United States Navy aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)

 

USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) of the United States Navy was an Independence-class light aircraft carrier that served during World War II. She was named for the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Future U.S. President George H. W. Bush served aboard the ship during World War II.

Description and construction

The USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) was an Independence-class light aircraft carrier constructed during World War II. Named after the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto, this vessel served as a vital part of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific fleet during the war, providing air support for amphibious landings and engaging in numerous operations. Below is a detailed exploration of its features under various operational headings:

Flight deck arrangements

The flight deck of the USS San Jacinto was designed for maximum efficiency within the constraints of a light aircraft carrier. Measuring 622.5 feet (189.7 meters) in length and 109 feet 2 inches (33.27 meters) at its widest point, the deck was capable of accommodating up to 45 aircraft. The vessel’s design incorporated two elevators, strategically located to facilitate the rapid movement of planes between the hangar and the flight deck.

A single catapult system provided assistance for launching heavily-laden aircraft, ensuring smooth operations even under combat conditions. The hangar deck was enclosed and utilized an efficient layout to store and service the carrier's complement of aircraft, which typically included a mix of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers. The deck was covered in anti-skid material to enhance safety during operations. Innovative lighting systems improved nighttime launch and recovery, an important feature for round-the-clock missions.

Propulsion

The USS San Jacinto was powered by a robust propulsion system, a hallmark of the Independence-class design. It was equipped with four Babcock & Wilcox boilers that generated steam at high pressures to drive four steam turbines. These turbines, in turn, powered four screw propellers, delivering a combined output of 100,000 shaft horsepower.

This powerful setup allowed the San Jacinto to achieve speeds of up to 31.6 knots (58.5 km/h; 36.4 mph), which was vital for keeping up with larger fleet units and evading enemy threats. The ship had an impressive operational range of 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 kilometers) at a cruising speed of 15 knots (28 km/h), enabling it to sustain extended operations across the vast Pacific theater.

Armament

The defensive armament of the USS San Jacinto was carefully designed to protect the ship from both aerial and surface threats. The ship was initially equipped with 28 Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns in twin mounts and 40 Oerlikon 20 mm cannons in single mounts. These weapons provided a layered defense against enemy aircraft, with the Bofors guns offering medium-range firepower and the Oerlikons capable of targeting close-range attackers.

Over the course of the war, the ship's armament was frequently upgraded to counter evolving threats, with modifications improving the accuracy and firing rate of its anti-aircraft systems. By the end of the war, the San Jacinto boasted a formidable anti-aircraft defense network, making it one of the more resilient vessels in its class against air assaults.

Fire control and electronics

The USS San Jacinto was outfitted with advanced fire control and electronic systems, reflecting the technological sophistication of the U.S. Navy during the war. It utilized radar-guided fire control systems to enhance the accuracy of its anti-aircraft and main guns. Air search radars were mounted to detect incoming enemy aircraft from significant distances, providing crucial early warning to the ship's crew.

Additionally, the carrier featured surface search radars to identify nearby vessels, assisting in navigation and combat operations. Communication systems were state-of-the-art, ensuring seamless coordination with other fleet units. These electronic systems were continually upgraded throughout the ship’s service life, maintaining its operational edge during the Pacific campaigns.

Armor

The USS San Jacinto was lightly armored compared to larger fleet carriers, but its design incorporated critical protective measures to safeguard essential areas. The belt armor ranged from 1.5 to 5 inches thick, offering some protection to the ship’s vital machinery spaces and propulsion systems. The main deck was protected by 3 inches of armor, while the bridge featured lighter protection at 0.38 inches.

This level of armor was a compromise, balancing the need for speed and aircraft capacity with survivability. While it could not withstand direct hits from heavy naval shells or torpedoes, the ship’s armor was adequate against strafing, near-miss bomb detonations, and shrapnel, common threats in carrier operations.

The USS San Jacinto played a key role in several pivotal campaigns during World War II, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Its advanced systems, efficient flight deck arrangements, and capable crew made it an invaluable asset to the United States Navy, embodying the resilience and ingenuity of American wartime shipbuilding.

Service history - World War II

 

 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) Service history - World War II

Year	Month(s)	Summary of Movements
1944	January-February	Operated in the Marshall Islands, launching airstrikes on Kwajalein and Eniwetok.
1944	March-May	Participated in the campaigns to capture the Caroline and Mariana Islands.
1944	June	Engaged in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, a major carrier-vs-carrier battle.
1944	July-October	Supported the Marianas campaign and launched strikes on the Philippines.
1944	November-December	Supported Leyte Gulf operations and strikes on Luzon.
1945	January-February	Supported the Luzon landings; airstrikes on Formosa (Taiwan).
1945	March-June	Played a significant role in the Okinawa Campaign, one of the largest amphibious assaults of the war.
1945	July-August	Conducted raids on the Japanese mainland, including the Tokyo area.
1945	September	Present during the Japanese surrender.

Originally laid down as the light cruiser Newark (CL-100), on 26 October 1942 by the New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, New Jersey; redesignated CV-30 and renamed Reprisal on 2 June 1942; renamed San Jacinto on 30 January 1943, converted, while building, to a light aircraft carrier and reclassified as CVL-30; launched on 26 September 1943; sponsored by Mary Gibbs Jones (wife of U.S. Commerce Secretary Jesse H. Jones); and commissioned on 15 November 1943, Capt. Harold M. Martin, in command.

USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) TBM 1C Avenger VT-51 takes off during exercises on 16th May 1944

After shakedown in the Caribbean, San Jacinto sailed, via the Panama Canal, San Diego, and Pearl Harbor, for the Pacific war zone. Arriving at Majuro, Marshall Islands, she joined Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Task Force 58/38, the fast carrier striking force of the Pacific Fleet. There, San Jacinto embarked Air Group 51, whose fighters and torpedo planes would be the ship's chief weapons in battle.

Marianas actions

After providing search patrols to protect other carriers striking at Marcus Island, San Jacinto rejoined the Fast Carrier Task Force, Task Force 58, on 21 May 1944 and was part of effective strikes against a weakened Japanese-held Wake Island on 23 May (there were no US troop landings in this action, Wake remained in Japanese hands until their surrender); Wake Island had previously been attacked by Task Force 14 on 5–6 October 1943. These were San Jacinto's first offensive missions, and no combat casualties were incurred, but one TBF Avenger was lost and its aircrew listed as missing when it failed to return from an anti-submarine patrol.

By 5 June 1944, San Jacinto was ready to participate in the largest fleet action since the Battle of Midway, almost exactly two years before. On that day, Task Force 58 sortied from Majuro and headed toward the Marianas to conduct air strikes preparatory to American seizure of Saipan and to protect the invasion forces from enemy air and naval attack.

USS San Jacinto (CVL 30) with USS Lexington (CV-16) and (DD 348) pre invasion ops Marianas 13th June 1944

This American thrust triggered a strong Japanese reaction; on 19 June, the Japanese Fleet launched more than 400 planes against the invasion fleet and the covering carrier force. In the ensuing air battle, known to American pilots as the 'Marianas Turkey Shoot,' more than 300 enemy planes were shot down. While San Jacinto's planes were achieving their most one-sided victory of the war, her gunners helped to shoot down the few attackers able to get near the American ships. Then, at dusk, Admiral Mitscher dispatched an all-carrier attack after the retreating enemy fleet. The night recovery of the returning planes was accomplished amid considerable confusion. Reportedly, a Japanese carrier plane attempted a landing approach on San Jacinto, only to be waved off by the landing signal officer because its hook was not down.

San Jacinto then participated in strikes against Rota and Guam and furnished combat air patrol (CAP) and antisubmarine patrol (ASP) for her task group. During these raids, a San Jacinto fighter pilot was shot down over Guam and spent 17 days in a life raft trying to attract attention and 16 nights hiding on the island.

After a refueling and replenishment stop at Eniwetok Atoll, San Jacinto joined in carrier strikes against the Palaus on 15 July. On 5 August, her targets were Chichi, Haha and Iwo Jima. A brief stop at Eniwetok preceded dawn-to-dusk CAP and ASP duty while other carriers struck at Yap, Ulithi, Anguar and Babelthuap, pinning down Japanese air forces while the Palaus were being assaulted on 15 September.

George H. W. Bush in his Grumman TBM Avenger aboard USS San Jacinto in 1944

George H.W. Bush served as a naval aviator in Torpedo Squadron 51 (VT-51) during World War II, operating from the USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) in the Pacific Theater. As a Lieutenant (Junior Grade), he flew the TBM Avenger, a torpedo bomber used in naval operations. Bush participated in numerous combat missions, including bombing runs over Japanese-held islands such as Chichijima. On September 2, 1944, during a mission over Chichijima, his aircraft was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Despite the damage, he successfully completed his bombing run before bailing out over the sea. He was later rescued by the U.S. submarine USS Finback, an event that marked him as one of the youngest naval aviators to survive such an ordeal. For his bravery and service, Bush was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals.

On 2 September, while piloting a TBF Grumman Avenger #46214 from VT-51, future-President George H. W. Bush was shot down by anti-aircraft fire while attacking Japanese installations on the island of Chichijima. Bush for a time was considered the youngest navy pilot in history, and is known as the youngest pilot in WWII history to join an American torpedo bomber squadron.^[1] Bush completed his bombing run, then guided his crippled plane out to sea. The two other crew members were lost,^[2] but Lieutenant (J.G.) Bush parachuted into the sea and was rescued by the submarine Finback from capture by cannibalistic Japanese Officers stationed on Chichijima.^[3][4] For his actions in the successful attack, 20-year-old Bush received the Distinguished Flying Cross.^[5]

Following a replenishment stop at Manus, Admiralty Islands, San Jacinto joined in strikes against Okinawa and furnished photographic planes to get information necessary for future invasion plans. After refueling at sea, she once again supplied dawn-to-dusk air protection as other carriers sent strikes against Formosa, northern Luzon, and the Manila Bay area from 12 to 19 October. During operations on 17 October, a fighter plane made a very hard landing and inadvertently fired its machine guns into the ship's island structure, killing two men and wounding 24, including her commanding officer, and causing considerable damage to radar. Despite this accident, San Jacinto remained battle-worthy.

As American troops landed on Leyte in the central Philippines on 20 October, San Jacinto provided close air support. On 24 October, this mission was interrupted by news of the three-pronged approach of the Japanese fleet which precipitated the largest fleet battle in naval history.

Philippines July-October 1944

USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) Battle off Cape Engano 25th Oct 1944
1. Japanese fleet maneuvers seen from VT 51 TBM Avenger USS San Jacinto off Cape Engano 25th Oct 1944 2. Japanese Ise class battleship and Terutsuki destroyer seen from VT 51 TBM USS San Jacinto off Cape Engano 25th Oct 1944 3. TBM Avenger VT 51 being armed on USS San Jacinto (CVL 30) Battle off Cape Engano 25th Oct 1944 4. USS San Jacinto (CVL 30) TBM 1C Avenger of VT 51 over Majuro Atoll Marshall Islands on 30th May 1944

San Jacinto sent planes against the central force in the Sibuyan Sea, then raced north to launch strikes against the northern force, resulting in heavy damage to the Japanese carriers and surface combatants off Cape Engaño. On 30 October, her fighters furnished air protection over Leyte while her guns shot down two planes attempting suicide attacks on the ship. After a pause at Ulithi, the carrier joined in attacks on the Manila Bay area; then took a side trip to Guam to exchange air groups, receiving Air Group 45. She received slight damage during a typhoon in December 1944.

After completing repairs at Ulithi, San Jacinto and the rest of her fast carrier force entered the South China Sea and launched massive air attacks on the airfields of Formosa and against shipping at Cam Ranh Bay, French Indochina, and at Hong Kong. By refueling and replenishing at sea, Task Force 38 was able to continue its pressure on the enemy and strategic support for the American invasion of Luzon by strikes against the Ryukyu Islands.

Attacks over Japan

Next, San Jacinto joined in the first carrier strikes against the home islands of Japan. During the raids on 16 and 17 February 1945, carrier-based aircraft shot down many enemy planes during fierce dogfights over airfields in the Tokyo area. These operations were designed to cover the imminent invasion of Iwo Jima. Next came air support for the landing Marines, followed by further strikes against Tokyo and Okinawa before San Jacinto returned to Ulithi.

While conducting operations off Kyūshū, Japan, she witnessed the conflagration on the carrier USS Franklin; and, on 19 March 1945, escaped destruction when a kamikaze narrowly missed her. More massive enemy attacks came with Operation 'Iceberg' as the carrier force furnished air support for the invasion of Okinawa. On 5 April, more than 500 planes, primarily kamikazes, attacked. Fighter planes and anti-aircraft guns shot down about 300, but many got through. San Jacinto's gunners shot the wing off a would-be suicide plane, deflecting its dive; it splashed down only 50 feet off her port bow. Her mission of covering the Okinawa invasion entailed heavy air activity and kept the ship almost constantly at general quarters while supporting ground forces and repelling frequent attacks by suicide planes.

On 7 April, San Jacinto's's bombers torpedoed the Japanese destroyers Hamakaze and Asashimo, part of a naval suicide attack in which the super battleship Yamato was also sunk. San Jacinto then returned to the dangerous job of defending against the suicide plane attacks, striking at the kamikaze airfields on Kyūshū, and providing close air support for ground forces fighting on Okinawa.

On 5 June, she successfully rode out another typhoon, and after replenishing at Leyte sortied for her final raids as part of Task Force 58. Her aircraft struck at Hokkaidō and Honshū, Japan, on 9 July and continued to operate off the coast of Japan until the end of hostilities on 15 August 1945.

After the ceasefire preceding Japan's formal surrender, her air missions over Japan became mercy flights over Allied prisoner-of war camps, dropping food and medicine until the men could be rescued. She was present at Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945. Her wartime mission completed, San Jacinto returned home and tied up at NAS Alameda, California, on 14 September 1945.

Fate

The Spanish Navy considered acquiring San Jacinto but instead chose the Independence-class carrier USS Cabot (CVL-28), which was renamed Dédalo.^[6][7]

San Jacinto was decommissioned on 1st March 1947 and joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet berthed at San Diego. She was reclassified as an auxiliary aircraft transport (AVT-5) on 15th May 1959, and struck from the Navy list on 1 June 1970; her hull was sold for scrapping in December 1971.

Awards

Presidential Unit Citation
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with five battle stars^[N1]
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Medal with 'ASIA' clasp