Originally classified as AVG-16, USS Nassau was reclassified as ACV-16 before her launch on 4 April 1942. Commissioned on 20 August 1942. Until April 1943 she operated as an aircraft transport in the Pacific.
From 4 to 20 May 1943, she operated with Task Force 51, during which time composite squadron 21 (CV-21) undertook support missions for the occupation of Attu Island.
On 15 July 1943 her classification changed to CVE-16.
Barnes’ aircraft undertook combat patrols, anti-submarine patrols and ground attacks during the invasion of Tarawa and again during the Marshal’s Campaign. From March to September 1944 she again undertook aircraft ferry and transport duties.
Starting on 1 September 1944, she was part of the aircraft replenishment fleet, supplying aircraft and pilots to the fleet carriers, enabling them to remain on station longer.
At the end of the war she was placed in reserves where her classification was changed to CVHE-16 on 12 June 1955. She was struck from the Naval Register on 1 March 1959 and scrapped in 1961.
Commissioning ceremonies of USS Nassau (ACV-16) at the Puget Sound Navy Yard on Thursday, 20 August 1942USS Nassau (ACV-16) during her commissioning ceremonies on Thursday, 20 August 1942USS Nassau (ACV-16) following her commissioning ceremony at the Puget Sound Navy Yard on Thursday, 20 August 1942USS Nassau (ACV-16, later CVE-16) underway in December of 1942Port broadside photo of USS Nassau (ACV-16) underway on 12 December 1942, in the South PacificUSS Nassau (ACV-16) underway and rolling to port in moderate seas during the invasion of Attu, May 1943USS Nassau (ACV-16) steaming astern of battleships USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) and USS Idaho (BB-42). Attu occupation, May 1943USS Nassau (ACV-16) off Attu, 13 May 1943USS Nassau (ACV-16) underway off California, June 1943USS Nassau (ACV-16) underway, 2 July 1943USS Nassau (ACV-16) underway on 2 July 1943
As USS Nassau (CVE-16)
Bow view of USS Nassau (CVE-16), 2 August 1943, Mare Island, CaliforniaAft plan view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 21 Aug 1943Forward plan view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 21 Aug 1943Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats landing aboard USS Nassau (CVE-16) in the South Pacific, September 1943SN2 Lawrence Britton on duty at port lookout aboard USS Nassau (CVE-16), October 1943Practice division formation and maneuver exercises Hawaiian waters 13 January 1944. Photographed from USS Manilla Bay (CVE-61). Ships astern are Coral Sea (CVE-57), Corregidor (CVE-58), Natoma Bay (CVE-62), and Nassau (CVE-16)USS Nassau (CVE-16), looking forward, Mare Island Navy Yard, 28 April 1944. Circles mark recent alterationsUSS Nassau (CVE-16), looking aft, Mare Island Navy Yard, 28 April 1944. Circles mark recent alterationsBow on view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) departing Mare Island on 29 April 1944USS Nassau (CVE-16) wearing Measure 33 Design 2A, 29 April 1944, at Mare Island, CaliforniaUSS Nassau (CVE-16) wearing Measure 33 Design 2A, 29 April 1944, at Mare Island, CaliforniaStern view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) departing Mare Island on 29 April 1944Amidships view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) at Mare Island on 28 April 1944USS Nassau (CVE-16) wearing a weathered 33-2A camouflage scheme on 24 July 1944, off Point Mugu, CaliforniaBroadside, starboard view of USS Nassau (CVE-16) departing Mare Island on 29 April 1944
Aircraft Operations
Grumman F4F Wildcat launching from USS Nassau, 1943Grumman F4F Wildcat trapping aboard USS Nassau, 1943Grumman F6F Hellcat prepares to take off from USS NASSAU (CVE-16), October 1943Grumman F6F Hellcat on USS Nassau (CVE-16) October 1943
Transporting Aircraft
USS Nassau (CVE-16) transporting aircraftUSS Nassau (CVE-16) transporting Lockheed P-38 Lightnings June 1943USS Nassau (CVE-16) transporting aircraft
