USS Yorktown

USS Yorktown was a and the lead ship of her class built for the United States Navy during the 1930s. Named for the decisive American Revolutionary War Battle of Yorktown (1781), she played a pivotal role in the early Pacific War of World War II. The carrier was instrumental in several critical engagements before being sunk during the epic Battle of Midway in June 1942, a loss that was avenged by the ultimate American victory in that battle.

History

The history of USS *Yorktown* is inextricably linked to the rise of naval aviation and the proving of carrier-based air power in modern warfare. Commissioned in the interwar period, her design incorporated lessons from earlier carriers like USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Saratoga (CV-3), establishing a template for future American fleet carriers. Her operational history, though brief, was intensely consequential, spanning from neutrality patrols in the Atlantic Ocean to the first American offensive actions against the Empire of Japan. The ship's fate at Midway cemented her place as a symbol of sacrifice and tactical innovation, directly influencing subsequent naval strategy and carrier design, including the Essex-class aircraft carrier.

Construction and commissioning

Authorized by the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, *Yorktown*'s construction was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Her keel was laid down on 21 May 1934, and she was launched on 4 April 1936, sponsored by Eleanor Roosevelt. The design emphasized air group size and speed, featuring an open hangar deck and a relatively small island superstructure. After fitting out, she was commissioned on 30 September 1937 under the command of Captain Ernest D. McWhorter. Initial shakedown and training exercises were conducted in the Caribbean Sea and off the Virginia Capes, integrating her into the Navy's evolving carrier tactics.

Service history

Following fleet exercises, *Yorktown* was initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, conducting training and neutrality patrols as war erupted in Europe. She transferred to the Pacific Fleet in April 1941, arriving at her new home port of Naval Station Pearl Harbor after the attack on Pearl Harbor had occurred. Her first major combat operation was the Marshalls–Gilberts raids in February 1942. She then joined Task Force 17, commanded by Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, and played a key role in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May, where her aircraft helped sink the Japanese light carrier Shōhō and damage the fleet carrier Shōkaku. Despite being damaged by a bomb, she returned to Pearl Harbor for rushed repairs. Hastily returned to sea, she was a central participant in the Battle of Midway. Her aircraft were crucial in sinking three Japanese carriers—Akagi, Sōryū, and Hiryū. On 4 June, *Yorktown* was crippled by bombs and torpedoes from aircraft from the *Hiryū*. After being abandoned and taken under tow, she was struck by torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-168 on 7 June and sank the following morning.

Awards and legacy

For her intense and decisive service, USS *Yorktown* was awarded three battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her actions at the Coral Sea and Midway. Her loss, while tragic, was a calculated risk that contributed directly to one of the most significant naval victories in history, crippling the Imperial Japanese Navy's carrier force. The name was quickly revived for the new Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), which served with great distinction. The wreck of the original *Yorktown* was located in 1998 by an expedition led by Robert Ballard and is now a protected war grave. Her legacy endures as a testament to the courage of her crew, including notable aviators like John S. Thach, and the transformative power of naval air power.

See also

* Battle of Midway * Frank Jack Fletcher * Yorktown-class aircraft carrier * USS Enterprise (CV-6) * Naval aviation

Category:Yorktown-class aircraft carriers Category:Ships sunk in the Battle of Midway