United States Navy aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVL-22)

 USS Independence (CVL-22)

Name: Independence
Builder: New York Shipbuilding Corporation
Laid down: 1 May 1941
Launched: 22 August 1942
Commissioned: 14 January 1943
Decommissioned: 28 August 1946
Fate: Target in nuclear weapons testing, 1946; scuttled 29 January 1951

General characteristics (as built)

Class and type: Independence-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 10,662 tons (standard), 14,751 tons (loaded)
Length: 623 ft (190 m)
Beam: 71.5 ft (21.8 m) (waterline), 109.2 ft (33.3 m) (extreme)
Draft: 26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion: General Electric turbines, 4 shafts, 4 boilers; 100,000 shp
Speed: 31 knots (57 km/h)
Range: 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
Complement: 1,569 officers and men (including air group)
Armament: 26 × Bofors 40 mm guns
Aircraft carried: 34 (8 torpedo-bombers, 26 fighters)

 

USS Independence (CVL-22) (also CV-22) was a United States Navy light aircraft carrier. The lead ship of her class, she served during World War II.

Converted from the hull of a Cleveland-class light cruiser, she was built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation and commissioned in January 1943. She took part in the attacks on Rabaul and Tarawa before being torpedoed by Japanese aircraft, necessitating repairs in San Francisco from January to July 1944.

After repairs, she launched many strikes against targets in Luzon and Okinawa. Independence was part of the carrier group that sank the remnants of the Japanese Mobile Fleet in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and several other Japanese ships in the Surigao Strait. Until the surrender of Japan, she was assigned to strike duties against targets in the Philippines and Japan. She finished her operational duty off the coast of Japan supporting occupation forces until being assigned to return American veterans back to the United States as part of Operation Magic Carpet.

Independence was later used as a target during the Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests. After being transported back to Pearl Harbor and San Francisco for study, she was later sunk near the Farallon Islands.

Description and construction

USS Independence (CVL-22): Detailed Overview - The USS Independence (CVL-22) was the lead ship of the Independence-class light aircraft carriers, a class derived from the Cleveland-class light cruiser hulls to address the urgent need for carriers during World War II. Commissioned on January 14, 1943, the Independence participated in numerous pivotal campaigns in the Pacific Theater and set the standard for its sister ships. Below is a detailed analysis of its key features and upgrades across different operational aspects.

Begun as light cruiser Amsterdam, CL-59, she was launched as CV-22 on 22 August 1942 by New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, sponsored by Mrs. Dorothy Warner, wife of Rawleigh Warner, Sr, Chairman of Pure Oil Co., and commissioned 14 January 1943.

The first of a new class of carriers converted from cruiser hulls, Independence conducted shakedown training in the Caribbean. She then steamed through the Panama Canal to join the Pacific Fleet, arriving at San Francisco on 3 July 1943. Independence got underway for Pearl Harbor 14 July, and after two weeks of training exercises sailed with carriers Essex and Yorktown for a raid on Marcus Island.^[1][2] Aircraft from the carrier force struck on 1 September and destroyed over 70 percent of the installations on the island. The carrier began her next operation, a similar strike against Wake Island 5 to 6 October as CVL-22, having been redesignated 15 July 1943.^[1][2]

Flight deck arrangements

The flight deck of the USS Independence measured 622.5 feet in length and 109 feet 2 inches in width, designed to accommodate a mix of aircraft for various mission profiles. The deck was equipped to launch and recover approximately 45 aircraft, including fighters such as the Grumman F6F Hellcat, dive bombers like the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, and torpedo bombers such as the TBF Avenger.

The Independence featured a single hydraulic catapult to facilitate aircraft launches, particularly during combat operations or when operating in constrained sea room. Two deck-edge elevators provided rapid transport of aircraft between the flight and hangar decks, optimizing sortie generation. The hangar deck, located below the flight deck, was used for aircraft storage, maintenance, and repairs, ensuring the operational readiness of the air group. Modifications during its service included upgrades to its deck lighting and markings to support night operations, an increasingly crucial capability in Pacific warfare.

Propulsion

The propulsion system of the USS Independence was derived from its Cleveland-class cruiser origins and consisted of four Babcock & Wilcox boilers feeding steam to two General Electric steam turbines. These turbines generated a combined output of 100,000 shaft horsepower, driving four screw propellers and enabling the ship to reach a top speed of 31.5 knots.

This high-speed capability was critical for carrier operations, allowing the Independence to maneuver with fleet task forces and evade potential threats. With a cruising range of approximately 13,000 nautical miles at 15 knots, the carrier could sustain prolonged deployments across the vast expanse of the Pacific. The reliable propulsion system also allowed the carrier to reposition quickly during combat, providing tactical flexibility.

USS Independence (CVL 22) Firing 40mm twin mount anti aircraft 30th April 1943
USS Independence (CVL 22) Firing 40mm twin mount anti aircraft 30th April 1943

Armament

The USS Independence was initially outfitted with a strong anti-aircraft armament to defend against aerial threats. This included 26 Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and 16 Oerlikon 20 mm cannons. These weapons were strategically placed to ensure full coverage of the ship’s perimeter, allowing overlapping fields of fire.

As the war progressed and the threat of Japanese kamikaze attacks increased, the Independence received additional Oerlikon 20 mm cannons to enhance its close-in defense capability. The firepower of the Bofors 40 mm guns, combined with the rapid-firing Oerlikons, provided a robust defensive shield against the increasingly aggressive air attacks that characterized the later stages of the Pacific campaign.

Fire control and electronics

The Independence was equipped with advanced fire control and electronic systems for its time, which were crucial for both air and surface operations. Air and surface search radar systems provided early detection of enemy aircraft and ships, ensuring the carrier could respond to threats in a timely manner. Radar-guided fire control systems significantly improved the accuracy of its anti-aircraft batteries, enhancing their effectiveness against fast-moving aerial targets.

Communications systems aboard the carrier allowed seamless coordination with other vessels in its task force and with its embarked air group. As wartime technology advanced, the Independence underwent upgrades to its radar and fire control systems to keep pace with the evolving threats posed by Japanese forces. These enhancements ensured the ship maintained its operational edge throughout its service life.

Armor

The USS Independence was lightly armored compared to fleet carriers, reflecting its origins as a converted cruiser and the design priority of speed over heavy protection. Its belt armor ranged from 1.5 to 5 inches, providing basic protection for critical areas such as machinery spaces and ammunition storage. The main deck had a reinforced armor layer approximately 3 inches thick, designed to resist bomb splinters and shell fragments.

However, the flight deck was unarmored, making it vulnerable to direct hits from enemy bombs or shells. This vulnerability was offset by the ship’s speed, maneuverability, and robust anti-aircraft defenses, as well as the protective screens provided by its escort ships. The Independence demonstrated resilience in combat despite its light armor, enduring damage during operations and continuing to support its task force.

The USS Independence played a significant role in numerous campaigns, including the Battle of Tarawa, the Marshall Islands campaign, and raids on the Philippines and Japanese home islands. Although it was eventually relegated to nuclear testing after the war, its legacy as the pioneer of the Independence-class light carriers underscores its importance in naval history. The Independence exemplified the adaptability and ingenuity of the U.S. Navy during a critical period in World War II.

Service history - World War II

  USS Independence (CVL-22) and her World War II service

Year	Details
1943	Deployment to the Pacific
July 1943	Departed for the Pacific Theater via the Panama Canal, joining Task Force 15 at Pearl Harbor. She became part of the fast carrier task forces that defined U.S. naval operations.
August 1943	Conducted her first combat operation, launching airstrikes against Japanese installations in the Gilbert Islands, supporting the invasion of Tarawa.
November 1943	Played a key role in the Battle of Tarawa. As part of Task Group 50.2, Independence's aircraft provided crucial air support during the invasion.
November 20, 1943	During the Battle of Makin, the ship was struck by a Japanese torpedo fired by submarine I-21. Despite significant damage and casualties, Independence managed to return to Pearl Harbor for repairs.
1944	Transition and Night Carrier Role
1944	Following extensive repairs, the ship was repurposed as a night carrier, specializing in night operations. This involved pioneering tactics for nighttime flight operations and serving as a vital asset in the fast carrier forces.
October 1944	Rejoined active combat operations during the Philippine campaign, providing air support for landings on Leyte and participating in raids against Japanese forces.
1945	Support for Final Pacific Operations
Early 1945	Participated in airstrikes on Japanese positions in Okinawa and the Japanese home islands.
March–April 1945	Supported the invasion of Okinawa, engaging in strikes on enemy fortifications and kamikaze defense.
July–August 1945	Contributed to the final carrier raids on Japan, targeting industrial and military infrastructure.
Post-War Service	After Japan’s surrender in August 1945, USS Independence was assigned to ferrying troops back to the United States as part of Operation Magic Carpet.
1946	Following her active duty, Independence was decommissioned on August 28, 1946.
Nuclear Testing and Final Fate	Independence was later used as a target ship during the Bikini Atoll atomic bomb tests in 1946 (Operation Crossroads). She survived the blasts but was heavily contaminated with radiation.
1951	In 1951, she was scuttled off the coast of California after being studied for radiation effects.

USS Independence (CVL 22) shakedown cruise 30th April 1943

USS Independence (CVL 22) shakedown cruise 30th April 1943
1 - 2. TBF Avenger about to be catapulted from the USS Independence (CVL 22) 30 April 1943 3. USS Independence (CVL 22) flight deck 30th April 1943 USS Independence (CVL-22) launching a SBD Dauntless from the deck 30th April 1943

 

USS Independence (CV-22) refueling during her shakedown cruise
1 - 5. USS Sigsbee (DD-502) refueling along the port side of USS Independence (CV-22) 30th April 1943

Shakedown Cruise: After her commissioning on January 14, 1943, the USS Independence conducted her shakedown cruise beginning April 30, 1943, in the Caribbean. This phase allowed the crew to test the ship's capabilities and refine carrier operations with her complement of aircraft. Following the cruise, Independence underwent post-shakedown repairs and modifications at the Philadelphia Navy Yard before being deployed.

USS Independence (CVL 22) at anchor while off the Mare Island Navy Yard California on 13th July 1943
USS Independence (CVL 22) moored at Mare Island NY 3–13 July 1943 prior to heading to Pearl Harbor

Rabaul and Gilbert Islands strikes

Independence sailed from Pearl Harbor for Espiritu Santo on 21 October. During an ensuing carrier attack on Rabaul on 11 November, the ship's gunners scored their first success – six Japanese aircraft shot down.^[2] After this operation, the carrier refueled at Espiritu Santo, headed for the Gilbert Islands, and conducted pre-landing strikes on Tarawa 18 to 20 November 1943. During a Japanese counterattack on 20 November, Independence was attacked by a group of aircraft low on the water. Six were shot down, but the aircraft launched at least five torpedoes, one of which hit the carrier's starboard quarter. Seriously damaged, the ship steamed to Funafuti on 23 November for emergency repairs. Independence returned to San Francisco 2 January 1944 for more permanent repairs.

Refitting and training for night operations

The now-veteran carrier returned to Pearl Harbor 3 July 1944. During her repair period, the ship had been fitted with an additional catapult, and upon her arrival in Hawaiian waters, Independence began training for night carrier operations embarking the specially trained night fighter and torpedo units of Night Air Group 41 (NAG-41) in August.^[3] She continued this pioneering work 24 to 29 August out of Eniwetok. The ship sailed with a large task group 29 August to take part in the Palau operation and the Battle of Peleliu, aimed at securing bases for the final assault on the Philippines in October. Independence provided night reconnaissance and night combat air patrol for Task Force 38 during this operation.

Philippines

In September the fast carrier task force regularly pounded the Philippines in preparation for the invasion. When no Japanese counterattacks developed in this period, Independence shifted to regular daytime operations, striking targets on Luzon. After replenishment at Ulithi in early October, the great force sortied 6 October for Okinawa. In the days that followed the carriers struck Okinawa, Formosa, and the Philippines. Japanese air counterattacks were repulsed, with Independence providing day strike groups in addition to night fighters and reconnaissance aircraft for defensive protection.

USS Independence (CVL-22) Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat prior to launching 10th Oct 1944

As the carrier groups steamed east of the Philippines 23 October, it became apparent, as Admiral Carney later recalled, that 'something on a grand scale was underfoot.' And indeed it was, as the Japanese fleet moved in a three-pronged effort to turn back the American beachhead on Leyte Gulf. Aircraft from Independence's Task Group 38.2, under Rear Admiral Bogan, spotted Kurita's striking force in the Sibuyan Sea 24 October and the carriers launched a series of attacks. Aircraft from Task Group 38.2 and other task groups sank the battleship Musashi and disabled the heavy cruiser Myoko. Embarking a night carrier air group, Independence played no role in the attacks on Kurita's force on the 24th.

That evening Admiral Halsey made the decision to turn Task Force 38 northward in search of Admiral Ozawa's carrier group. Independence's night search aircraft made contact and shadowed the Japanese ships of the northern force until dawn on 25 October, when the carriers launched an attack. In this second part of the great Battle for Leyte Gulf, all four Japanese carriers were sunk. Meanwhile, American heavy ships had won a victory to secure the Surigao Strait; and an escort carrier force had outfought the remainder of Kurita's ships in the Battle off Samar; Independence sailed with TF38 during the destruction of Admiral Jisaburō Ozawa's northern diversion fleet off Cape Engaño. After the battle, which virtually spelled the end of the Japanese Navy as a major threat, Independence continued to provide search aircraft and night fighter protection for TF 38 in strikes against the Philippines.

Independence returned to Ulithi for long-delayed rest and replenishment 9 to 14 November, but soon got underway to operate off the Philippines on night attacks and defensive operations. This phase continued until 30 December 1944, when the task force sortied from Ulithi once more and moved northward. From 3 to 9 January 1945 the carriers supported the Lingayen landings on Luzon, after which Halsey took his fleet on a foray into the South China Sea. In the days that followed the aircraft struck at air bases on Formosa and on the coasts of Indo-China and China. These operations in support of the Philippines campaign marked the end of the carrier's night operations, and she sailed 30 January 1945 for repairs at Pearl Harbor.

Okinawa

Independence returned to Ulithi 13 March 1945 and got underway next day for operations against Okinawa. She carried out pre-invasion strikes 30 to 31 March, and after the assault 1 April remained off the island supplying combat air patrol and strike aircraft. Her aircraft shot down numerous enemy aircraft during the desperate Japanese attacks on the invasion force. Independence remained off Okinawa until 10 June when she sailed for Leyte.

During July and August the carrier took part in the final carrier strikes against Japan itself. After the end of the war 15 August, Independence aircraft continued surveillance flights over the mainland locating prisoner of war camps and covered the landings of Allied occupation troops. The ship departed Tokyo 22 September 1945, arriving at San Francisco via Saipan and Guam 31 October.

Operation Crossroads

Operation Crossroads Baker Day underwater atomic bomb test Bikini Atoll 25th July 1946
1 - 2. Operation Crossroads Baker Day underwater atomic bomb test Bikini Atoll 25th July 1946 3. Effects of Test 'Able' with heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CA 25) light carrier USS Independence (CVL 22) 4. Operation Crossroads another senseless atomic bomb test 1st July 1946 5. Operation Crossroads another senseless atomic bomb test 1st July 1946

USS Independence 'Gilda' test damage aft port quarter (note two sailors on the aft deck)

USS Independence on fire aft following the Operation Crossroads shot Able atomic bomb test, 1 July 1946

Independence joined the Operation Magic Carpet fleet beginning 15 November 1945, transporting veterans back to the United States until arriving at San Francisco once more 28 January 1946. Assigned as a target vessel for the Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests, she was placed within one half mile of ground zero for the 1 July explosion. The veteran ship did not sink (though her funnels and island were crumpled by the blast), and after taking part in another explosion on 25 July was taken to Kwajalein and decommissioned 28 August 1946.

Sinking and wreck

Wreck position

USS Bennington (CVA 20) during a visit to Hong Kong circa 1957

The highly radioactive hull was later moved to Pearl Harbor and then San Francisco for further tests. She was finally scuttled near the Farallon Islands off the coast of California on 29 January 1951, by packing two torpedoes in her hull.^[4]

Controversy has subsequently arisen about the sinking of Independence, as it is claimed that she was loaded with barrels of radioactive waste at the time of her sinking, and that the waste has subsequently contaminated the wildlife refuge and commercial fisheries associated with the Farallon Islands.^[5] However, in 2015, it was considered that 'any public health risk was small', as might be expected after this period of time.^[6]

In 2009 the position of the wreck of Independence in 2,600 feet (790 m) of water in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the Farallon Islands at approximately 37°30′00″N 123°05′00″W was confirmed via deep-water multibeam sonar survey conducted from the NOAAS Okeanos Explorer. In March 2015, scientists and technicians of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the sanctuary vessel R/V Fulmar used the autonomous underwater vehicle Echo Ranger to survey the wreck, employing the Echoscope three-dimensional imaging sonar to make a series of images. The ship is resting upright with a slight list to starboard and most of the flight deck intact, although there are gaping holes in the flight deck leading to the hangar deck below. No signs of radioactive contamination were detected, although the barrels of waste are still visible inside the hangar deck, and some have rusted open.^[7] A NOAA spokesman described the wreck as 'amazingly intact.'^[8][9]

In 2016, a mission led by James P. Delgado, deep-sea archaeologist, and partnered with the Ocean Exploration Trust and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, brought investigators closer to the wreckage than ever before. Using robotic exploration vehicles, the team surveyed the USS Independence for the first time since she sank 65 years ago, streaming footage online. While investigating the wreckage, researchers found evidence of at least one existing Grumman Hellcat plane as well as the partial remains of an SB2C-4 Helldiver and 40-millimeter and 20-millimeter anti-aircraft weaponry.^[10]

Honors and awards

Independence received eight battle stars for World War II service.