The US and Allied Aircraft Carriers Sunk in WWII

This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these affiliated links, 247wallst.com may earn a commission.

During World War II, aircraft carriers emerged as some of the most important military assets, fundamentally changing how war would be waged for decades to come. Aircraft carriers allowed for the rapid deployment of fighter planes, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft, which enabled militaries to project power over great distances. (These are the newest aircraft carriers in U.S. Navy history. )

The loss of any aircraft carrier during the war represented a huge strategic setback. On the Allied side there were several notable carriers that were sunk, each symbolizing the how costly World War II had become.

Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at some of the critical naval losses suffered by the Allies in World War II. To identify the U.S. and Allied aircraft carriers that were lost in World War II, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed various historical and military sources. We ordered these aircraft carriers chronologically from when they were sunk. We included supplemental information regarding the classification of vessels, aircraft it could house, casualties, and where it was sunk.

One of the most significant losses was the USS Hornet (CV-8), sunk during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October 1942. This battle was part of the broader Guadalcanal Campaign, where the Hornet played a critical role before being overwhelmed by Japanese aircraft.

At the same time, the USS Lexington (CV-2) was lost at the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. This battle marked the first time in naval history that opposing ships engaged without sighting each other, relying entirely on aircraft to wage the battle. The loss of the Lexington was a major blow to the U.S. Navy, but the battle itself was a strategic victory. (These are the aircraft carrier fleets of the world's major powers, ranked. )

Here is a look at the U.S. and Allied aircraft carriers that were lost in World War II: Why Are We Covering This?

These losses illustrate not only the vulnerabilities of aircraft carriers but also their indispensable role in World War II. They were the principal platforms for air superiority, essential for reconnaissance, offensive operations, and as protective escorts for convoys and fleet movements. The evolution of naval warfare during World War II, with carriers at the forefront, set the stage for modern naval strategies centered around air power.

Smart Investors Are Quietly Loading Up on These “Dividend Legends”

If you want your portfolio to pay you cash like clockwork, it’s time to stop blindly following conventional wisdom like relying on Dividend Aristocrats. There’s a better option , and we want to show you. We’re offering a brand-new report on 2 stocks we believe offer the rare combination of a high dividend yield and significant stock appreciation upside. If you’re tired of feeling one step behind in this market, this free report is a must-read for you.

Click here to download your FREE copy of “2 Dividend Legends to Hold Forever” and start improving your portfolio today.