USS Yorktown (CV-5)
Introduction
The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the lead ship of the Yorktown class, which played a pivotal role during the early years of World War II. Commissioned in 1937, Yorktown was a significant component of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and participated in several key naval battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Yorktown's design, construction, operational history, and eventual fate.
Design and Construction
The Yorktown-class carriers were designed in response to the limitations of earlier carriers and the evolving nature of naval warfare. The design emphasized speed, aircraft capacity, and operational flexibility. Yorktown was laid down on May 21, 1934, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia. She was launched on April 4, 1936, and commissioned on September 30, 1937.
Specifications
Yorktown had a standard displacement of 19,800 tons and a full-load displacement of 25,500 tons. The ship measured 827 feet in length with a beam of 109 feet and a draft of 28 feet. Powered by four Parsons geared steam turbines and nine Babcock & Wilcox boilers, Yorktown could achieve a top speed of 32.5 knots. Her range was approximately 12,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.
The carrier's flight deck was designed to accommodate up to 90 aircraft, although operational capacity varied depending on mission requirements. The ship's armament included eight 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, four 1.1-inch/75 caliber anti-aircraft guns, and numerous .50 caliber machine guns for close-in defense.
Operational History
Pre-War Service
Upon commissioning, Yorktown joined the Atlantic Fleet and participated in various training exercises and fleet problems, which were large-scale naval maneuvers designed to test and refine tactics. These exercises were crucial in developing carrier doctrine and integrating air power into fleet operations.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Yorktown was transferred to the Pacific Fleet. Her first major engagement was the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, the first naval battle in history where opposing ships never sighted each other, relying entirely on aircraft to strike enemy vessels. Yorktown's air group played a critical role in damaging the Japanese carrier Shōkaku and sinking the light carrier Shōhō.
The Battle of Midway in June 1942 was a turning point in the Pacific War. Yorktown, although damaged from the Coral Sea, was quickly repaired and joined the task force. Her aircraft were instrumental in sinking the Japanese carriers Sōryū and Hiryū. However, Yorktown was severely damaged by Japanese aircraft and eventually sunk by a Japanese submarine on June 7, 1942.
Legacy and Impact
Yorktown's contributions to the Pacific War were significant. Her involvement in the Coral Sea and Midway battles helped halt Japanese expansion and shifted the strategic balance in the Pacific. The lessons learned from her operations influenced future carrier designs and tactics.
Yorktown was awarded three battle stars for her service in World War II. Her legacy continues through the USS Yorktown (CV-10), an Essex-class carrier named in her honor, which served with distinction later in the war and is now a museum ship in Charleston, South Carolina.