Who Knew? USS Enterprise (CV–6)

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Who Knew?


The New Deal Public Works Administration paid for the construction of the aircraft carriers Enterpriseand Yorktown (along with the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, the Triborough Bridge in New York City and countless courthouses, libraries, fire stations and housing projects across the United States). The two carriers cost $40 million and took four years to build.



The Enterprise won the British Admiralty Pennant, the most prestigious award that the Royal Navy can give, in November 1945. She is the only non-British ship in history to achieve that honor.



Enterprise Rent-a-Car takes its name from the aircraft carrier. The company's founder, Jack Taylor, was a fighter pilot aboard the ship.



More than 40 ships, transports and other commissioned vessels in the U.S. Navy are named after a sailor, officer or airman who served on the Enterprise



Two of the Enterprise's battle flags still fly today: One hangs at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Florida, and another has been displayed at the Bank One baseball stadium in Phoenix.



After engineers dismantled the Enterprise in 1960, her stern plate--a 16-foot-long steel sign bearing the ship's name that was attached to the carrier's rear end--wound up at a Little-League baseball park in River Vale, New Jersey. It sat behind the center-field fence for nearly 40 years. (Now it sits in the town's Veterans Park.)



Meanwhile, the Enterprise's bell is on display at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Cadets ring the bell to celebrate sports victories over their Army rivals.



Ships called the Enterprisehave been around for a long time: between 1671 and 1846, the French navy gave the name l'Entreprenant ("enterprising") to 23 different ships. In 1705, a 24-gun French frigate called l'Enterprise fell into the hands of the British and became the first HMS Enterprise.



The first American Enterprisewas a 70-ton sloop that colonial sailors captured from the British in 1775. She patrolled Lake Champlain for more than two years before she ran aground in July 1777.



Star Trek's USS Enterprise--the spaceship that "boldly [goes] where no man has gone before"--takes its name from the World War II-era carrier.



NASA named a space shuttle the Enterprise in 1976. (Officials were planning to call it the Constitution, but Star Trek fans wrote so many letters to NASA that the agency changed its mind and named the vessel after Captain Kirk's ship.) The Enterprise shuttle never flew in space, but it performed an essential series of tests during the late 1970s--it proved that the ship could fly and land in space even if the engine lost power.



The Enterprise was the first aircraft carrier that could launch and land planes at night as well as during the day. It was the last aircraft carrier to be hit by kamikaze attacks in the Pacific.
http://www.history.com/minisite.do?c...&mini_id=57954

USS Enterprise (CV–6)

Date Deployed May 1938


Displacement About 26,000 tons (fully loaded)

Length About 800 feet (a little shorter than the Eiffel Tower)

Beam (Width) 83 feet at the waterline; about 110 feet on deck

Height 143 feet

Flight Deck About 1.6 acres

Propellers 4 (13 tons each)

Rudders
Maximum Speed 32.5 knots (37.6 mph)



Propulsion 4 steam turbines powered by 9 boilers

Capacity 96 airplanes

Crew About 3,000


USS Enterprise CV-6
The Most Decorated Ship of the Second World War
History: Prewar - 1941 - 1942 - 1943 - 1944 - 1945 - Postwar
The Ship - All Hands - Decorations - Remembrance

Decorations

Decorations
Battle Stars
Presidential Unit Citation
May 27, 1943
British Admiralty Pennant
November 23, 1945
Navy Unit Commendation
June 11, 1946
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Task Force 16 Citation
May 15, 1995

Enterprise's exploits did not go unrecognized, at home or abroad. Over the course of the war, she received 20 battle stars, three more than any other ship (sisterships New Orleans CA-32, Minneapolis CA-36 and San Francisco CA-38 each received 17 battle stars), and seven more than the next carrier (Essex CV-9, which received 13 stars).

In May 1943, while she prepared to return to the States for much needed repair and refitting, Enterprise became the first aircraft carrier to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. She later received a Navy Unit Commendation, becoming the only carrier awarded both decorations for service in the Second World War.

Perhaps her two most prestigious tributes were received after she left the war. In August 1945, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal cited Enterprise as the "one vessel that most nearly symbolizes the history of the Navy in this war." Two months later, following the Navy Day celebration in New York in October 1945, Secretary Forrestal recommended to President Truman that Enterprise, unable to operate the heavier, faster aircraft then entering service, be preserved "as a visible symbol of American valor and tenacity in war, and of our will to fight all enemies who assail us...."

Later that fall, while participating in the Magic Carpet program for returning servicemen to state-side from the European theater, Enterprise docked in Southampton, England on November 23, 1945. During her brief stay, she was boarded by the British First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Albert Alexander, who presented Enterprise a British Admiralty Pennant, the most prestigious decoration of the Royal Navy. Enterprise is the only ship outside the Royal Navy to have received the pennant, in the more than 400 years since its creation.

Enterprise and her veterans, included among the 16 ships and 10,000 sailors, airmen and Marines who took part in the Doolittle Raid in April 1942, were officially recognized for their daring exploit just recently, on May 15, 1995. The Task Force 16 Citation is the most recent decoration awarded Enterprise and her veterans: it may not be the last.

http://www.cv6.org/decoration/decoration.htm
Action Report (Serial 0019) - 18 April 1942
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Doolittle Raid - 18 April 1942 (Read More...)

This report was submitted by then-Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander of the Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, and Commander of Task Force 16 which delivered the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Enterprise was Halsey's flagship during the Raid, as it was during the first six months of the war.


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A16-3

Serial 0019 UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
FLAGSHIP OF COMMANDER CARRIERS

At Sea, 24 April 1942.
S-E-C-R-E-T 1st endorsement on
CO ENTERPRISE Serial
088 of 23 April 1942.

From: Commander Carriers, Pacific Fleet
(Commander Task Force SIXTEEN).
To : Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Report of action in connection with the bombing of Tokyo on April 18, 1942 (Zone minus Ten).


The basic letter and enclosures are herewith reclassified as SECRET.
The report of the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, is in general concurred in. Specific comments follow:
After fueling of the heavy ships on 17 April, these ships (carriers and cruisers) proceeded west without destroyers and oilers in order to permit high speed operations. Fuel conservation for destroyers was another consideration. High winds and heavy sea conditions prevailed. The destroyers rejoined the morning following the attack (19th) and the oilers (with destroyer escort) two days later (21st).
The necessity for launching the Army planes at 0820 on the 18th about 650 miles east of Tokyo was regrettable. The plan was to close to the 500 mile circle and there launch one plane to attack at dusk and this provide a target for the remaining planes which would strike about two hours later. This plan was evolved by Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle, in command of the Army flight, and was designed to inflict the greatest damage with the least risk. The remote location of the desired terminus for the flight was also a factor influencing the selection of this plan of attack. However, contacts with enemy surface vessels early in the morning compromised the secrecy of the operation, and after the third contact, at 0744, the decision was made to launch. Japanese radio traffic was intercepted indicating that the presence of the raiding force was reported. The prime consideration then was the launching of the Army planes before the arrival of Japanese bombers.
The successful launching of the 16 Army bombers from the HORNET in unfavorable wind and sea conditions reflected great credit on the Army pilots and on the Commanding Officer of the HORNET.
The amount of damage inflicted on enemy patrol vessels by the ENTERPRISE aircraft, in consideration of the number of attacks made, was disappointing. It is again indicated that more time must be available for training when air groups are at shore bases. This need is becoming more emphatic as time goes on.
The number of Japanese patrol vessels encountered at such distance from Japan was astounding. From positions in which found it was indicated that they probably operate in pairs and have mother ships to provide services. It is suggested that the prisoners captured by the NASHVILLE are interrogated with an effort to obtain information on the operations and locations of these craft. It is noteworthy that, contrary to popular belief, these prisoners showed the white flag and chose surrender rather than suffer the consequences.
The comment in the basic report that the two patrol vessels attacked about 1400, on the 18th, were apparently the same vessels reported by radar at 0310, is not concurred in. The range at which one of the vessels sighted at 0310 disappeared from the radar screen (27,000 yards) indicated larger vessels, possibly mother ships carrying supplies and relief crews for the picket vessels.
Enroute westward the Task Force proceeded northwest about thirty miles west of Nihoa Island. It is suggested that this and other isolated islands of the Hawaiian group be investigated for enemy agents.
The opinion that the patrol and picket vessels are armed only with small caliber automatic weapons is concurred in insofar as those contacted are concerned.
Limited range and endurance of F4F-4 type carrier VF is a serious defect in these new planes. Action looking to improvement in this regard has been initiated by dispatch, copy to Commander-in_Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio silence was maintained on all circuits until return to the Hawaiian Area, with the following exceptions:
Radar, YE, and TBS frequencies.
6-B-17 transmitted a contact report on 6540 kcs at 1240 (L.E.T.) on the 18th.
Various fighter direction transmissions on 6970 kcs during the period 1250 to 1340 (L.E.T.) on the 18th.
Transmitted Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 180825 to NPH. Several transmissions incidental to a lost plane were made on 6540 kcs during the period 0900 - 1100 (L.E.T.) on the 21st. Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 230541 was transmitted to NPH on the 23rd.
A strong continuous signal, believed to be enemy interference was heard on 6970, 6835, and 6540 kcs during the period 1254 - 1351 (L.E.T.) on the 18th. This was a CW signal and therefore did not seriously interfere with fighter direction communications.
Definite enemy interference was experienced when an attempt was made to transmit Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 180825 to NPH on 12795 and 12705 kcs. Each time the operator started to transmit on these frequencies, an unknown station would start sending Japanese characters. The dispatch was finally delivered to NPH on 16400 at 0847 (G.C.T.) without interference.
Need for ultra-high frequency equipment for fighter direction is emphasized with each operation of carriers in wartime. Dispatch action has been initiated, copy to Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Reports from other units of the Task Force will be forwarded when received.
W. F. HALSEY

Copy to:
CO ENTERPRISE.
CO HORNET.
USS Enterprise CV-6
The Most Decorated Ship of the Second World War
History: Prewar - 1941 - 1942 - 1943 - 1944 - 1945 - Postwar
The Ship - All Hands - Decorations - Remembrance

Action Report (Serial 088) - 18 April 1942
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Doolittle Raid - 18 April 1942 (Read More...)

This report was submitted on 23 April 1942 by Enterprise Captain George D. Murray, detailing the ship's activities during the Doolittle Raid, April 18, 1942.


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CV6/A16-3/(60-Br)
( 088) U. S. S. ENTERPRISE


23 April 1942.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Via: The Commander Carriers, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: Report of action in connection with the bombing of Tokyo on April 18, 1942 (Zone minus Ten).

Reference: (a) Articles 712, 874, U.S. Navy Regs, 1920.

Enclosures: (A) Track Chart.
(B) Executive Officer's report.

NARRATIVE

At 1232 (VW) April 8, 1942 this vessel stood out of Pearl Harbor in company with Task Force Sixteen, consisting of ENTERPRISE (Flagship), NORTHAMPTON, SALT LAKE CITY, BALCH, BENHAM, FANNING, ELLET and SABINE, under command of Vice-Admiral W. F. Halsey, jr., U.S.N., Commander Carriers, Pacific Fleet, for operations not disclosed at this time. After landing the Air Group aboard south of Oahu, a westerly, and then a northwesterly, course was set that took the Task Force 30 miles southwest of Nihoa Island. This course (310°T.) was continued with slight modifications until 0600 (Y) April 13, when a rendezvous was effected with Task Force Eighteen in Latitude 38° - 00' North, Longitude 180° 00'.
Task Force Eighteen consisting of HORNET, VINCENNES, NASHVILLE, GWIN, GRAYSON, MEREDITH, MONSSEN and CIMARRON became part of Task Force Sixteen. At this time information was disseminated to the Task Force that it would proceed to a point approximately 500 miles east of Tokyo where 16 Army bombers (B-25) carried on the flight deck of HORNET, would be launched for an attack on the Tokyo area. Course 265°T. and speed 16 knots were then set. Except when bad weather prevented, continuous inner and intermediate air patrols were maintained during daylight and dawn and dusk search flights were conducted daily to 200 miles, 60° on each bow.
Fueling of the heavy vessels was undertaken April 17 when about 1000 miles east of Tokyo and was barely completed when the wind increased to gale force (wind south, 35 knots; sea rough, visibility 1 - 2 miles). At 1439 (L) the 2 CV, 3 CA and 1 CL proceeded independent of accompanying DD's and AO#s on a westerly course, averaging approximately 20 knots.
On april 18, the day it was planned to reach the 500 mile circle from Tokyo at about 1600, ENTERPRISE launched the usual dawn search flight and combat patrol. These were maintained continuously throughout the day. The contacts and action, indicated on the track chart by capital letters, were reported by pilots of these flights. Times indicated in connection with contacts and action, April 18, are Zone minus 10.
At 0310 radar disclosed two enemy surface craft bearing 255°T., distance 21,000 yards, and at 0312 a light was seen approximately on that bearing. Ship went to General Quarters, set Material Condition Afirm and energized the degaussing gear. Course of the Force was changed to 350°T., and at 0341 the two enemy vessels went off the screen bearing 201°T., distance 27,000 yards. Our presence was apparently unnoticed by the enemy and a westerly course was resumed at 0415.
At 0508 fighter patrol and search flight were launched. At 0715 one search plane returned and, by message drop, reported sighting an enemy patrol vessel in Latitude 36° 04' North and Longitude 153° 10' East at 0558 and that he believed he had been seen. Later developments indicate that this vessel made the original contact report.
At 0744 an enemy patrol vessel was sighted bearing 221°T., distance approximately 10,000 yards. There was no doubt now that our force had been detected and almost certainly had been reported. NASHVILLE was ordered to sunk the patrol vessel by gunfire as the carriers turned into the wind (320°T., 26 knots); HORNET to launch Army B-25's for attack and ENTERPRISE to relieve patrol.s The first Army bomber was launched at 0820 approximately 650 miles from Tokyo, and the last one was off at 0921. At 0927 the Force commenced retirement on course 090°T., speed 25 knots.
At 1214 radar reported enemy patrol plane bearing 020°T., distance 70,000 yards. This plane came within 64,000 yards of our force but passed off the screen at 1228 bearing 314°T., distance 83,000 yards.
At 1400 two enemy patrol vessels were sighted and attacked by ENTERPRISE planes returning from search. One was sunk and the other damaged. By 1413 the enemy ship still afloat was in sight of our surface forces and NASHVILLE was ordered to attack and sink her. A white flag was broken in the enemy ship and after taking 5 prisoners, NASHVILLE sank her by gunfire. Apparently these two vessels were the same ones reported by radar at 0310.
At 1503, 6-B-4 was forced to land in the water, near the Disposition, due to engine failure. This plane is believed to have sustained damage to its engine from the anti-aircraft machine gun fire of an enemy patrol vessel attacked. NASHVILLE rescued personnel, uninjured.
No further contacts were made. All aircraft were recovered at 1739 and the retirement continued.
Bombs and ammunition were expended as indicated in the table below. .50 Cal. .30 Cal. 500 lb. bombs 100 lb. bombs
VB 800 300 8 18
VS 800 500 4 6
VF 11,000 --- - -
------ ----- --- ---
12,600 800 12 24

COMMENT:

The track chart, Enclosure (A), is drawn to the scale of H.O. chart No. 528, in order to best present an illuminating picture of the whole strategic area, including the objective. An enlargement of the action area is presented as an insert.
The numerous enemy contacts may give the impression that the Task Force unfortunately encountered an isolated patrol. No such assumption should be made. On the contrary, the variety and the number of patrol craft seen is a strong indication that a heavy patrol in depth is general, at least to the east of Honshu and the Kurils. This patrol probably utilizes hundreds of small craft of various types and extends 700 - 800 miles offshore. All enemy surface patrol craft are undoubtedly equipped with effective radio and apparently all are armed with machine guns. Some are camouflaged with two-tone mottled coloring. Evidence supports the belief that they are not equipped with radar.
Of interest is the weather broadcasting vessel fixed by shore RDF on April 15 in Latitude 44° 00' North, Longitude 162° 00' East - 500 miles from the Kurils,750 miles from the Aleutians and 1200 miles from Tokyo.
The Japanese surface patrol is particularly suited to their eastern sea frontier and is unquestionably effective. Were it equipped with radar, it would be made almost impenetrable with fewer units. In certain areas, a radar equipped small boat patrol would seem to have some advantage over long distance air patrols as we maintain them; primarily in that it is on station at the critical distance, night and day. Such a patrol might detect an attempted afternoon and night run in by a raiding force when an air patrol would not pick it up. Favorable areas in which we might use such a patrol are: Costa Rica - Galapagos - Ecuador, off southern California, off Cape Mendocino and off Vancouver Island. A combination of surface craft and aircraft patrol should reduce the number of aircraft now maintained in specific areas and thus make possible a wider distribution of the aircraft now available.
Although specific information is lacking, it is believed that the Japanese patrol craft are not armed with anything larger than machine guns. Therefore, if future bombing raids on Honshu, similar to this one, are planned it might be advantageous to send one or more of our submarines in advance of the raiding force to "soften", by destruction and dispersal, the enemy patrol in the 600 - 800 mile belt across its line of advance. At this distance it seems unlikely that the enemy would take strong anti-submarine measures.
A further suggestion is that two submarines, equipped with radio apparatus similar to that installed in aircraft and in carriers, might be disposed in a selected area and by conducting lost plane procedure effectively draw enemy forces away from the area from which an aircraft raiding attack might be launched. As a means of harassing the enemy, even though no actual aircraft raiding attack were planned by our forces, this employment of submarines seems to offer many possibilities.
All personnel, both ship and air group performed their duties in a highly creditable manner. No outstandingly meritorious, and on censurable conduct on the part of any individual was observed.
The efficiency of the ship and all munitions of war are satisfactory except for the performance of the F4F4's and the limited range of the TBS's, reported in separate correspondence.
G. D. MURRAY.