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History of USS Bunker Hill

USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1943 during World War II. Named after the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bunker Hill, the ship played a pivotal role in major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On May 11, 1945, Bunker Hill suffered devastating damage from two kamikaze attacks off Okinawa, resulting in heavy casualties and forcing her withdrawal from active combat. After the war, the carrier was used in training and as a flagship before being decommissioned in 1947.

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ABOUT USS Bunker Hill

  • Two Ships Named USS Bunker Hill: There have been two U.S. Navy ships named USS Bunker Hill—the famed WWII Essex-class aircraft carrier (CV-17) and the later Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser (CG-52).
  • Named after a Revolutionary War Battle: Both ships honor the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775), an early and iconic conflict in the American Revolutionary War.
  • CV-17 in Battle of the Philippine Sea: During WWII, USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) played a key role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944), known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot," where U.S. forces decimated Japanese naval aviation.
  • Kamikaze Attack Survivor: On May 11, 1945, CV-17 was struck by two kamikaze aircraft off Okinawa, resulting in the deaths of 346 crew members and severe damage, yet the carrier survived and returned to port.
  • Presidential Visit: President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the USS Bunker Hill in Pearl Harbor in July 1944, underscoring the ship's importance in the Pacific War.
  • Distinguished Service: CV-17 earned 11 battle stars during WWII for her service in major operations across the Pacific Theater.
  • CG-52 and Operation Desert Storm: The second USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) served in Operation Desert Storm (1991), launching Tomahawk missiles during the opening of hostilities against Iraq.
  • First AEGIS Cruiser with Vertical Launch System: CG-52 was the first cruiser equipped with the advanced AEGIS Combat System and vertical launch system (VLS), revolutionizing naval surface warfare.
  • Decommissioning: USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) was decommissioned on September 22, 2023, after nearly 37 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
  • Legacy and Honors: The crews of both ships have been honored for their bravery and accomplishments, and the name "Bunker Hill" remains a symbol of resilience and fighting spirit in the U.S. Navy.

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