USS Antietam (CV-36)

• Namesake: USS Antietam (CV-36) was named after the Battle of Antietam, one of the major engagements of the American Civil War, fought in 1862. • Commissioned late in WWII: She was commissioned on January 28, 1945, and entered service too late to see significant combat during World War II. • Korean War Service: Antietam saw combat during the Korean War, providing vital air support for UN forces and conducting strikes against enemy positions. • First Angled Flight Deck: In 1952, USS Antietam became the world’s first aircraft carrier to be fitted with an angled flight deck, revolutionizing carrier operations and aircraft recovery safety. • Recognition for Innovation: The successful trials of the angled flight deck aboard Antietam led to the adoption of this design by navies worldwide. • Rescue Missions: While serving in the Korean War, her aircraft rescued numerous downed pilots by providing close air support for helicopter and surface vessel recoveries. • Training Ship: After her combat service, Antietam served as a training carrier for naval aviators, operating out of Pensacola, Florida from 1957 until her decommissioning. • Decommissioned and Fate: She was decommissioned on May 8, 1963, and eventually sold for scrap in 1974, ending nearly three decades of service. • Presidential Visit: President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited USS Antietam in May 1957 while she was serving as a training carrier, underscoring her importance in naval aviation. • Battle Stars: For her service, USS Antietam earned two battle stars for her contributions during the Korean War.