“Big E” USS ENTERPRISE was the second of the Yorktown Class aircraft carriers. Construction commenced in 1934 and official launch was in 1936, entering service in 1938.

   ENTERPRISEnarrowly escaped the unannounced Japanese attack onPearl Harboron December 7, 1941 due to stormy weather. Without any further delay,ENTERPRISEwas immediately tasked with combat duty against the Japanese. 

   “Big E” provided cover for the Doolittle Raid on mainlandJapanand took part in the Battle of Midway, Battle of Philippines, Leyte Gulf and provided air support during  the Guadalcanal campaign, Gilbert Islands,Marshall Islands,Palau,Iwo Jimaand Ryukyu. For a long period of time, “Big E” took onJapanuntil more aircraft carriers entered service.

   After WWII, “Big E” took part in “Operation Magic Carpet” and broughtU.S.troops back toUSA. Decommissioned in 1947,ENTERPRISEwas dismantled in 1958 yet the legend of “EnterpriseversusJapan” lives on.