The USS Princeton (CVL-23) was a United States Navy Independence-class light aircraft carrier active during World War II. Originally laid down as the Cleveland-class light cruiser Tallahassee (CL-61) by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, she was reclassified as an Independence-class light aircraft carrier (CV-23) on 16 February 1942 and renamed Princeton on 31 March 1942. The ship was launched on 18 October 1942, sponsored by Margaret Dodds, and commissioned at Philadelphia on 25 February 1943 under the command of Captain George R. Henderson. Constructed as a small, fast carrier, Princeton measured approximately 590 feet in length with a beam of around 62 feet. She was equipped with a flight deck designed to operate aircraft engaged in offensive and reconnaissance missions across the Pacific Theater. After initial shakedown in the Caribbean, she reclassified as CVL-23 in July 1943 and headed to the Pacific, where she played a vital role in multiple operations. Her service record includes serving as flagship during the occupation of Baker Island, providing air cover during strikes on Makin and Tarawa, and participating in significant battles such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where her aircraft contributed to a devastating attack on Japanese naval air forces. Princeton also supported amphibious assaults on the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, Palaus, and the Philippines, conducting strikes against enemy airfields, ships, and installations. Tragically, Princeton was lost at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. On 24 October, she was attacked by a Japanese diver bomber, which hit her with a single bomb, igniting fires and causing explosions. Despite efforts to save her, fires overwhelmed the ship, and she was ultimately scuttled by USS Reno after suffering massive internal damage and a series of catastrophic explosions. During the sinking, 108 crew members were lost, but over 1,300 were rescued, including her captain, Captain William H. Buracker. The USS Princeton earned nine battle stars for her distinguished service in World War II, and her legacy is remembered through acts of heroism and her role in critical Pacific battles.

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