The USS Reno (CL-96) was an Atlanta-class light cruiser, sometimes referred to as an "Oakland-class," designed primarily for anti-aircraft warfare. Constructed by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in San Francisco, California, she was laid down on 1 August 1941, launched on 23 December 1942, and commissioned on 28 December 1943. She measured standard displacement and was equipped with multiple anti-aircraft guns, reflecting her role in fleet air defense. Reno’s active service began after a shakedown cruise off San Diego, with her joining the 5th Fleet in April 1944 under Admiral Spruance. She saw combat in the Pacific theater, supporting major carrier air raids and amphibious operations. Notably, she participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, supporting attacks on Marcus Island, Wake Island, Saipan, Pagan Island, and the Volcano and Bonin Islands. During these operations, Reno contributed to the large-scale carrier battles and the invasion of Saipan, Guam, and Palau. In October 1944, Reno supported strikes against Formosa and the Philippines, often operating close to Japanese-held territories. During a series of air strikes against Formosa, she shot down at least six enemy aircraft, and despite damage when a Japanese torpedo plane crashed on her fantail, she remained operational. However, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, she played a critical role supporting the sinking of the carrier Princeton and was herself torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-41 on 3 November 1944, suffering two hits on her port side. One torpedo lodged in her hull and was later defused, while the other exploded below decks, causing casualties and flooding. She was rescued by a destroyer and towed to Ulithi Atoll for repairs, with her crew conducting emergency dewatering and damage control during the voyage. After repairs at Charleston Navy Yard, Reno returned to service, participating in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating U.S. troops from Europe. Decommissioned on 4 November 1946, she entered the reserve fleet and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1959. Her hulk was sold for scrapping in 1962. Her legacy includes a gun turret displayed at the U.S. Navy Museum and her battle stars for World War II.

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