As part of TG58.2, the Essex's warplanes were used in the assault on Truk during February 17th-18th which preceded actions against Saipan, Tinian and Guam days later. Following this, Essex was sent back stateside for a refit - her only refit action of the entire war - and formed with Air Group 15 (AG15). As part of TG12.1, she assailed Marcus Island and Wake island in mid-May and sailed to the Marianas for mid-June to mid-August. An assault on the Palau Islands followed in early September and she then joined TF38 sailing for Ryukus. From then on, her warplanes were seen in action against targets at Okinawa, Formosa and Leyte (Philippines) into October 1944. After taking on fresh stores at Caroline Islands, Essex formed part of the force used against Manila in the fight to retake the Philippines. A kamikaze strike damaged her along her portside on November 25th which claimed the lives of fifteen personnel and wounded some 44. However, in just three weeks she was repaired and sent back into action.
For 1945, she committed to actions against Lingayen, Formosa, Sakishima Gunto and Okinawa. As part of TF58, she was involved in the final attacks against the Japanese home islands before making up a part of the massive naval "show of force" residing in Tokyo Bay for the official Japanese surrender. Following the war, USS Essex was sent to Bremerton , Washington and decommissioned in January of 1947 while being held reserve status. At this time, some of her features were revised for the better including a more contoured island superstructure and a new flight deck. She was recommissioned in January of 1951 as America was now committed to the Korean War (1950-1953).
During the new war, USS Essex served as flagship to Carrier Division (CarDiv 1) as well as TF77. A crash landing by an F2H Banshee jet fighter sparked a large explosion along her forward section which claimed the lives of seven. She underwent repairs in Japan and was back on the front lines for October and was able to launch air strikes against enemy positions along the Yalu. She ended her tenure in Korea during January of 1953 and went onto serve in various patrols into 1955. During mid-1955, she was given much-needed attention in the way of revisions and repairs - a primary change being her new angled flight deck which considerably changed her appearance - certainly adding a more modern look. From here she undertook patrols in both Pacific and Atlantic waters.
Essex's warplanes supported the U.S. involvement in Beirut during July 1958, conducted joint NATO exercises in 1959 and assisted the French after massive flooding in Frejus. It was in early 1960 that Essex was converted to the new role of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). In 1961, her warplanes were involved in secret sorties during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. The Cuban Missile Crisis then followed in 1962 to which Essex was part of the naval blockade there. In November of 1966, Essex was damaged after colliding with USS Nautilus, both receiving considerable damage which sent Essex to Boston for repair work. During October of 1968, she served as the recovery vessel for the Apollo 7 crew in Caribbean waters.
USS Essex completed her tour of the seas on June 30th, 1969 when she was decommissioned for a second time - this time for good. Her name was struck from the Naval Register in June of 1973 and her hulk stripped of any value and usefulness. She was unceremoniously sold off for scrap in June of 1975, bringing an end to her storied ocean-going career which covered both major oceans, many unit awards and thirteen Battle Stars for faithful service.
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