The USS Barnes (CVE-20), originally classified as AVG-20 and later reclassified as ACV-20, CVE-20, and CVHE-20, was a Bogue-class escort carrier built during World War II. Laid down under a Maritime Commission contract, she was transferred to the U.S. Navy on May 1, 1942, and launched on May 22, 1942, by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Company in Tacoma, Washington. Mrs. G. L. Hutchinson sponsored the vessel, and she was commissioned on February 20, 1943, under the command of Captain Cato Douglas Glover. Designed primarily for transporting aircraft and personnel, Barnes played a vital role in the Pacific Theater. Her primary mission was logistical support—delivering aircraft and personnel from the United States to forward bases—while also serving as a combat and training carrier for pilot qualification. Throughout her service in World War II, she participated in several notable operations. From November 20 to December 5, 1943, she launched raids against Tarawa Atoll during the Gilbert Islands operation. She also provided aircraft replenishment for the 3rd Fleet during the Western Caroline Islands campaign from September 6 to October 14, 1944, and supported the Luzon attacks on October 19, 1944. Following Japan’s surrender, Barnes remained in the Far East on occupation duty until early November 1945. She returned to the United States in March 1946, initially remaining on the West Coast before moving to Boston, Massachusetts, where she was decommissioned and placed in reserve on August 29, 1946. Redesignated as a helicopter escort carrier (CVHE-20) in 1955, she continued to serve in a limited capacity until she was stricken from the naval register on March 1, 1959. Throughout her service, USS Barnes earned three battle stars for her contributions during World War II, marking her as a significant asset in the U.S. naval war effort in the Pacific.

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