About this Unit
USS Cape Esperance (CVE-88) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She played a vital support role in World War II, providing air cover and transporting aircraft and personnel in the Pacific Theater. The carrier participated in major operations such as the Battle of Okinawa, where her aircraft conducted anti-submarine patrols and ground support missions. After the war, Cape Esperance assisted in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen, before being decommissioned in 1946.
Historical Facts
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Escort Carrier Class: USS Cape Esperance (CVE-88) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier, the most numerous class of aircraft carriers ever built, with 50 ships constructed during World War II.
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Named After a Battle: The ship was named after the Battle of Cape Esperance, a naval engagement fought on October 11–12, 1942, during the Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II.
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Commissioning Date: The vessel was commissioned on 9 October 1944, and served actively during the last year of World War II.
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Original Name: She was originally laid down as Tananek Bay and renamed Cape Esperance on 6 November 1943, prior to her launching.
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Quick Construction: Like other Casablanca-class carriers, USS Cape Esperance was constructed rapidly using prefabricated sections, taking only about four months from laying down to launching.
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Pacific War Service: She played an important role in ferrying aircraft and personnel to forward bases and participated in support operations during the Okinawa campaign.
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Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Cape Esperance took part in Operation Magic Carpet, helping to bring thousands of American servicemen home from the Pacific.
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Kamikaze Threat: During her service, the ship faced the threat of Japanese kamikaze attacks, a constant danger for all carriers supporting operations off Okinawa.
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Postwar Fate: After decommissioning in 1946, the ship was placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet and eventually sold for scrap in 1959.
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Legacy: Though not as famous as fleet carriers, escort carriers like Cape Esperance were vital for anti-submarine warfare, convoy protection, and supporting amphibious assaults, earning the nickname "jeep carriers" for their versatility and utility.
