USS Independence

U.S. Navy•1469 members

USS Independence Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

1,469

About USS Independence

USS Independence was a light aircraft carrier that served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. It was commissioned in 1943 and played a vital role in numerous naval battles throughout the Pacific. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1946, but was later reactivated and modernized in the 1950s. USS Independence was finally decommissioned for the last time in 1955 and later scrapped in 1962.

Unit Members

Donald George Rondeau

U.S. Navy (1940-Present)

USS IndependenceView Profile

Bill Grisham

U.S. Navy (1969-Present)

USS IndependenceView Profile

Photos

U.S. Army • 1968

Runway at Camp Holloway

U.S. Army • 1969

SSG Robert Miller

U.S. Army • 1969

SSgt. Leon Cunningham, Jr.

U.S. Air Force • 1970

About USS Independence

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• The USS Independence was the fourth ship to be named after the concept of independence in American history. • Construction of the USS Independence began in 1955 and it was commissioned in 1959. • The USS Independence was the lead ship of its class of aircraft carriers, known as the Independence class. • During the Vietnam War, the USS Independence served multiple tours of duty in the Pacific Ocean, providing support for airstrikes against enemy forces. • In 1989, the USS Independence was involved in the rescue of passengers from a Greek cruise ship that had caught fire off the coast of Virginia. • The USS Independence was decommissioned in 1998 after over 30 years of service in the US Navy. • After decommissioning, the USS Independence was stored in Bremerton, Washington, before being dismantled for scrap in 2017. • During its service, the USS Independence received several awards and commendations for its role in various military operations. • The USS Independence had a crew of over 3,000 sailors and officers during its active duty years. • Parts of the USS Independence, including its anchor and mast, have been preserved and are on display at various naval museums across the country.