The USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) met its final end not in the heat of combat, but as a deliberate act of destruction in the deep waters off California. This stored vessel, a veteran of the Pacific War, was sunk as a target in 1963, concluding a service life that began with the frantic pace of the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I. Its legacy, however, lives on in the detailed accounts of its sinking and the marine ecosystem that now thrives on its submerged hull.
From Forest to Sea: The Naming and Commissioning
The ship's name was a deliberate homage to the Battle of Belleau Wood, a brutal and decisive engagement for the United States Marine Corps in World War I. Honoring this pivotal land battle, the Navy chose to name the future aircraft carrier after the French forest where so much American blood was shed. Originally laid down as the light cruiser USS Huntington, the vessel was converted into an Independence-class light aircraft carrier and commissioned in late 1943. This conversion gave the Navy a much-needed platform for air power while repurposing the momentum of an industrial war machine.
Combat Record in World War II
During World War II, the USS Belleau Wood earned eight battle stars, a testament to its relentless activity across the Pacific Theater. It served as a crucial escort for larger fleet carriers, provided close air support for amphibious assaults, and engaged in numerous fleet air defense missions. The ship's aircraft flew countless sorties against Japanese positions in the Philippines, supported the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participated in strikes against the Japanese home islands. Its service was marked by resilience, surviving a Kamikaze strike in October 1944 that caused significant damage but failed to sink the determined vessel.
Post-War Service and Decommissioning
Following the surrender of Japan, the Belleau Wood participated in Operation Magic Carpet, the massive effort to repatriate U.S. servicemen from the Pacific. It was then placed in reserve for several years before being reactivated for the Korean War. During the Korean conflict, it provided air support and operated primarily in the Sea of Japan. After its second tour, the ship was eventually decommissioned in 1953 and transferred to the French Navy, where it served as the Bois Belleau until returning to U.S. custody years later.
The Final Act: Sinking as a Target
The end for the USS Belleau Wood came as part of a final, controlled destruction. After decades of service and re-service, the Navy designated the aging carrier as a target vessel for weapons testing. On July 19, 1963, the ship was towed to a location approximately 110 miles southwest of San Diego. There, it was sunk by a combination of aerial bombing and surface ship gunfire. This meticulously planned exercise provided the military with critical data on how different munitions affect a ship's structure while ensuring the vessel was removed from the active fleet responsibly.
Legacy as an Artificial Reef While the military mission ended with the sinking, the Belleau Wood's story did not. Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef on the Pacific seafloor. Marine life quickly colonized the steel hull, creating a complex ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and predators. Today, it is a celebrated site for scuba divers and underwater photographers, offering a tangible connection to history and a vibrant glimpse into the process of oceanic reclamation. The ship that once roared with aircraft engines now lies in silent partnership with the sea. Specifications and Key Facts
While the military mission ended with the sinking, the Belleau Wood's story did not. Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef on the Pacific seafloor. Marine life quickly colonized the steel hull, creating a complex ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and predators. Today, it is a celebrated site for scuba divers and underwater photographers, offering a tangible connection to history and a vibrant glimpse into the process of oceanic reclamation. The ship that once roared with aircraft engines now lies in silent partnership with the sea.
Understanding the physical profile of the vessel helps contextualize its sinking and current state. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ship's core specifications:
