USS Wasp (CV-18) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in November 1943, the ship saw action in the Pacific theater, participating in campaigns such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign. After the war, the USS Wasp was involved in the transportation of American troops back home. During the Korean War, the carrier was deployed to support operations in the Korean Peninsula. The ship underwent several modernizations and upgrades throughout its service, including the addition of an angled flight deck and steam catapults to accommodate newer aircraft. USS Wasp was decommissioned in 1972 and eventually sold for scrap in 1973. The ship received several commendations for its service, including eight battle stars for its World War II service and two for its Korean War service. The USS Wasp played a significant role in naval operations during its time in service and contributed to the United States' military presence in the Pacific region.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.