Marines USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)

• Origins: USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in May 1944. She was named after the historic fort on Lake Champlain, significant during the American Revolutionary War. • World War II Service: Ticonderoga played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, participating in operations including the Philippines campaign, Battle of Iwo Jima, and strikes against the Japanese home islands. • Kamikaze Attacks: On January 21, 1945, Ticonderoga was severely damaged by two kamikaze attacks, resulting in more than 140 casualties, but her crew's heroism kept the ship afloat and operational. • Marine Detachments: Like other carriers of her era, Ticonderoga carried a Marine detachment responsible for ship security, manning anti-aircraft guns, and ceremonial duties. • Postwar Service: After WWII, Ticonderoga was decommissioned but later modernized and recommissioned in 1954 as an attack carrier (CVA-14), and later as an anti-submarine warfare carrier (CVS-14). • Vietnam War: The ship supported Marine and Navy operations during the Vietnam War, flying thousands of combat sorties and earning 12 battle stars for her service. • Apollo Recovery: Ticonderoga served as the primary recovery ship for several NASA missions, including Apollo 16 and Apollo 17, retrieving astronauts and spacecraft from the Pacific. • Marine Aviators: Marine fighter and attack squadrons frequently deployed aboard Ticonderoga, participating in both training and combat missions throughout her career. • Flagship Honors: She served as flagship for various carrier task groups, with Marines providing security for high-ranking officers and VIPs during fleet operations. • Decommissioning: USS Ticonderoga was decommissioned for the final time in 1973, after nearly 30 years of service, including significant contributions from her Marine detachments.