USS Monterey (CVL-26) was an Independence -class light aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, in service during World War II and used in training for several years thereafter.

In the United States Navy, these ships are designated with hull classification symbols such as CV (Aircraft Carrier), CVA (Attack Aircraft Carrier), CVB (Large Aircraft Carrier), CVL (Light Aircraft Carrier), CVE (Escort Aircraft Carrier), CVS (Antisubmarine Aircraft Carrier) and CVN (Aircraft Carrier (Nuclear Propulsion)).

Oct 12, 2023 · Reclassified as a small aircraft carrier, CVL‑26, on 15 July 1943, less than a month after commissioning, Monterey departed Philadelphia following her shakedown, sailing for the western Pacific....

USS Monterey (CVL-26) flies an extra-large U.S. Ensign on the day news was received of Japan's surrender, 15 August 1945. Monterey was then operating off Japan. Note antennas on the carrier's foremast, including a "YE" homing beacon antenna at the masthead.

USS MONTEREY was the fifth INDEPENDENCE - class light aircraft carrier and the third ship in the Navy to bear the name of the city in California, south of San Francisco, founded by the Spanish and named for the Count of Monterey in 1598.

CVL-26 General Specifications. Complement: 1 569 officers and men. Displacement: 11000 tons. Length: 622.5 feet . Beam: 71.5 feet . Draft: 26 feet . Flank Speed: 31 Knots

Ships of Task Force 50 en route to the Gilberts and Marshalls to support the invasions of Makin and Tarawa, 12 November 1943. Ships are (l-r): USS Alabama (BB-60); USS Indiana (BB-58), in distance, camouflaged; and USS Monterey (CVL-26). …

USS Monterey was reclassified CVL 26 on July 15, 1943, shortly after commissioning, and, after shakedown, departed Philadelphia for the western Pacific. She reached the Gilberts November 19, 1943, in time to help secure Makin Island.

Built by New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, New Jersey. Laid down on December 29, 1941 light cruiser USS Dayton CL-78. On March 27, 1942 reclassified as CV-26 and renamed USS Monterey four days later. This was the third Navy vessel named USS Monterey, after the Battle of Monterey. Launched on February 28, 1943 sponsored Mrs. P. N. L. Bellinger.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) was an Independence-class light aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, in service during World War II and used in training for several years thereafter.