The Design and Construction of USS Bismarck Sea

Design and Construction

The USS Bismarck Sea was one of 24 Casablanca-class escort aircraft carriers built during World War II. The design and construction process of this warship were marked by a focus on speed, maneuverability, and airpower projection.

  • Specifications
    • Length: 512 feet (156 m)
    • Beam: 69 feet (21 m)
    • Draft: 16 feet (4.9 m)
    • Displacement: 7,800 tons
    • Speed: 19 knots (35 km/h)
    • Range: 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
  • Features + A single island superstructure
    • Four arresting wires for aircraft recovery
    • Two elevators to lift planes between decks
    • One catapult to launch planes from the deck
    • Accommodations for up to 60 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance planes

The USS Bismarck Sea’s design was influenced by its predecessors, including the escort carriers of the Sangamon and Santee classes. Its compact size allowed it to operate in shallower waters and provide air support to troops ashore. The carrier’s speed and maneuverability made it an effective platform for launching surprise attacks on enemy positions. Additionally, its capacity to carry a large number of aircraft enabled it to provide flexible airpower support throughout the Pacific Theater.

USS Bismarck Sea’s First Deployment

The USS Bismarck Sea, one of America’s most formidable escort aircraft carriers, embarked on its first deployment during World War II in September 1943. Following its commissioning in July, it underwent rigorous training exercises off the coast of San Francisco before setting sail for the Pacific Theater.

Initially, the USS Bismarck Sea was tasked with supporting Allied forces in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. It arrived at Espiritu Santo Island in October 1943, where it provided air support to troops fighting on Bougainville and other nearby islands. The ship’s aircraft played a crucial role in disrupting Japanese supply lines and communication networks.

In November 1943, the USS Bismarck Sea joined Task Force 74, led by Rear Admiral John S. McCain Sr., for a series of operations against Japanese-held islands in the western Pacific. Over the next several months, it conducted strikes against enemy airfields, ports, and troop concentrations on islands such as New Britain and Bougainville.

The USS Bismarck Sea’s deployment was marked by numerous close calls with Japanese forces. In December 1943, it narrowly escaped destruction when a Japanese submarine attacked its task group in the Bismarck Sea. The ship’s aircraft played a key role in defending against subsequent Japanese air raids and surface attacks.

Throughout its first deployment, the USS Bismarck Sea demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness as an escort carrier, providing critical air support to ground troops while also protecting itself against enemy counterattacks. Its operations significantly contributed to the Allied push towards the Philippines and ultimately contributed to Japan’s surrender in August 1945.

The Sinking of USS Bismarck Sea

As the USS Bismarck Sea sailed through the Pacific Ocean on May 13, 1945, it was unaware of the danger lurking beneath the surface. A Japanese submarine, the I-46, had been tracking the aircraft carrier for several days, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

At around 2:00 am, the I-46 launched a torpedo that struck the USS Bismarck Sea on its port side. The blast was immense, causing significant damage to the ship’s hull and flooding several compartments. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it became clear that the damage was too extensive, and the ship began to list severely.

The crew of the USS Bismarck Sea sprang into action, scrambling to abandon ship as quickly and safely as possible. Life rafts were deployed, and men jumped into the water, fighting against the strong currents to reach them. The ship’s captain, Edward O’Hare, remained on board until the end, ensuring that his crew was evacuated before giving up himself.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with nearby ships rushing to assist the stranded sailors. The USS Pittsburgh arrived first, pulling survivors from the water and providing medical aid to those injured in the attack. Over the next few hours, more vessels arrived on the scene, including destroyers and patrol boats, which helped to recover the remaining crew members.

In total, 92 men were rescued from the USS Bismarck Sea’s wreckage, but sadly, 43 others lost their lives in the attack. The sinking of the aircraft carrier marked a significant loss for the Allied forces, as it was one of the few remaining carriers still operational at the time. Despite this setback, the US Navy continued to fight on, and the USS Bismarck Sea’s bravery and sacrifice would not be forgotten.

Life on Board USS Bismarck Sea

The daily life on board USS Bismarck Sea was marked by a strict routine, punctuated by moments of excitement and danger. The ship’s crew of over 1,400 sailors was divided into three main divisions: aviation, deck, and engine. Each division had its own set of responsibilities and duties, which were essential to the smooth operation of the carrier.

Aviation Division The aviation division consisted of pilots, radiomen, and mechanics who were responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s aircraft. They would spend hours in the hangar bay, performing maintenance tasks and preparing planes for takeoff. The pilots would also conduct training exercises and drills to ensure their skills were sharp.

Deck Division The deck division was responsible for the ship’s surface operations, including navigation, cargo handling, and anti-aircraft gunnery. They would work long hours on deck, exposed to the elements, to ensure the safe passage of the carrier. The deck crew would also participate in drills and exercises to prepare for potential combat situations.

Engine Division The engine division was responsible for keeping the ship’s engines running smoothly. They would work deep inside the engine rooms, surrounded by the sounds of machinery and oil. Their job was crucial to the ship’s mobility and power.

Despite the long hours and demanding duties, life on board USS Bismarck Sea was not without its pleasures. The sailors would often gather in the mess hall for meals, sharing stories and jokes with their fellow crew members. The ship’s band would also perform concerts and entertain the crew during downtime.

One notable incident that occurred during USS Bismarck Sea’s service was a fire on board that broke out in one of the engine rooms. The fire was quickly extinguished, but it caused significant damage to the ship’s machinery. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness.

Despite these challenges, life on board USS Bismarck Sea was marked by camaraderie and a sense of purpose among its crew. They knew that their work was crucial to the war effort, and they took pride in their service to their country.

Legacy of USS Bismarck Sea

The USS Bismarck Sea’s significance extends far beyond its tragic loss in combat. The aircraft carrier played a crucial role in shaping American naval history during World War II, and its legacy continues to influence ship design and operations to this day.

One of the most significant contributions of the USS Bismarck Sea was its pioneering use of angle deck designs. Prior to the war, American carriers had flat decks, which limited their ability to recover aircraft safely. The USS Bismarck Sea’s angled deck allowed pilots to land more easily, increasing overall fleet efficiency and reducing the risk of crashes.

The ship’s combat experience also influenced future carrier design. The USS Bismarck Sea’s losses in the Battle of the Philippine Sea highlighted the need for improved radar systems and increased air defenses. These lessons were incorporated into subsequent carrier designs, such as the USS Midway and USS Nimitz classes.

Furthermore, the USS Bismarck Sea’s service helped establish the role of aircraft carriers as primary strike forces in modern naval warfare. The ship’s ability to project air power across vast distances made it an invaluable asset for fleet commanders.

  • Key design innovations:
    • Angle deck design
    • Improved radar systems
    • Increased air defenses
  • Legacy:
    • Influence on subsequent carrier designs
    • Establishing aircraft carriers as primary strike forces
    • Continuing to shape American naval history

In conclusion, the USS Bismarck Sea’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American sailors during World War II. Despite its short service life, the ship left an indelible mark on history, and its legacy continues to inspire admiration and respect for those who served on board.