Ordered on 9 November 1940 as a Cleveland-class light cruiser, this ship was assigned hull number CL-78 and named Dayton, for a city in Ohio (NS022632).

Designated for completion as an aircraft carrier, she was reordered from New York S.B., 18 March 1942, and redesignated CV-26, 27 March 1942.

Renamed Monterey, 31 March 1942, after a city in California (NS022632a), captured during the Mexican War by a landing force of 250 Marines and bluejackets under Captain William Mervine, USMC, 7 July 1846 (NS022632b). The city of Monterey, south of San Francisco, was founded by the Spanish in 1598 and named for Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, 5th Count of Monterey (actually spelled "Monterrey" in Spanish) and 9th Viceroy of New Spain (Nueva España).

Previous ships that had borne the name:

1. A steam screw tug.
2. A monitor.

(Maps NS022632 and NS022632a courtesy of Hamstermap.com.)

(NS022632b: Officers of Commodore John D. Sloat raise the U.S. flag over Monterey, author unknown, circa 1855.)

"CAMDEN, N.J., FEB. 28[, 1943]—TO JOIN FLEET.  The U.S.S. Monterey is launched today thirteen and a half months after the keel-laying at the yards of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. The aircraft carrier is the fifth of its class launched since August 1942. The sponsor was Mrs. P.N.L. Bellinger of Washington D.C. (ap worephoto [sic])"

Monterey was sponsored by Mrs. Patrick N.L. Bellinger (née Miriam Benoist), wife of Rear Admiral Bellinger, Deputy Chief of Staff to Admiral King.

Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, identifier P561134B.

Monterey (CV-26) in June 1943, only a few days before commissioning, at the fitting-out basin at Camden, NJ. Measure 22 is carried. Photo USN.

"New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J. (5 June 1943)—Athwartship track is seen on deck of the Monterey (CV-26) for shifting weights during the inclining experiment. Inclining experiment is a test performed on a ship to determine its stability, lightship weight and the coordinates of its center of gravity. The test is applied to newly constructed ships greater than 24m in length, and to ships altered in ways that could affect stability. Inclining test procedures are specified by the International Maritime Organization and other international associations. As you can see by her hull she was originally built as a Cleveland-class light cruiser but redesignated for completion as an aircraft carrier. She was commissioned twelve days later on 17 June 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph."

Undated port broadside view of USS Monterey as completed. The ship carries Measure 22 camouflage scheme.

Naval History & Heritage Command, photo # NH 67623.

Port side view of USS Monterey on 17 July 1943, taken outside Philadelphia Navy Yard. Radar SK and SC-2 can be made out, and the aircraft on deck are SNJ trainers. Above the forward identification number can be seen the A-shaped opening which was characteristic of this class; these were later partly or completely sealed off.

Text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-173719.

Mike Green notes that "wartime censors have erased her radar antennas from this photo."

Aerial view of USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway, painted in Measure 22 camouflage, circa June 1943–July 1944.

Ship's gunnery officers, October 24, 1943.

Pictured second from right in first row is LT Gerald R. Ford Jr., who later became the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977) (see NS027805a).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-366872).

LCDR Gerald Ford, who later became the 38th President of the United States (1974–1977) in uniform, 1945. Ford received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S Naval Reserve on 13 April 1942 and later participated in many actions in the Pacific aboard the fast aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26) (see NS022607). He was eventually released from active duty under honorable conditions in February 1946. President Ford, 93, passed away on 26 December 2006 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. DOD photo (# 061227-N-0000X-003).

Carrier Air Group 30 aircraft being prepared on board USS Monterey (CVL-26) for a raid on the Gilbert Islands during November–December 1943. USN.

The pilot of a TBF-1C Avenger attached to Torpedo Squadron (VT) 30 is about to start his engine in preparation for a mission, during the Marshalls-Gilberts Campaign. Photo taken aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26) on 10 December 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo.

Maneuvers to recover planes planes during operations in the Bismarcks-New Guinea area, March 1944. Photographed from USS Santee (CVE-29). Bow of USS Erben (DD-631) is in the foreground. Note details of her forward 5"/38 gun mount and crewmen lounging on her foredeck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-247064).

A Nakajima B6N2 Tenzan ("Heavenly Mountain," allied reporting name Jill) torpedo plane attacks USS Monterey (CVL-26) off Truk. Date not given, probably taken during TG 58.2 raid on Truk, 30 April 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-366989.

Gilberts Operation, 12 November 1943. Ships of Task Force 50 en route to the Gilberts and Marshalls to support the invasions of Makin and Tarawa. Ships are (l-r): USS Alabama (BB-60); USS Indiana (BB-58), in distance, camouflaged; and USS Monterey (CVL-26). Photographed from USS Lexington (CV-16).

Official U.S. Navy photo, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-204917.

Navy crewmen aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26) bringing an F6F Hellcat to the flight deck on elevator, June 1944. National Archives photo # 80-G-414667.

Activities aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26). Navy pilots in the forward elevator well playing basketball, circa June 1944. Jumper of the left is future President Gerald Ford.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-417628.

"This photograph depicts [future president] Gerald Ford and other players during a basketball game. The photograph was taken aboard the United States Navy aircraft carrier U.S.S. Monterey, on which Lieutenant Commander Ford served as Athletic Director. It had been Ford's idea to create a basketball court on the forward elevator of the ship. Labels identify some of the players." 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo; NARA Identifier 187036, Local Identifier GRF-WHPO-H0060(04).

Gerald R. Ford and members of the crew of the USS Monterey watch the festivities as the ship crosses the equator and other crew members pay homage to King Neptune, 1944. Item from Collection GRF-WHPO: White House Photographic Office Collection (Ford Administration), 12/06/1973 – 01/20/1977.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) catapults an F6F Hellcat fighter during operations in the Marianas area, June 1944. Note flight deck numbers, crewmen with catapult bridles, plexiglass bridge windscreen and pelorus.

"A crewman of the USS Monterey is shown with a stack of sandwiches. June 1944. Victor Jorgensen."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468794.

Lieutenant Commander Roger W. Mehle, Commander Air Group 28, reports the results of an air strike on Tinian to Captain Stuart H. Ingersoll, Commanding Officer of USS Monterey (CVL-26), in one of the carrier's ready rooms, 11 June 1944. Note LCdr. Mehle's shoulder holster (marked "U.S.") and revolver.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-427309).

Marianas Operation, June 1944—TBM Avenger bombers prepare to take off from USS Monterey (CVL-26) to attack targets on Tinian, June 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-432851.

Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 1944—Lieutenant Ronald P. "Rip" Gift, USNR, relaxes with other pilots in a ready room on board USS Monterey (CVL-26), after landing on her at night following strikes on the Japanese fleet, 20 June 1944. Note admonition "Get the Carriers" on chalk board in the background. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-474791).

Pilot with back against board—black hair—next to Gift is LT(JG) Paul G. Pennoyer, Jr., USNR. Both Gift and Pennoyer were awarded the Navy Cross "for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy" on 20 June 1944. (Thanks to Paul Pennoyer, son of LT Pennoyer, for the identification.)

"A Navy pilot hurries to his torpedo-bomber on the USS Monterey to take part in a strike against Guam. July 1944. Victor Jorgensen."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468756.

TBM Pilots of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 28, Light Carrier Air Group (CVLG) 28, USS Monterey (CVL-26), in a bull-session between strikes on Guam. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, July 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468759.

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-28 from USS Monterey (CVL-26) on its way to Guam. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, July 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468744.

TBM-1C Avenger of VT-28 from USS Monterey (CVL-26) on its way to Guam. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, July 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468745.

AMM3/C William Thompos, USNR, cleaning catapult machinery aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26). Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, July 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468764.

Destroyer USS Miller (DD-535) pulling alongside USS Monterey (CVL-26) to put Ensign Robert W. "Smiley" Burnett, USNR, aboard. He was forced down at sea when his TBM-1C Avenger ran out of gas. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, 19 July 1944.

(Note: This must be the date the photo was released, or filed, etc. In fact, ENS Burnett and his crew, AOM2c A.J. Rogers and ARM3c W.E. Trego, were returned to Monterey on 23 June, after they had to ditch their plane while returning from the "Mission Beyond Darkness"—Burnett was awarded the Navy Cross "for extraordinary heroism in operations [...] against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Marianas Islands during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944.")

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468735.

Ensign Robert W. Burnett, USNR, is being greeted by his friends as he comes aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26) after being missing for three days. His friends are wearing his clothes and waving him away from the carrier. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, 19 July 1944.

(Note: Concerning the date of this photo, see comment above.)

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-468736.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) at anchor in the Western Pacific, 6 September 1944. A good view of her dazzle camouflage, Measure 33, Design 3D.

National Archives photo, College Park, MD. CINCPAC Confidential Files, 1943–45.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) at Eniwetok, 6 September 1944, wearing camouflage Measure 33, Design 3D.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, RG-313, Box320.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway, location and date unknown (since she is painted in Measure 33, Design 3D camouflage, this photo must have been taken in the second half of 1944).

An open-canopied F6F-5 Hellcat of VF-28 launches as part of USS Monterey's strikes on Okinawa on 10 October 1944, with USS Hornet (CV-12) in the distance. Monterey launched 32 CAP fighters and 28 strike sorties against the island and ships in the surrounding area as part of Task Force 38's pre-invasion support of the landings on Leyte in the Philippines a week later.

US Navy photo, now in the custody of the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland. Photo # 80-G-283693.

At anchor in Ulithi Atoll, Caroline Islands, on 24 November 1944, during a break from operations off the Philippines. Note F6F-5 fighters of Light Carrier Air Group 28 (CVLG-28) parked aft on her flight deck. Photographed from USS Wasp (CV-18).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-290628.

CAPT Stuart H. Ingersoll, C.O. of a U.S. Navy carrier [USS Monterey (CVL-26)], smiles in complete relaxation as the pilots report over the inter-plane system that their mission is completed and that the bombers are on their way home. December 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-425170.

Pacific Typhoon, 17–18 December 1944: Action Report Extract, USS Monterey (CVL-26).

A damaged [General Motors] TBM-1C Avenger of Torpedo Squadron Twenty Eight (VT-28) aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26). It was thrown around the hangar deck during a typhoon in December 1944.

Photo from Air War over the Pacific, by Robert C.Stern.

Photo 1756-45, Puget Sound Navy Yard, 22 March 1945, CVL26 [USS Monterey], Port Mk 28 Mod. 2 Installation [radar mounted on a twin 40mm mount, following overhaul].

This radar was part of the Mk 63 Gun Fire Control System added to some ships during overhauls in 1945. Note the extra electronics box below the barrel springs. This is the mount just forward of the LSO platform on the port side.

Source is "Pearl Harbor Navy Yard General Correspondence Files, 1941–45," National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), San Francisco, California. Record Group 181.

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.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-366832).

USS Monterey (CVL-26) on her way to the States with her victory homeward bound pennant. Photographed 2 October 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-355187.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway 12 October 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-360560.

"GOBS Greet Broadway Show Girls—Crewmen of the carrier Monterey applaud as four (sic) girls from the Broadway show, Polonaise, put on an impromptu dance on the hangar (sic) deck of the ship which is docked in New York, N.Y., Oct. 22[, 1945]. The entire cast of the show entertained the personnel of the aircraft carrier."

"Associated Press Photo, TO-10/22/45-520P-JJL  22, NYC CONN NR AB BING NY-MATS FLS"

Air Groups that served on USS Monterey (CVL-26) during World War 2.

USS Monterey around 1946 with her name emblazoned in large letters on the hull. The flying of an especially large national flag after a victory was common practice in the US Navy. SP radar is fitted on the mast platform in place of SC-2. After carrying camouflage Measure 33/3D for seven months, Monterey was repainted in Measure 21. Photo USN.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Same as above?

Officers and enlisted personnel of USS Monterey (CVL-26) stand at attention on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier at the Philadelphia Naval Base as Captain Donald L. Mills, USN, reads orders reactivating the warship, 15 September 1950.

Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, identifier P561135B.

Booklet of General Plans, corrected to suit the ship, 6 November 1950.

Courtesy of Ed Zajkowski, via the Historic Naval Ships Association.

USS Monterey (CVL 26), 1951. With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, Monterey was recommissioned on September 15, 1950 and proceeded to Pensacola, Fla., where she operated for the next four years under the Naval Training Command. Note SNJ training aircraft on deck.

A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-3 Skyraider (BuNo 122732) launched from the small aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26) during carrier qualifications, in 1951. "CB" was the tail code for Carrier Qualification Training Unit (CQTU) 4.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.014.001.

"Old Glory snaps in the wind and signals halliards 'belly aft' as the aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26) turns up the knots on a cruise out of Pensacola, Fla., with visitors on board."

(From "All Hands" magazine, June 1951.)

"700 men of USS Monterey (CVL-26) spell out a welcome to New Orleans, La."

(From "All Hands" magazine, July 1951.)

USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway in the Gulf of Mexico on 28 August 1951, while serving as a training carrier. An SNJ training plane is on her flight deck, aft. Photographed by Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical DMA (photo # NH 97451).

"Light Aircraft Carrier Independence."  (From a Russian publication).

This drawing actually shows Monterey as she appeared in July 1952. Note the longer port catapult, new radar antennas and reduced 20-mm battery.

Starboard side view and plan of the Independence-class light carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26), July 1952. Note the longer port catapult.

Line drawing by A.D. Baker III. From U.S. Aircraft Carriers: An Illustrated Design History, by Norman Friedman.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) operating as a training carrier under the Naval Training Command, circa 1952–53.

Photo by LT(JG) Philip Nelson, USS McNair (DD-679).

Training aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26), sometime in the 1950s.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway in the Gulf of Mexico, 29 January 1953, with her crew spelling out "Mardi Gras 1953" on her flight deck. Note that all her guns have been removed. She was then serving as training carrier, operating out of Pensacola, Florida, a duty she performed from January 1951 until June 1955.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical DMA (photo # NH 97452).

U.S. Navy Landing Signal Officer (LSO) LT John Switzer communicating with an North American SNJ-5C Texan during carrier qualifications aboard USS Monterey (CVL-26), 16 June 1953.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.014.032.

USS Monterey (CVL-26) underway, circa 1955.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Jane's Fighting Ships 1956–1957.

USS Monterey (CVL-26), Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, September 1955, preparing to decommission.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, NARA Identifier: 24741513, Local Identifier: "19-NN - CVL-26 Monterey - 153468".

USS Monterey (CVL-26), Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, September 1955, preparing to decommission.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, NARA Identifier: 24741515, Local Identifier: "19-NN - CVL-26 Monterey - 153469".

"An unusual feat is accomplished at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard when two carriers are placed in one dry-dock. Shown are the USS Kula Gulf (CVE-108) and the USS Monterey (CVL-26)." From a Philadelphia Naval Shipyard booklet, late 1950s.