USS Enterprise (CV-6), colloquially referred to as the "Big E," was the sixth aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the seventh U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. Launched in 1936, she was a ship of the Yorktown class, and one of only three American carriers commissioned prior to World War II to survive the war (the others being USS Saratoga and USS Ranger). She participated in more major actions of the war against Japan than did any other US ship. These actions included the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, various other air-sea engagements during the Guadalcanal campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, as well as the "Doolittle Raid" on Tokyo. On three separate occasions during the Pacific War, the Japanese announced that she had been sunk in battle.
Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, the most for any U.S. warship in World War II. Some have labeled her the most glorious and honored ship in all of United States Naval history, rivaled only perhaps by the 18th century frigate USS Constitution.
USS Enterprise in Days of Infamy[]
The USS Enterprise was an American aircraft carrier, and Admiral William Halsey's flagship. In November 1941, it delivered planes to Wake Island. It arrived back in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, just in time to face the Japanese invasion. Most of its flyers were shot down by Japanese flyers, and Enterprise itself was sunk. Admiral Halsey was among the dead.
USS Enterprise in "News From the Front"[]
Due to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin leaking preparations about the US Navy's attack against Japan with B-25 bombers, the IJN was waiting and was able to sink the USS Enterprise in April 1942.
Literary Comment[]
Although not named, a carrier is reported sunk during the debacle, and after this defeat, all US carriers in the Pacific are named except the Enterprise.
USS Enterprise in The War That Came Early[]
The USS Enterprise was lost in 1941 while in action against the Japanese Navy.
Literary Comment[]
Although not stated directly, it is stated that the US has lost five carriers, but due to one being lost at Hawaii, and four being lost at Wake, it is never clarified which ones.
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