Actions: Kwajalein, Truk raid (torpedoed), Palau, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa, Pacific raids 1944-45. Lightly damaged by one Kamikaze off Luzon 29 Oct 1944, and then more severely damaged by two Kamikazes off Luzon 25 Nov 44, requiring extensive repairs. Returned to action in spring and again seriously damaged by a Kamikaze off Okinawa 16 Apr 1945, giving her the dubious distinction of being the most struck ship in the Navy.
Underwent SCB-27C moderniaztion in 1954, providing steam catapults, larger elevators. Further SCB-125 modernization in 1957 provided the angled flight deck and new arresting gear. Designation changed to CVS on 31 Mar 1962. FRAM in FY65. Made three deployments to Vietnam in 1966-68. Museum ship in New York from 1982