The fourth USS Princeton (CVL-23) was a United States Navy light aircraft carrier active in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. She was launched in 1942 and lost at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944.

Construction and deployment

The ship was laid down as the Tallahassee (CL-61) by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 2 June 1941. She was reclassified as the Independence-class light aircraft carrier CV-23 on 16 February 1942, renamed Princeton 31 March 1942, launched 18 October 1942, sponsored by Margaret Dodds (wife of Princeton University president Harold Dodds), and commissioned at Philadelphia 25 February 1943, Capt. George R. Henderson in command.

Following shakedown in the Caribbean, and reclassification to CVL-23 on 15 July 1943, Princeton, with Air Group 23 embarked, got underway for the Pacific. Arriving at Pearl Harbor 9 August, she sortied with TF 11 on 25 August and headed for Baker Island. There she served as flagship, TG 11.2 and provided air cover during the occupation of the island and the construction of an airfield there, 1–14 September. During that time her planes downed Japanese Emily reconnaissance planes and, more importantly, furnished the fleet with photographs of them.

thumb|left|USS Princeton on fire east of Luzon, 24 October 1944

Cruisers and destroyers came alongside to render assistance. approached and attempted to fight the fire in the forward section of the hangar deck. The cruiser , being the largest ship, took the lead role in fire fighting. During the operation, Princeton collided with and damaged the assisting ships.

Efforts to save the carrier continued, but by 16:00, the fires were out of control. The remaining personnel were evacuated, and shortly after 17:06, Irwin commenced firing torpedoes at the burning hulk. However, Irwin abandoned this effort due to torpedo malfunctions (her torpedo tubes possibly damaged in the collision with Princeton) that caused her torpedoes to circle back and almost hit her. , at 17:46, took over the task of scuttling Princeton. Three other ships were more lightly damaged while assisting Princeton:

  • : heavy topside damage, two 5 in., two 40 mm and two 20 mm guns lost. Princetons executive officer Cdr. Joseph Nathaniel Murphy who assumed command was later awarded the Navy Cross for his tireless effort to save the ship and get the crew to safety.

Legacy

Princeton earned nine battle stars during World War II.

See also

  • List of aircraft carriers
  • List of aircraft carriers of the United States Navy
  • List of U.S. Navy losses in World War II for other ships lost in World War II.

References

Further reading

  • Bradshaw, T. I. and M. L. Clark. (1990). Carrier Down: The Story of the Sinking of the U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23). Austin: Eakin Press. .
  • Thulesius, O. (2007). The Man Who Made the Monitor: A Biography of John Ericsson. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc. .
  • Navy photographs of Princeton (CVL-23)
  • USS Princeton at Nine Sisters Light Carrier Historical Documentary Project
  • Eyewitness to Tragedy: Death of USS Princeton at HistoryNet