world war 2 navy ships u.s.s. gambier bay astoria, oregon

The USS Gambier Bay: A Symbol of Resilience in World War II

During World War II, the U.S. Navy played a crucial role in defending against enemy attacks, and one ship that exemplifies this was the USS Gambier Bay. This aircraft carrier, built in Astoria, Oregon, was part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and saw significant action during the war.

The USS Gambier Bay's story is not just about its size or design but rather about its ability to withstand damage and continue fighting despite being hit by enemy fire. As reported in the US Navy Report of War Damage series, this ship's resilience was due to a combination of factors, including its size, preparation, and the skills of its crew.

Size is often considered a key factor in determining a ship's chances of survival. Larger ships may be more difficult to sink, but even smaller vessels can survive grievous attacks if well-prepared and designed. The USS Gambier Bay falls into this category, as it continued to fight on for over an hour after the first hits were registered.

Stopping a ship from reaching its objective is often considered more important than sinking it outright. In fact, many of the ships that I will discuss in this article continued to fight on for extended periods even after suffering significant damage. The Coast Guard's approach to maritime security reflects this focus on stopping rather than sinking enemy vessels.

The 57 mm gun has been criticized as inadequate for stopping a medium to large ship being used as a weapon. This raises important questions about the adequacy of the Coast Guard's armament in light of its role in maritime security and the potential for terrorist attacks using ships.

In conclusion, the USS Gambier Bay serves as a testament to the U.S. Navy's determination to defend against enemy attacks during World War II. Its ability to withstand damage and continue fighting is a reflection of both its design and the skills of its crew. As we reflect on this ship's story, it is clear that size and preparation are crucial factors in determining a ship's chances of survival but ultimately, stopping an enemy vessel from reaching its objective may be more important than sinking it outright.

World war 2 navy ships u.s.s. gambier bay astoria, oregon