USS Essex

The fourth USS Essex (CV-9) (also CVA-9 and CVS-9) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier, the lead ship of her class. She was put into action almost immediately after her launch. In the summer of 1943, the United States launched a massive invasion of Hawaii, comprised of some 7 aircraft carriers including Essex, 5 light carriers, close to a dozen escort carriers, several destroyers, and troop carriers. This invasion proved to be the end of Japanese rule in Hawaii.