USS Essex CV-9 - "The Right Class at the Right Time"

USS Essex was the lead ship of her class and ushered in a new era of naval aviation for the United States Navy. Finally free of the constricting prewar limitation treaties, she was the unencumbered realization of 20 years of naval aviation experience. In short - she was the right ship, at the right moment in time for the US Navy to take the fight to the Japanese. Essex was awarded 13 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service during the 2nd World War, and she was awarded 4 battle stars for her service during the Korean War. More on Operation Hailstone    • Operation Hailstone - Attacking the Gibral...   Credits (photos): US National Archives, Navsource, Naval History & Heritage Command Credits (film): "The Fighting Lady", United States Navy (1944) #history #navalhistory #military #ww2 #worldwar2 #navaloperations #navy #usnavy #unitedstatesnavy #unitedstatesofamerica #usa #pacificwar #pacifictheater #worldofwarships #worldofwarshipslegends #aircraftcarrier