Launched on 4 May 1942, USS Barnes (AVG-20/ACV-20/CVE-20), was a Bogue-class escort carrier. Commissioned on 20 February 1943, her classification changed from AVG to ACV-20. She was reclassified again on 15 July 1943 to CVE-20 and on 12 June 1955 to CVHE-20.
During the Second World War, Barnes was used primarily to transport aircraft and personnel around the Pacific. However during the Gilbert Islands Operation, her aircraft undertook raids on Tarawa Atoll. In addition, during the Caroline Islands Operation, she acted as an aircraft replenishment carrier, enabling the fleet carriers to stay on station longer.
Post war she undertook occupation duties in Japan until 3 November 1945 after which she returned to the United States and was placed in reserve. She was stricken for disposal on 1 March 1959.
USS Barnes (ACV-20)USS Barnes (ACV-20) Orchard Point, Wash. 9 March, 1943. Speed, 10 knots.USS Barnes (ACV-20) in the Pacific Ocean 1 July 1943 transporting USAAF Lockheed P-38 and Republic P-47 fightersUSS Barnes (ACV-20), 1 July 1943 transporting P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning fightersGrumman F6F Hellcat hanging over the elevator on USS Barnes (ACV-20)
USS Barnes CVE-20
USS Barnes (CVE-20), Navy Yard Mare Island, Calif., 10 October 1943Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighter goes over the side of USS Barnes (CVE-20), 22 October 1943USS Barnes (CVE-20) with Grumman TBF Avenger aircraft parked on her flight deck, 8 January 1944USS Barnes (CVE-20) while under refit at the San Francisco Navy Yard, 25 December 1944, along with USS Detroit (CL-8) and USS Beale (DD-471)USS Barnes (CVE-20) while under refit at the San Francisco Navy Yard, 25 December 1944, along with USS Detroit (CL-8) and USS Beale (DD-471)
USS Barnes CVHE-20
USS Barnes (CVHE-20) In Reserve “Mothballs” South Boston Naval Annex, May 1958USS Barnes (CVHE-20) In Reserve “Mothballs” South Boston Naval Annex, May 1958USS Barnes (CVHE-20) In Reserve “Mothballs” South Boston Naval Annex, 1959
Japanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transportedJapanese aircraft being transported
