USS Enterprise CV-6: Aircraft Carriage During World War II

During World War II, the USS Enterprise CV-6 played a pivotal role in the United States Navy. As one of the Yorktown-class aircraft carriers, Enterprise was designed to carry a maximum of 96 aircraft. However, the typical complement was around 80 to 90 planes, including fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes.

Initial Air Group Composition

Upon commissioning in 1938, Enterprise's air group was structured as follows:

18-plane Fighter Squadron (VF-6) 18-plane Bomber and Scouting Squadrons (VB-6 and VS-6) 18-plane Torpedo Squadron (VT-6)

Initially, these squadrons were equipped with a mix of Grumman F3F, Northrop BT-1, Curtiss SBC Helldiver, and Douglas TBD-1 Devastator. The bombing, scouting, and torpedo squadrons' organization was unique to Enterprise, differing from her sister carrier, the USS Yorktown, which had 21 planes for the scouting and bombing squadrons and 12 for the torpedo squadrons.

Evolution of Air Groups

By 1941, the air groups were upgraded to newer aircraft, with the fighting and bombing squadrons transitioning to monoplanes. The VF-6 squadron flew the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, while VB-6 and VS-6 received the Douglas SBD Dauntless -2 variant. The Devastator remained in service but was less effective. By the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, Enterprise was equipped with these aircraft.

During the Pacific campaign, the organizational and usage of aircraft evolved based on new conditions. The fighter squadron expanded to 27 planes and received the -4 variant of the F4F Wildcat, which had folding wings for better storage and a better-protected SBD Dauntless with self-sealing fuel tanks and more machine guns. By the time of the Battle of Midway, her air group had the following configuration:

27 F4F-4 Wildcats (VF-6) 19 SBD-2/3 Dauntlesses (VB-6 and VS-6) 14 TBD Devastators (VT-6)

Combat Experience and Changes

Enterprise faced numerous challenges in the Pacific, entering the Guadalcanal Campaign with additional squadrons and aircraft. Post-Pearl Harbor, she lost many of her torpedo bombers and torpedo squadron, leading to reorganization. The Grumman TBF Avenger was added to her air group, and her VF-6 squadron increased to 29 Wildcats.

After the Battle of Eastern Solomons on August 24, 1942, Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor. At this point, Air Group 10 was formed, including 34 Wildcats, 14 Dauntlesses, 20 more Dauntlesses, and 9 Avengers. This group fought in the Battle of Santa Cruz, the Battle of Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Rennel Island, often flying from Henderson Field due to Enterprise's damage.

Aviation Innovations and Legacy

Enterprise continued to evolve. At the beginning of 1943, she was used as a testing site for the Vought F4U Corsair. Later in 1944, she was equipped with 36 Grumman F6F Hellcats, a key fighter plane in the Pacific theater. The squadron organization also changed, with the disappearance of the torpedo squadrons and the addition of 36 Dauntless Bombing Squadrons.

In 1944, Enterprise saw various squadron reorganizations, including the use of night fighters and the removal of the Dauntless bomber in favor of the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. By December 1944, Air Group 20 equipped the Enterprise with her largest air group, consisting of 93 to 97 aircraft. By the end of the war, she was reassigned as a night carrier, operating with Night Air Group 90 and 52, the latter comprising 53 aircraft, mainly Hellcats and Avengers.

The USS Enterprise CV-6's journey through World War II illustrates the dynamic nature of naval aviation, highlighting the importance of aircraft design, organization, and adaptability in the face of evolving combat conditions.