USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95)

USS "Bismarck Sea" (CVE-95) was a "Casablanca" class escort carrier of the United States Navy. She was launched on 17 April 1944 by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, Washington, under a Maritime Commission contract as "Alikula Bay"; sponsored by Mrs. M. C. Wallgren, wife of Senator Monrad Wallgren; renamed "Bismarck Sea" on 16 May 1944; transferred to the Navy on 20 May 1944; and commissioned the same day, with Captain J. L. Pratt in command.

During July and August 1944 "Bismarck Sea" escorted convoys between San Diego, California, and the Marshall Islands. After repairs and additional training at San Diego, she steamed to Ulithi, Caroline Islands, to join the 7th Fleet. During 14 November–23 November 1944 she operated off Leyte in support of the operations and later took part in the Lingayen Gulf landings (9 January–18 January 1945). On 16 February she arrived off Iwo Jima to support the invasion.

On 21 February 1945, despite heavy gunfire, two Japanese suicide planes hit the "Bismarck Sea", first on the starboard side under the first 40 mm gun (aft), crashing through the hangar deck and striking the ship's magazines. The fire was nearly under control when the second plane struck the aft elevator shaft, exploding on impact and destroying the fire fighting salt water distribution system, thus preventing any further damage control. Shortly after, the order was given to abandon ship. She sank with the loss of 318 men. Three destroyers and three destroyer escorts rescued survivors over the next 12 hours, between them saving a total of 605 officers and men from her crew of 923. Survivors were then transferred to the transports USS|Dickens|APA-161|2 and USS|Highlands|APA-119|2.

According to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, the destroyer escort USS|Edmonds|DE-406|2 directed the rescue operations of the remaining hands, saving 378 of the carrier's crew including the commanding officer, in spite of darkness, heavy seas and continuing air attacks. Thirty of "Edmonds"' own crew went over the side to bring the wounded and exhausted carrier men to safety.

"Bismarck Sea" received three battle stars for her World War II operations.

ee also

* List of U.S. Navy ships losses in World War II.

External links

* [http://www.navybuddies.com/cve/cve95.htm USS Bismarck Sea (CVE 95)]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b6/bismarck-sea-i.htm Bismarck Sea]