About this Unit
USS Valley Forge was the name given to several notable ships in the United States Navy, most famously the Essex-class aircraft carrier CV-45. Commissioned in November 1946, USS Valley Forge participated in key operations during the Korean War, providing critical air support during major engagements such as the Inchon landing in 1950. The carrier later saw service during the Vietnam War, earning multiple battle stars for her efforts. After a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, USS Valley Forge was decommissioned in 1970.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Valley Forge was named after the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, symbolizing endurance and resilience.
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Multiple Ships: The name USS Valley Forge has been carried by several U.S. Navy ships, most notably the CV-45 aircraft carrier and the LPH-8 amphibious assault ship.
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Launched Post-WWII: USS Valley Forge (CV-45) was launched on November 18, 1945, just after World War II ended, and was one of the last Essex-class aircraft carriers completed.
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Korean War Service: The carrier played a crucial role in the Korean War, conducting the first carrier strikes of the conflict and earning eight battle stars for her service.
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Helicopter Assault Pioneer: In 1957, Valley Forge became the U.S. Navy’s first ship to be converted into an amphibious assault ship (LPH), paving the way for helicopter-borne assaults.
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Operation Passage to Freedom: In 1954, Valley Forge assisted in the evacuation of nearly 300,000 Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and non-Vietnamese members of the French Army from North to South Vietnam.
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Space Support: The ship served as the recovery vessel for several early space missions, including the recovery of the Gemini 5 astronauts in 1965.
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Vietnam War: As an amphibious assault ship, Valley Forge participated in several major operations during the Vietnam War, including troop deployments and helicopter operations.
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Film Star: Footage of the USS Valley Forge was used in the classic 1972 science fiction movie "Silent Running," where her name was given to one of the fictional space freighters.
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Decommissioning: USS Valley Forge was decommissioned for the final time in 1970 and sold for scrap in 1971, ending 25 years of distinguished service across three major conflicts and numerous historic events.
