USS Steamer Bay: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Casablanca-class escort carrier of the US Navy}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} |
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|Ship image= CVE-87 USS Steamer Bay.JPG |
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|Ship caption=USS ''Steamer Bay'' underway |
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{{Infobox ship career |
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|Ship country=United States |
|Ship country=United States |
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|Ship flag={{USN flag| |
|Ship flag={{USN flag|1944}} |
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|Ship name= |
|Ship name=''Steamer Bay'' |
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|Ship namesake=Steamer Bay, [[Etolin Island]], [[Territory of Alaska|Alaska]] |
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|Ship namesake= |
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|Ship ordered=as a [[Casablanca-class escort carrier|Type S4-S2-BB3]] hull, [[Maritime Commission|MCE]] hull 1124{{sfn|Kaiser Vancouver|2010}} |
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|Ship ordered= |
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|Ship awarded=18 June 1942 |
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|Ship builder=[[Kaiser Shipbuilding Company]] |
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|Ship |
|Ship builder=[[Kaiser Shipyards]] |
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|Ship original cost= |
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|Ship launched=26 February 1944 |
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|Ship laid down= 4 December 1943 |
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|Ship launched= 26 February 1944 |
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|Ship acquired= |
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|Ship commissioned=4 April 1944 |
|Ship commissioned= 4 April 1944 |
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|Ship decommissioned= 4 February 1946 |
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|Ship struck= 1 March 1959 |
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|Ship |
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|Ship identification=[[Hull classification symbol#Aircraft carrier type|Hull symbol]]: CVE-87 |
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|Ship fate=Sold for scrap 29 August 1959 |
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|Ship motto= |
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|Ship honors=6 [[Battle star]]s |
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|Ship captured= |
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|Ship fate=Sold for scrapping 29 August 1959 |
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{{Infobox ship characteristics |
{{Infobox ship characteristics |
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|Header caption= |
|Header caption={{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}} |
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|Ship class= |
|Ship class={{sclass|Casablanca|escort carrier}} |
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|Ship |
|Ship type= |
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|Ship |
|Ship displacement={{Casablanca class displacement}} |
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|Ship length={{Casablanca class length}} |
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|Ship beam={{convert|65|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on}} Flight deck {{convert|108|ft|1|in|m|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship beam={{Casablanca class beam}} |
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|Ship draught= |
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|Ship height= |
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|Ship draft={{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship draft={{Casablanca class draft}} |
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|Ship depth= |
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|Ship decks= |
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|Ship power={{Casablanca class power}} |
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|Ship complement=860 |
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|Ship propulsion={{Casablanca class propulsion}} |
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|Ship speed={{Casablanca class speed}} |
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|Ship range={{cvt|10240|nmi}} at {{cvt|15|kn}} |
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|Ship boats= |
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|Ship complement= |
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*Total: 910 – 916 officers and men |
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**Embarked Squadron: 50 – 56 |
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**Ship's Crew: 860 |
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|Ship sensors= |
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|Ship armament= |
|Ship armament={{Casablanca class armament}} |
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|Ship aircraft= |
|Ship aircraft=27 |
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|Ship aircraft facilities= |
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*1 × [[aircraft catapult|catapult]] |
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*2 × [[Elevator#Elevators for aircraft|elevators]] |
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|Ship notes= |
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}} |
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{{Infobox service record |
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|is_ship=yes |
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|label= |
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|partof= |
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*[[United States Pacific Fleet]] (1943–1946) |
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*[[Pacific Reserve Fleet]] (1947–1959) |
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|codes= |
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|commanders= |
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|operations= |
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*[[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]] |
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*[[Invasion of Iwo Jima]] |
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*[[Battle of Okinawa]] |
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*[[Operation Magic Carpet]] |
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|victories= |
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'''USS ''Steamer Bay'' (CVE-87)''' was a {{sclass|Casablanca|escort carrier}} of the [[United States Navy]]. She was named after Steamer Bay, located within [[Etolin Island]], [[Territory of Alaska|Alaska]]. Launched in February 1944, and commissioned in April, she served in support of the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]], the [[Invasion of Iwo Jima]], and the [[Battle of Okinawa]]. Postwar, she participated in [[Operation Magic Carpet]]. She was decommissioned in January 1947, when she was [[Reserve fleet|mothballed]] in the [[Pacific Reserve Fleet]]. Ultimately, she was sold for scrapping in August 1959. |
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==Design and description== |
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'''USS ''Steamer Bay'' (CVE-87)''' was a [[Casablanca class escort carrier|''Casablanca'' class]] [[escort carrier]] of the [[United States Navy]]. She was laid down on 4 December 1943 at [[Vancouver, Washington]], by the [[Kaiser Shipbuilding Company]]; launched on 26 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Henry S. Kendall; and commissioned on 4 April 1944, [[Captain (U.S. Navy)|Captain]] Steadman Teller in command. |
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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 with all ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers.]] |
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{{main|Casablanca-class escort carrier}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' was a ''Casablanca''-class escort carrier, the most numerous type of [[aircraft carrier]]s ever built,{{sfn|Chesneau|Gardiner|1980|p=109}} and designed specifically to be mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early war losses. Standardized with her [[sister ship]]s, ''Steamer Bay'' 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]], {{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 [[Uniflow steam engine|Unaflow reciprocating steam engines]], 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 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 decks: one each fore and 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|{{convert|5|in|adj=on|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|{{convert|40|mm|adj=on|sp=us}} Bofors anti-aircraft guns]] in single mounts, as well as twelve [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|{{convert|20|mm|adj=on|sp=us}} Oerlikon cannon]]s, which were mounted around the perimeter of the deck. By the end of the war, ''Casablanca''-class carriers had been modified to carry thirty 20–mm cannons, and the amount of 40–mm guns had been doubled to sixteen, by putting them into twin mounts. These modifications were in response to increasing casualties due to [[kamikaze]] attacks. ''Casablanca''-class escort carriers were designed to carry 27 aircraft, but the hangar deck could accommodate more. During the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]], the [[Invasion of Iwo Jima]], and the [[Battle of Okinawa]], she carried 16 [[Grumman F4F Wildcat#FM-1/-2 Wildcat|FM-2 Wildcat]] [[Fighter aircraft|fighters]], and 12 [[Grumman TBF Avenger#TBM|TBM-3 Avenger]] [[torpedo bomber]]s, for a total of 28 aircraft.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=276}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=321}}{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=348}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' held [[sea trial]]s in [[Puget Sound]] and sailed for [[San Diego]] on 2 May. On the 14th, she headed for the [[New Hebrides]], carrying the men and aircraft of [[Marine Air Group 61|Marine Air Group (MAG) 61]]. She arrived at [[Espiritu Santo]] on the 30th, unloaded, and began her return voyage to San Diego on 2 June. The carrier was on the west coast from 20 June to 19 July when she again steamed west, with 298 marines and 72 aircraft, bound for the [[Marshall Islands]]. |
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==Construction== |
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''Steamer Bay'' arrived at [[Majuro]] on 1 August to discharge her cargo and passengers. She was routed back to [[Pearl Harbor]] and attached to the [[3d Fleet]] as a carrier of replacement aircraft. Seventy-two planes were loaded on board; and the ship steamed for [[Seeadler Harbor]], [[Manus Island]], on 21 August. During the next two and one-half months, the carrier supplied replacement aircraft and pilots to Task Force (TF) 38 which was supporting the operations in the [[Palau]] and [[Philippine Islands]]. She spent the period from 15 November to 5 December at Pearl Harbor undergoing repairs and training. The ship returned to Seeadler Harbor on 17 December 1944 and was assigned to Task Group (TG) 77.4, the [[San Fabian Carrier Group]], which sortied on 1 January 1945. |
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The escort carrier was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 4 December 1943, under a [[Maritime Commission]] contract, MC hull 1124, by [[Kaiser Shipyards|Kaiser Shipbuilding Company]], [[Vancouver, Washington]]. She was named ''Steamer Bay'', as part of a tradition which named escort carriers after bays or sounds in Alaska. She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 26 February 1944; [[Ship sponsor|sponsored]] by Mrs. Henry S. Kendall; transferred to the United States Navy and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 4 April 1944, [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]] [[Myron Steadman Teller]] in command.{{sfn|Kaiser Vancouver|2010}}{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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==Service history== |
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The group ([[Taffy 2]]), consisting of six escort carriers under the command of [[Rear Admiral]] [[Felix Stump]], supported the Lingayen landings. While steaming through the Sulu and South China seas toward the Lingayen beaches, during the first week of January 1945, the group was the target of numerous enemy air attacks. Of the six carriers, {{USS|Ommaney Bay|CVE-79|3}} was sunk on 4 January by a [[kamikaze]] plane; and {{USS|Manila Bay|CVE-61|3}} and {{USS|Savo Island|CVE-78|3}} were damaged the next day. During the landings, the CVE's launched over 1,400 aircraft sorties in support of ground forces. ''Steamer Bay'' remained in the [[Philippine Islands]] with the [[7th Fleet]] until she got underway on 31 January for [[Ulithi]]. |
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===World War II=== |
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[[File:F6F-5N F6F-5 CVE-87 1944-45.jpg|thumb|left|Two [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]s photographed on-board ''Steamer Bay''. These aircraft were not part of her aircraft contingent, and are being transported, evident by the lack of squadron or carrier markings. The rightmost aircraft, positioned on the aircraft catapult, is a F6F-5N night-fighter variant.]] |
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After being commissioned, ''Steamer Bay'' conducted trials and went on a [[shakedown cruise]] down the West Coast, before arriving at [[San Diego]]. On 14 May, she sailed for the [[New Hebrides]], transporting [[Marine Air Group 61|Marine Air Group (MAG) 61]]. She arrived at [[Espiritu Santo]] on 30 May, where her cargo was unloaded. She departed on 2 June, arriving at San Diego on 20 June. On 19 July, she loaded 298 marines and 72 aircraft, and proceeded westwards for the [[Marshall Islands]]. She hence arrived at [[Majuro]] on 1 August, where she discharged her cargo. She headed for [[Pearl Harbor]], where she was attached to the [[United States Third Fleet]] to store replacement aircraft to support the ongoing [[Mariana and Palau Islands campaign]] and the [[Philippines campaign (1944–1945)|Philippines campaign]]. Seventy-two planes were loaded onto ''Steamer Bay'', and she sailed for [[Seeadler Harbor]], [[Manus Island]], arriving on 21 August. Throughout the next two and a half months, she remained on station, providing replacement aircraft and crew for Task Group 38. After completing her duties, she returned to Pearl Harbor, where she underwent repairs and training from 15 November to 5 December.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' departed back to Seeadler Harbor, arriving on 17 December. There, she was assigned to Task Group 77.4 (Taffy 2), commanded by [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Felix Stump]], which had previously participated in the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]]. The task force consisted of six escort carriers and their escorts. On 1 January 1945, the task force sortied out of Seeadler Harbor, in support of the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf. En route, the escort carriers came under heavy aerial attacks. Of the six carriers within Taffy 2, {{USS|Ommaney Bay|CVE-79|2}} was sunk by a kamikaze plane on 4 January, and {{USS|Manila Bay|CVE-61|2}} and {{USS|Savo Island|CVE-78|2}} were damaged by additional kamikazes on 5 January. ''Steamer Bay'' herself narrowly missed being hit, with a kamikaze once flying dangerously close to her stern.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=279}} Throughout the landings, the escort carrier task groups anchored offshore launched over 1,400 aircraft sorties in support of the operation. In the middle of operations, Taffy 2 was reformed under Rear Admiral Felix Stump, partially because of the losses and damages suffered by the escort carriers. In anticipation for possible Japanese counterattacks on American positions on [[Mindoro]] and [[Luzon]], the task group proceeded south to operate in the waters offshore Mindoro.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=316}} ''Steamer Bay'' remained in the [[Philippine Islands]] with the rest of the [[United States Seventh Fleet|7th Fleet]] until 31 January, when she departed for [[Ulithi]].{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' anchored there from 5 February to 10 February, when she departed with units of the [[United States Fifth Fleet|5th Fleet]] for the invasion of [[Iwo Jima]]. She was with four other escort carriers which arrived at their assigned area of operations, 50 miles west of Iwo Jima, on 16 February. Their mission was to neutralize Japanese bases in the [[Nanpō Islands]] until 19 February (D-Day) and then provide air cover and direct support for the marines during the landings and the struggle for the strategic island. |
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''Steamer Bay'' was only anchored for five days, before she departed with the rest of the [[United States Fifth Fleet|5th Fleet]], bound for [[Iwo Jima]]. She was incorporated into Carrier Division 26, under the command of Rear Admiral [[Clifton Sprague]], alongside four other escort carriers. The task group began operations, {{cvt|50|mi}} west of Iwo Jima, on 16 February. The task group's mission was to neutralize Japanese bases and positions along the [[Nanpō Islands]] until 19 February (D-Day). The task group then provided [[close air support]] for the marines throughout the landings and the costly struggle throughout the island.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' was relieved on 7 March and arrived at [[San Pedro Bay (Philippines)|San Pedro Bay]], [[Leyte (island)|Leyte]], on the 12th. She sailed for the [[Ryukyus]] on 27 March and arrived in the operating area south of [[Okinawa]] on the morning of 1 April. She remained off [[Okinawa]] until 26 May when she sailed to [[Apra Harbor]], [[Guam]], for repairs. On 10 June, the carrier was ordered to join the [[3d Fleet]] east of [[Miyako Jima]] and assist in neutralizing Japanese airfields in [[Sakishima Gunto]]. She conducted air strikes against the fields from 14 June to 22 June, when she sailed for Ulithi. |
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''Steamer Bay'', along with {{USS|Anzio|CVE-57|2}}, was relieved on 7 March, and then proceeded to [[Leyte (island)|Leyte]]. They arrived at [[San Pedro Bay (Philippines)|San Pedro Bay]] on 12 March, where she prepared for the upcoming invasion of [[Okinawa Island]]. She sailed for the [[Ryukyu Islands]] on 27 March, arriving in her operating area south of the island on the morning of 1 April. Operations were complicated by uncooperative weather and choppy seas. On 3 April, a sailor was cast overboard when a railing broke. His body was not recovered.{{sfn|Y'Blood|2014|p=357}} She conducted operations until 26 May when she was relieved, and sailed to [[Apra Harbor]], [[Guam]], for repairs and rest. On 10 June, she was ordered to join the 3rd Fleet east of [[Miyako Jima]] assisted her task group in neutralizing Japanese airfields on [[Sakishima Gunto]]. She conducted air strikes against the airfields from 14 June to 22 June, before sailing for Ulithi.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' stood out of Ulithi, on 3 July, with the Logistics Support Group resupplying the fast carrier forces during operations against the Japanese mainland. On the 20th, she was detached and sailed, via Guam and Pearl Harbor, for the west coast, arriving at San Diego on 10 August. |
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''Steamer Bay'' left Ulithi on 3 July, part of the Logistics Support Group, responsible for resupplying the fast carrier forces with aircraft during operations against the Japanese mainland. On 20 July, she was detached and sailed, making stops at Guam and Pearl Harbor, for the West Coast, arriving at San Diego on 10 August.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' was in drydock when hostilities with [[Japan]] ended, and she was given additional bunks to accommodate veterans returning from overseas. She sailed for Pearl Harbor, on 28 September, on her first “[[Operation Magic Carpet|Magic Carpet]]” assignment. |
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===Post war=== |
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''Steamer Bay'' was assigned to the [[Pacific Reserve Fleet]] on 4 February 1946 and berthed at [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. In January 1947, she was placed in reserve, out of commission. Her designation was changed from CVE-87 to '''CVHE-87''' on 12 June 1955. The carrier was struck from the Navy list on 1 March 1959 and sold to Hyman-Michaels Co., [[Chicago, Illinois]], on 29 August 1959 for scrap. |
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''Steamer Bay'' was in [[dry dock]] when the [[Surrender of Japan|Japanese surrender]] was announced. When repairs were finished, she became a part of the [[Operation Magic Carpet (World War II)|Operation Magic Carpet]] fleet, which repatriated U.S. servicemen from around the Pacific. To support her new role, bunk beds were installed within the hangar deck to accommodate veterans returning from overseas. On 28 September, she sailed for Pearl Harbor, on her first Magic Carpet run.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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After completing her Magic Carpet duties, ''Steamer Bay'' was assigned to the [[Pacific Reserve Fleet]] on 4 February 1946, and berthed at [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. In January 1947, she was placed in reserve, and [[Ship commissioning#Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]]. Her designation was changed to '''CVHE-87''' on 12 June 1955. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 March 1959, and sold to Hyman-Michaels Co., [[Chicago, Illinois]], on 29 August 1959, for [[Ship breaking|scrapping]]. She received six [[battle star]]s for her World War II service.{{sfn|DANFS|2016}} |
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''Steamer Bay'' received six [[battle star]]s for [[World War II]] service. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist|20em}} |
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*{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/s18/steamer_bay.htm}} |
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==Sources== |
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===Online sources=== |
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{{refbegin}} |
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* {{cite DANFS | url = https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/steamer-bay.html| title = Steamer Bay (CVE-87)| publisher = Naval History and Heritage Command | date = 27 April 2016| access-date = 12 October 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205745/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/steamer-bay.html|archive-date=2016-03-03| ref = {{sfnRef|DANFS|2016}}}} |
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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}}}} |
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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| ref= {{sfnRef|Hazegray|1998}}}} |
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{{refend}} |
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===Bibliography=== |
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{{refbegin}} |
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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}} |
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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}} |
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{{refend}} |
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== External links == |
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{{Commons category|USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87)}} |
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* {{navsource|03/087|USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87)}} |
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{{Casablanca_class_escort_carrier}} |
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{{Casablanca class escort carrier}} |
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{{Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Steamer Bay |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Steamer Bay}} |
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[[Category:Casablanca-class escort carriers]] |
[[Category:Casablanca-class escort carriers]] |
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[[Category:World War II escort aircraft carriers of the United States]] |
[[Category:World War II escort aircraft carriers of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Ships built in |
[[Category:Ships built in Vancouver, Washington]] |
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[[Category:1944 ships]] |
[[Category:1944 ships]] |
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[[Category:S4-S2-BB3 ships]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:05, 2 February 2024
 USS Steamer Bay underway
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | Steamer Bay |
| Namesake | Steamer Bay, Etolin Island, Alaska |
| Ordered | as a Type S4-S2-BB3 hull, MCE hull 1124[1] |
| Awarded | 18 June 1942 |
| Builder | Kaiser Shipyards |
| Laid down | 4 December 1943 |
| Launched | 26 February 1944 |
| Commissioned | 4 April 1944 |
| Decommissioned | 4 February 1946 |
| Stricken | 1 March 1959 |
| Identification | Hull symbol: CVE-87 |
| Honors and awards | 6 Battle stars |
| Fate | Sold for scrapping 29 August 1959 |
| General characteristics [2] | |
| Class and type | Casablanca-class escort carrier |
| Displacement |
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| Length | |
| Beam |
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| Draft | 20 ft 9 in (6.32 m) (max) |
| Installed power |
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| 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 |
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| Armament |
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| Aircraft carried | 27 |
| Aviation facilities | |
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Operations: | |
USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier of the United States Navy. She was named after Steamer Bay, located within Etolin Island, Alaska. Launched in February 1944, and commissioned in April, she served in support of the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, the Invasion of Iwo Jima, and the Battle of Okinawa. Postwar, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet. She was decommissioned in January 1947, when she was mothballed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet. Ultimately, she was sold for scrapping in August 1959.
Design and description[edit]
Steamer Bay was a Casablanca-class escort carrier, the most numerous type of aircraft carriers ever built,[2] and designed specifically to be mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early war losses. Standardized with her sister ships, Steamer Bay 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, 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 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 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 decks: one each fore and aft.[2][3][4]
One 5-inch (127 mm)/38 caliber dual-purpose gun was mounted on the stern. Anti-aircraft defense was provided by eight 40-millimeter (1.6 in) Bofors anti-aircraft guns in single mounts, as well as twelve 20-millimeter (0.79 in) Oerlikon cannons, which were mounted around the perimeter of the deck. By the end of the war, Casablanca-class carriers had been modified to carry thirty 20–mm cannons, and the amount of 40–mm guns had been doubled to sixteen, by putting them into twin mounts. These modifications were in response to increasing casualties due to kamikaze attacks. Casablanca-class escort carriers were designed to carry 27 aircraft, but the hangar deck could accommodate more. During the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, the Invasion of Iwo Jima, and the Battle of Okinawa, she carried 16 FM-2 Wildcat fighters, and 12 TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bombers, for a total of 28 aircraft.[5][6][7]
Construction[edit]
The escort carrier was laid down on 4 December 1943, under a Maritime Commission contract, MC hull 1124, by Kaiser Shipbuilding Company, Vancouver, Washington. She was named Steamer Bay, as part of a tradition which named escort carriers after bays or sounds in Alaska. She was launched on 26 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Henry S. Kendall; transferred to the United States Navy and commissioned on 4 April 1944, Captain Myron Steadman Teller in command.[1][8]
Service history[edit]
World War II[edit]
After being commissioned, Steamer Bay conducted trials and went on a shakedown cruise down the West Coast, before arriving at San Diego. On 14 May, she sailed for the New Hebrides, transporting Marine Air Group (MAG) 61. She arrived at Espiritu Santo on 30 May, where her cargo was unloaded. She departed on 2 June, arriving at San Diego on 20 June. On 19 July, she loaded 298 marines and 72 aircraft, and proceeded westwards for the Marshall Islands. She hence arrived at Majuro on 1 August, where she discharged her cargo. She headed for Pearl Harbor, where she was attached to the United States Third Fleet to store replacement aircraft to support the ongoing Mariana and Palau Islands campaign and the Philippines campaign. Seventy-two planes were loaded onto Steamer Bay, and she sailed for Seeadler Harbor, Manus Island, arriving on 21 August. Throughout the next two and a half months, she remained on station, providing replacement aircraft and crew for Task Group 38. After completing her duties, she returned to Pearl Harbor, where she underwent repairs and training from 15 November to 5 December.[8]
Steamer Bay departed back to Seeadler Harbor, arriving on 17 December. There, she was assigned to Task Group 77.4 (Taffy 2), commanded by Rear Admiral Felix Stump, which had previously participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The task force consisted of six escort carriers and their escorts. On 1 January 1945, the task force sortied out of Seeadler Harbor, in support of the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf. En route, the escort carriers came under heavy aerial attacks. Of the six carriers within Taffy 2, Ommaney Bay was sunk by a kamikaze plane on 4 January, and Manila Bay and Savo Island were damaged by additional kamikazes on 5 January. Steamer Bay herself narrowly missed being hit, with a kamikaze once flying dangerously close to her stern.[9] Throughout the landings, the escort carrier task groups anchored offshore launched over 1,400 aircraft sorties in support of the operation. In the middle of operations, Taffy 2 was reformed under Rear Admiral Felix Stump, partially because of the losses and damages suffered by the escort carriers. In anticipation for possible Japanese counterattacks on American positions on Mindoro and Luzon, the task group proceeded south to operate in the waters offshore Mindoro.[10] Steamer Bay remained in the Philippine Islands with the rest of the 7th Fleet until 31 January, when she departed for Ulithi.[8]
Steamer Bay was only anchored for five days, before she departed with the rest of the 5th Fleet, bound for Iwo Jima. She was incorporated into Carrier Division 26, under the command of Rear Admiral Clifton Sprague, alongside four other escort carriers. The task group began operations, 50 mi (80 km) west of Iwo Jima, on 16 February. The task group's mission was to neutralize Japanese bases and positions along the Nanpō Islands until 19 February (D-Day). The task group then provided close air support for the marines throughout the landings and the costly struggle throughout the island.[8]
Steamer Bay, along with Anzio, was relieved on 7 March, and then proceeded to Leyte. They arrived at San Pedro Bay on 12 March, where she prepared for the upcoming invasion of Okinawa Island. She sailed for the Ryukyu Islands on 27 March, arriving in her operating area south of the island on the morning of 1 April. Operations were complicated by uncooperative weather and choppy seas. On 3 April, a sailor was cast overboard when a railing broke. His body was not recovered.[11] She conducted operations until 26 May when she was relieved, and sailed to Apra Harbor, Guam, for repairs and rest. On 10 June, she was ordered to join the 3rd Fleet east of Miyako Jima assisted her task group in neutralizing Japanese airfields on Sakishima Gunto. She conducted air strikes against the airfields from 14 June to 22 June, before sailing for Ulithi.[8]
Steamer Bay left Ulithi on 3 July, part of the Logistics Support Group, responsible for resupplying the fast carrier forces with aircraft during operations against the Japanese mainland. On 20 July, she was detached and sailed, making stops at Guam and Pearl Harbor, for the West Coast, arriving at San Diego on 10 August.[8]
Post war[edit]
Steamer Bay was in dry dock when the Japanese surrender was announced. When repairs were finished, she became a part of the Operation Magic Carpet fleet, which repatriated U.S. servicemen from around the Pacific. To support her new role, bunk beds were installed within the hangar deck to accommodate veterans returning from overseas. On 28 September, she sailed for Pearl Harbor, on her first Magic Carpet run.[8]
After completing her Magic Carpet duties, Steamer Bay was assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet on 4 February 1946, and berthed at Tacoma, Washington. In January 1947, she was placed in reserve, and decommissioned. Her designation was changed to CVHE-87 on 12 June 1955. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 March 1959, and sold to Hyman-Michaels Co., Chicago, Illinois, on 29 August 1959, for scrapping. She received six battle stars for her World War II service.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Kaiser Vancouver 2010.
- ^ a b c Chesneau & Gardiner 1980, p. 109.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, pp. 34–35.
- ^ Hazegray 1998.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 276.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 321.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 348.
- ^ a b c d e f g h DANFS 2016.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 279.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 316.
- ^ Y'Blood 2014, p. 357.
Sources[edit]
Online sources[edit]
- "Steamer Bay (CVE-87)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. 27 April 2016. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
- "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. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
Bibliography[edit]
- 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[edit]
- Photo gallery of USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) at NavSource Naval History