Built by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, Wash. Initially named Alikula Bay. Keel laid 31 Jan 1944, launched 17 Apr 1944. Renamed Bismarck Sea 16 May 1944. Commissioned 20 May 1944.
Fate: Sunk by kamikazes
off Iwo Jima, 21 Feb 1945.
318 of her crew were lost with the ship and remain on duty.
| Click On Image For Full Size Image |
Size | Image Description | Contributed By And/Or Copyright |
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 NS0309507 |
47k | This is identified as Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) under construction in 1944. However, this might be incorrect, as this ship is painted in camouflage Design 16A, while Bismarck Sea was reportedly painted in Design 18A. |
Gerd Matthes, Germany | |
 NS0309501 |
113k | USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) loading Douglas SBD Dauntless scout bombers from a barge, circa 1944. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph (#NH 78142), courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1973. |
Naval History & Heritage Command, via Robert Hurst | |
 NS0309503 |
18k | Anchored in bay formed by Majuro Atoll. | Joe Litkenhaus, grandson of Harold G. Kirchhoff EM/2C, still serving aboard the USS Bismarck Sea |
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 NS0309504 |
51k | "Royal Parade" on flight deck as viewed from the open bridge. | ||
 NS0309506 |
83k | USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) underway in June 1944 taking it green, location unknown (USN photo.) |
Robert Hurst | |
 NS0309502 |
39k | Large explosion on board USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) during the night of February 21, 1945. She was struck by two Kamikazes within two minutes of each other, while she was taking part in the Iwo Jima operation. She sank as a result of her damage. Photographed from USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-335103). |
NHC | |
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This page was created by Paul Yarnall and is maintained by Fabio Peña
Last update: 4 February 2012