USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)

• Essex-class Carrier: USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, one of the most successful and numerous classes of aircraft carriers built during World War II. • Name Change: She was originally to be named USS Hancock, but after the loss of the USS Ticonderoga (CV-12) at Pearl Harbor, her name was changed to Ticonderoga in honor of the historic fort. • World War II Service: Ticonderoga earned five battle stars for her service in World War II, participating in major Pacific campaigns including the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. • Kamikaze Attacks: On January 21, 1945, Ticonderoga was hit by two kamikaze attacks in quick succession, causing heavy damage, fires, and 144 crew fatalities, but she was saved by the heroic efforts of her crew. • Post-War Modernization: After WWII, Ticonderoga underwent several modernizations, including an angled flight deck, and was redesignated CVA-14 (attack carrier) and later CVS-14 (anti-submarine warfare carrier). • Vietnam War Service: Ticonderoga played a significant role in the Vietnam War, conducting multiple combat tours and launching air strikes against North Vietnamese targets. • Recovery of Gemini Capsules: She served as the primary recovery ship for two NASA Gemini missions: Gemini 8 in 1966 and Gemini 9A in 1966, recovering astronauts and their capsules from the Pacific Ocean. • Longest Serving Essex Carrier: By the time of her decommissioning in 1973, Ticonderoga had one of the longest active service histories among Essex-class carriers. • Presidential Visit: President Lyndon B. Johnson visited the USS Ticonderoga in December 1966 while she was deployed in the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War. • Final Fate: After being decommissioned in 1973 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1974, USS Ticonderoga was sold for scrap in 1975, marking the end of her storied career.