories shared by its crew and their families.
USS Wake Island CVE-65: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Wake Island (CVE-65) was a remarkable ship that saw some serious action and upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1943, this escort carrier started with a basic setup of aircraft and defensive gear. But as World War II ramped up, so did the ship's capabilities. It got better radar systems to spot enemy planes and subs, and its anti-aircraft defenses were beefed up with more advanced 40mm and 20mm cannons. These changes made it a tougher opponent against the growing aerial threats of the time.
The Wake Island wasn't just a one-trick pony. It adapted to the Navy's needs as the war went on. Originally, it was all about air support for amphibious landings and protecting convoys. But soon, it became a key player in anti-submarine warfare, using its aircraft to patrol the seas and hunt down enemy subs. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, it was crucial in providing air cover and support for the invasion forces. The ship could launch and recover all sorts of aircraft, from fighters to bombers to reconnaissance planes, making it a vital part of the Navy's strategy.
The ship's contributions during World War II were huge. It took part in major operations like the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign and the Philippines campaign. Its aircraft provided close air support, did reconnaissance, and engaged enemy forces both in the air and on the ground. The Wake Island's presence in these battles was key to securing victories for the Allies, showing just how important escort carriers were in modern naval warfare. Besides combat, it also served as a training ground for naval aviators, prepping the next generation of pilots for the challenges of war.
After the war, the USS Wake Island didn't just fade away. It found new life in peacetime missions, like transporting troops and equipment during the Korean War. This ability to switch roles highlighted the flexibility and lasting value of escort carriers in the Navy. The legacy of the USS Wake Island is a testament to the U.S. Navy's ingenuity and resilience, showing a commitment to keeping a versatile and capable maritime force ready for any challenge, whether in war or peace.
USS Wake Island CVE-65: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Wake Island (CVE-65) was a key player in World War II, part of the U.S. Navy's escort carrier fleet. Commissioned in September 1943, she quickly joined the action in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign. As part of Task Group 50.1, Wake Island launched fighter and bomber sorties, providing crucial air support for amphibious landings. Her aircraft targeted enemy positions, neutralizing Japanese airfields and fortifications, which was vital for the success of these operations.
In 1944, Wake Island took part in the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, proving her strategic worth. Her air group flew missions like anti-submarine patrols, reconnaissance, and direct air support for invasion forces. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of history's largest naval battles, Wake Island's aircraft were essential in repelling Japanese forces, offering air cover for the fleet, and attacking enemy ships. These efforts were crucial in securing the Philippines and advancing Allied progress in the Pacific.
Throughout her service, USS Wake Island earned several awards, including five battle stars for her World War II service. These honors recognized her participation in major campaigns and effectiveness in combat. The crew received commendations for their bravery and performance under fire, and the air group was praised for their precision and dedication.
After the war, Wake Island served in various roles, including as a training vessel during the early Cold War. She was decommissioned in 1946, but her legacy lives on through the sailors and aviators who served aboard. The commendations and battle stars awarded to USS Wake Island highlight her significant impact on World War II and her lasting place in naval history.
USS Wake Island CVE-65 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Casablanca Class Escort Aircraft Carrier |
| Commissioned | November 7, 1943 |
| Displacement | 10,902 tons |
| Length | 512 feet |
| Beam | 108.1 feet |
| Draft | 22.6 feet |
| Speed | 20 knots |
| Complement | 860 |