The USS Card (AVG/ACV/CVE/CVHE/CVU/T-CVU-11/T-AKV-40) was a Bogue-class escort carrier built during World War II, notable for its significant contributions to anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic. Constructed by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding in Tacoma, Washington, her hull was laid down on October 27, 1941, as a Type C3 cargo ship (C3-S-A1) and launched on February 27, 1942. Acquired by the U.S. Navy on May 1, 1942, she was converted into an escort carrier and commissioned on November 8, 1942. The ship could carry up to 24 aircraft, typically a mix of Grumman Wildcats and Avengers, under the squadron VC-1. Her early service involved convoy escort missions, notably escorting UGS-8A to Casablanca in May 1943, where she pioneered hunter-killer group tactics. Reclassified as a CVE in July 1943, USS Card became a flagship for anti-submarine groups operating independently of convoys, utilizing advanced weapons like FIDO homing torpedoes and Hedgehog depth charges. Her task groups played a pivotal role in sinking 11 German U-boats, earning her the Presidential Unit Citation. Throughout her service, USS Card engaged in multiple intense anti-submarine operations, sinking submarines such as U-117, U-664, U-525, U-847, U-460, U-422, U-402, U-584, U-405, and U-233. She participated in key battles of the Battle of the Atlantic, often working with aircraft and escort ships to locate and destroy enemy submarines. Her success made her one of the most effective ships of her class. Post-war, USS Card shifted to transport duties, participated in "Magic Carpet" missions bringing servicemen home, and was reclassified multiple times, serving as a helicopter escort, utility carrier, and aviation transport. In 1964, she was attacked in Saigon by Viet Cong commandos, who planted an explosive charge that temporarily sunk her. She was refloated and repaired, serving into the late 1960s, primarily transporting helicopters to Vietnam. Ultimately, she was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1971. Her distinguished wartime record and innovative anti-submarine tactics highlight her maritime significance.

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