Essex

Модель бронирования

Обзор

After Japan and Italy abandoned limitations on naval construction, the leadership of the US Navy began developing new warships of the main classes. In the late 1930s, a project for a large aircraft carrier with a large air group, enhanced armor, and numerous anti-aircraft armament was created. USS Essex was built in Newport News, Virginia, and in the spring of 1943 was transferred to the Pacific Ocean. During World War II, the aircraft carrier participated in strikes on Wake Atoll, Rabaul, the Gilbert Islands, and Kwajalein, and covered landing operations on Tarawa and the Marshall Islands. In 1944, as part of a fast carrier task group, Essex took part in strikes on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The aircraft carrier participated in attacks on Palau and Mindanao, strikes on Okinawa and Taiwan, and then fought in the Leyte Gulf. In 1962, the aircraft carrier took part in the naval blockade of Cuba. In the 1960s, Essex served as a search and rescue ship for the Apollo space missions.