USS Commencement Bay (CVE-1944)
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The US Navy replaced production of the Bogue Class with the Commencement Bay
class. This included the Sangamon sub-class of ships. The Commencement Bay class
had an all round increase in size. The hull of choice for these ships were the
US T3 tanker design. One of the major advantages of this was the change to twin
screws.
While thirteen of the class were completed in time to see service, none saw
enemy action. Some of the class were even accepted from the builders and placed
straight into the Reserve Fleet. Others, like the Annapolis above, were
converted to miscellaneous duties after the war. The US production of escort
carriers, like all of the most important ships, was just enormous.
But the conversions were not without their problems. The US Navy complained
about the Royal Navy receiving escort carriers under Lend Lease then instead of
putting them straight into service, the ships were put through a three month
refit to make them suitable for RN service. This included an upgrade of the
aviation fuel handling systems which the Royal Navy had said was below standard.
Displacement |
|
Length | |
Beam |
|
Draft | 30 ft 8 in (9.35 m) |
Propulsion | 2-shaft geared turbines, 16,000 shp |
Speed | 19 knots (22 mph; 35 km/h) |
Complement | 1,066 officers and men |
Armament |
|
Aircraft carried | 34 |