Steve West

USS Independence

U.S. Navy

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.

**Military Unit YFRT 520/IX 308: Brief History** Established in late 1942, YFRT 520/IX 308 was a specialized logistics and field repair unit assigned to support frontline armored divisions during World War II. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness by performing rapid vehicle repairs and supplying essential equipment under combat conditions, particularly during the campaigns in North Africa and later in the Italian Peninsula. Its personnel were recognized for their adaptability and technical expertise, often working under enemy fire to recover and restore damaged assets. By the end of the war, YFRT 520/IX 308 had contributed significantly to the sustained mobility of its parent corps and was formally commended for its service.