Yorktown Sunk in WWII Battle

Introduction to the Yorktown

The USS Yorktown was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Commissioned in 1937, the Yorktown was one of the few aircraft carriers that were available to the United States at the start of the war. The ship’s primary responsibility was to provide air support for ground and naval operations. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the Yorktown, its key battles, and ultimately, its sinking in a pivotal battle.

Early Years and the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Yorktown was built at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia and was commissioned on September 30, 1937. The ship measured 824 feet in length and had a beam of 109 feet. The Yorktown was equipped with 90 aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes. When the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Yorktown was at sea, avoiding the destruction that occurred at the naval base. The ship’s crew was placed on high alert, and the Yorktown began to prepare for its first combat operations.

The Battle of the Coral Sea

The Yorktown’s first major battle was the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 7 to 8, 1942. The battle was a naval engagement between the United States and Japan, with both sides seeking to gain control of the Coral Sea. The Yorktown played a crucial role in the battle, with its aircraft sinking the Japanese light carrier Shōhō and damaging the Japanese fleet carrier Shōkaku. Although the Yorktown suffered significant damage, including a bomb hit that damaged its flight deck, the ship was able to return to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

The Battle of Midway

The Yorktown’s most notable battle was the Battle of Midway, which occurred from June 4 to 7, 1942. The battle was a turning point in the war in the Pacific, as the United States was able to sink four Japanese aircraft carriers, including the Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, and Hiryū. The Yorktown was part of the United States fleet that was sent to Midway Island to counter a Japanese invasion. On June 4, 1942, the Yorktown was attacked by Japanese aircraft, suffering significant damage, including bomb hits and torpedo strikes. Despite the damage, the Yorktown’s crew continued to launch and recover aircraft, but the ship was eventually abandoned due to the extent of the damage.

Sinking of the Yorktown

The Yorktown was sunk on June 7, 1942, by the Japanese submarine I-168. The submarine launched four torpedoes at the Yorktown, two of which hit the ship. The Yorktown sank at 5:01 am on June 7, 1942, resulting in the loss of 307 lives. The sinking of the Yorktown was a significant loss for the United States, but it did not deter the country’s efforts in the war. The Yorktown was awarded three battle stars for its service in World War II, and its crew was praised for their bravery and sacrifice.

Legacy of the Yorktown

The Yorktown’s legacy extends beyond its service in World War II. The ship played a significant role in the development of aircraft carrier doctrine and naval aviation tactics. The Yorktown’s crew also developed innovative tactics for launching and recovering aircraft, which were later adopted by other aircraft carriers. The Yorktown’s story has been immortalized in books and films, including the film “Midway”, which tells the story of the Battle of Midway.

🚢 Note: The Yorktown's sinking was a significant loss for the United States, but it did not deter the country's efforts in the war.

In summary, the Yorktown played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key battles such as the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The ship’s sinking on June 7, 1942, was a significant loss, but its legacy extends beyond its service in the war. The Yorktown’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the crew and the importance of naval aviation in modern warfare.