CV-18, initially named Oriskany, was renamed Wasp on 26 September 1942, to honor CV-7, lost in action eleven days earlier. (The name Oriskany was subsequently assigned to CV-34.)

A wasp is any of numerous winged hymenopterus insects possessing smooth, slender bodies, and an abdomen attached by a narrow stalk. They have well developed wings, biting mouthparts, and often administer painful stings. Eight American warships had previously borne the name:

1. A Continental Navy schooner
2. A sloop-of-war.
3. A schooner.
4. A sloop.
5. A sloop-of-war.
6. A side-wheel gunboat.
7. A patrol yacht.
8. An aircraft carrier (CV-7).

NS098680001: The first Wasp under sail. Note the Grand Union Flag. (Image submitted by Robert Hurst.)

NS020740: A wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. Wasps often administer painful stings. (Vespula germanica, photo by Richard Bartz.)

USS Wasp (CV-18), World War II.

Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

Ready for launching, at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, 17 August 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-K-14048).

Launching, Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, 17 August 1943.

This group of officers had just received a promotion and attended the launching ceremony of Wasp (CV-18). They are identified as (left to right): (LT(JG)) Katzenstein, (CDR) Leahey, (LT) Kintzel, (LCDR Fred M.) Larson, (LT) Baldwin, (LT(MC)) Edgerly, (?) Chaleston, (LCDR(MC)) Foley, (?) Funston, and (LT R.D.) Taylor.

NS021823c: Memorandum for the Captain of USS Iowa (BB-61), dated the day before, 16 August 1943.

The future USS Wasp (CV-18) water borne, Quincy, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 17 August 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, Record Group 181, identifier 38330007.

Wasp (CV-18) making her way from Quincy to Boston, where she entered Naval Dry Dock No. 3 at the South Boston Navy Yard and was placed in commission, 24 November 1943.

USS Wasp (CV-18), No.3 starboard deck sheave on board from which pendant pulled free, prior to replacement. Photograph released 18 January 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-221116.

USS McCook (DD-496) alongside USS Wasp (CV-18), 13 February 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-221123.

Underway at sea in the vicinity of Trinidad, with planes parked forward, apparently in preparation for landing aircraft, 22 February 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-221142).

"U.S.S. Wasp, 27,100 ton Aircraft Carrier, length 855'10" sp.30 knots. Main Battery 12-5"/38. Aircraft 90. Crew 2500."

This photo appears to have been taken at approximately the same time as the one above.

Another view, similar to the ones above.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo # 1996.488.053.032. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Boston Navy Yard, March 14, 1944. Wasp is believed to have been the first carrier camouflaged in Measure 33, Design 10A.

As above. Good port side view of Measure 33, Design 10A.

Starboard side view of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in March 1944 wearing Measure 32/10A camouflage. It may be observed that Wasp had a 40 mm quad mount forward of the island, as well as four deck-edge radio masts. USN Photo.

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

A TBM-1C Avenger from VT-14 early in Wasp's combat career (no markings on the tail), June 1944, ends up in the water after a failed cat shot.

Damaged engine of an F6F-3 Hellcat (BuNo 41972) after crashing into island structure aboard USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266350.

Damage to port elevator of an SB2C-3 Helldiver (Bu# 19186), seen on the flight deck of USS Wasp (CV-18), 4 July 1944, after an Iwo Jima raid, H.J. Skagges, USNR, Pilot.

(This aircraft was lost on 14 September 1944, off Los Negros, Philippine Islands. Pilot was ENS Reardon.)

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266364.

USS Wasp (CV-18), 7 July 1944. Rear Admiral Ralph Davidson presenting the Purple Heart to personnel aboard the carrier. Shown: ARM2 Richard J. Lyman, USN.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266354.

USS Wasp (CV-18), 7 July 1944. Rear Admiral Ralph Davidson presenting the Purple Heart to personnel aboard the carrier. Shown: ARM2 Richard J. Lyman, USN.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266358.

SB2C-1C Helldiver from VB-14 collides with one of Wasp's 5" gun mounts returning from a raid on Palau, August 1944.

This SB2C Helldiver from VB-14 ended up "in the drink" after a bad landing, August 1944.

Flight deck crews prepare to load a Mark XIII torpedo on a TBM aircraft, during strikes in the Luzon-Formosa area, 13 October 1944. Note plywood shrouds on the torpedo's fins and nose. Plane at right is an F6F, others visible are TBMs.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-298609).

Torpedo Squadron (VT) 14, part of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 14, was established in August 1943 and assigned to Wasp (then still under construction); commissioned in September; Wasp commissioned in November 1943, and VT-14 was aboard until early November 1944. During this time the squadron was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation and four "Battle Stars."

Third Fleet aircraft carriers at anchor in Ulithi Atoll, 8 December 1944, during a break from operations in the Philippines area. The carriers are (from front to back): USS Wasp (CV-18), USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Hornet (CV-12), USS Hancock (CV-19) and USS Ticonderoga (CV-14). Wasp, Yorktown and Ticonderoga are all painted in camouflage Measure 33, Design 10a. Photographed from a USS Ticonderoga plane.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-294131).

Another view, as above.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-294129).

"Island structure of the (USS Wasp) as seen from the bow with battery of 5" guns in the foreground." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-958). U.S. National Archives (SC 265315).

"A crew chief gives visual taxiing instructions to a pilot who has just landed on the (USS Wasp in Central Pacific) waters, helping thim to clear the way for another incoming planes." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-961). U.S. National Archives (SC 265317).

"Plane from the (USS Wasp, cruising in Central Pacific) waters, takes off for combat patrol." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-964). U.S. National Archives (SC 265320).

"Planes of the (USS Wasp), with wings folded, secured on the flight deck between combat patrols." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-960). U.S. National Archives (SC 265316).

"Blinding flashes of sulphur colored flames, and earsplitting detonations from the firing of a battery of twin five inch guns, keynotes sleeve target practice aboard the (USS Wasp)." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-962). U.S. National Archives (SC 265318).

"To clear the flight deck of damaged planes, large elevators operate between decks; center elevator is shown taking a plane below." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-963). U.S. National Archives (SC 265319).

Crew of USS Wasp (CV-18) enjoy Christmas Eve Happy Hour performed by local talent. Received 24 December 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-294727.

Marty notes: "My Grandfather, John E. McGrath, was the oldest crew member aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18), at 46 years old. Attached is a photo of him and his crew mates on deck in 44–45."

(Thanks to Marty's cousin, Paul McGrath, who provided additional information.)

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver of Bombing Squadron (VB) 86 in the landing pattern over the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), in 1945.

Looking aft, a view of a forward twin 5"/38 gun mount aboard USS Wasp (CV-18), in 1945.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1977.031.074.017.

USS Wasp in late January 1945, being refueled by USS Chipola (AO-63). Note the early flag bridge with lower quad 40mm's and the hangar deck catapult.

USS Wasp at Ulithi, February 1945, airing her laundry from the hangar deck.

Two interesting pictures of the USMC detachment.

Top: Circa April 1945. Note the "early bridge" with the forward quad 40mm gun tub on the island and her dazzle paint.

Bottom: At some later time. Same spot, after island had been modified and the ship repainted in a new camouflage scheme.

Official photo of USS Wasp (CV-18) during World War II. Undated, but probably taken just after her April–June 1945 repair-refit, as the photos below. Note there are only two radio masts, two quad 40-mm gun mounts in a sponson (port, forward), and two aft. Photo by pilot LT(JG) Grasen.

Broadside view, starboard side, USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2798-45).

Bow view, port side, of USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2799-45).

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.037. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Head on view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2802-45).

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.038. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Starboard bow view of USS Wasp (CV-18) anchored at Puget sound Navy Yard on 2 June 1945.

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.039.

Stern view, port side, of USS Wasp (CV-18). June 2, 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2803-45).

Overhead view of USS Wasp (CV-18) anchored off Puget Sound Navy Yard, 6 June 1945, after her April–June 1945 repair-refit, as the photos above. Note two quad 40-mm gun mounts aft, three amidships; two radio masts.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.053.043.

Portside view of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in June 1945 once more painted to Measure 21. The usual disposition of the 40 mm AA at that time is visible: one quad forward of the island has been removed, three more are fitted on the starboard side, and those furher aft are moved forward. There are only two deck-edge masts now. USN Photo.

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

USS Wasp (CV-18) at anchor on 9 June 1945, out of Puget Sound. Note the Mk-51 Mod 2 radar on the port side of the bow quad mounting—an arrangement which obstructed controlled firing to starboard. Beginning with Wasp, the Mk-51 was no longer fitted on a separate control pedestal between the island and the second forward 5/38 turret, but on the island itself. On some ships the identification number on the forward flight deck, which was always painted in a dark colour, was orientated to be read from the front. This caused some misunderstandings, especially when an escort carrier with the number 81 [USS Rudyerd Bay] entered the fleet, and these forward deck numbers were later reversed. Radar and electronica at this time consisted of: Radar SK, SP. Fire control: 2 Mk-37 directors with radar Mk-12/22 and 2 Mk-51 Mod 2 (for 5"); also 4 Mk-63 directors with radar Mk-28, 2 Mk-57 directors with radar Mk-29 and 12 Mk-51 (for 40 mm).

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

Broad on starboard bow view of USS Wasp (CV-18). 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

Broad on, port beam, of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.042. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Dead ahead view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.047. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Broad on port quarter view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

Possibly another view as above.

U.S. Navy sailors play volleyball on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), 1945. Three Vought F4U Corsair fighters fly over the carrier. The photo was taken after her refit which ended in June 1945.

This image is part of a photograph album that was acquired by RADM Joseph C. Clifton during his service as Executive Officer of Wasp during World War II.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1977.031.074.107.

Wasp had her hull number painted upside down on the forward part of the flight deck for some reason. Hornet also started out this way but someone with a little authority thought it looked stupid and had it painted right side up shortly after entering combat.

Although this photo is undated, it must have been taken in June 1945 or later, as Wasp didn't have the port catapult until then. (Thanks to Tracy White, who pointed this out).

One of Wasp's F4U-4s from VBF-86 does a flip onto an SB2C-4, July 1945.

Bombing Fighting Squadron (VBF) 86 "Vapor Trails" flight jacket patch.

VBF-86 was established on 3 January 1945 and deployed aboard USS Wasp (CV-18) in March, and then June–September, 1945. Under LCDR Horace E. Tennes, the squadron recorded seven victories (top scorer was ENS Richard F. Wear, two victories) and lost one pilot in combat (LT Harold R. Keller, Jr., MIA on 18 March 1945). VBF-86 was disestablished on 27 September 1945.

Photo taken from Wasp's island looking aft over her 40mm's and 5" DP guns showing her airgroup, August 1945.

At sea in the western Pacific, 6 August 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-261904).

Carrier Operations off Japan, August 1945 — A Japanese aircraft is shot down just off the starboard bow of USS Wasp (CV-18), during operations off Honshu, Japan, 9 August 1945. Two Fletcher-class destroyers are in the foreground. Photographed from USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), the image includes two frames, showing the scene just before and after the crash. The original caption identifies the aircraft as a Grace (Aichi B7A2).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-455702).

A Royal Navy T-class destroyer steams next to the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in August 1945. The destroyer's pennant number is obscured (D4?). Five T-class destroyers and the carrier HMS Indefatigable (R10) were part of Task Group 38.3 in August 1945: HMS Teazer (D45), HMS Tenacious (D46), HMS Termagant (D47), HMS Terpsichore (D48), and HMS Troubridge (D49). The two funnel rings identify the ship as part of the 24th destroyer flotilla (all T-class destroyers). As the vertical stripe identifies the division leader in the flotilla (the second senior commander), the destroyer is most probably Terpsichore. In the distance are a long-hull Essex-class carrier, probably USS Randolph (CV-15)—flagship for RADM Gerald F. Bogan—, and the battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55).

U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1977.031.074.099. This image is part of a photograph album that was acquired by RADM Joseph C. Clifton during his service as Executive Officer of Wasp during World War II.

Task Force 38, of the U.S. Third Fleet, maneuvering off the coast of Japan, 17 August 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender. Taken by a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) photographer. The aircraft carrier in lower right is USS Wasp (CV-18). The other identifiable carrier is Shangri-La in the left center. Also present in the formation are four other Essex-class carriers, four light carriers, at least three battleships (two of the Iowa class and one of the South Dakota class), plus several cruisers and destroyers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-278815.

"VICTORY, V-J DAY, SPECIAL ISSUE, U.S.S. WASP PRESS"

Like Hornet (CV-12) and Bennington (CV-20), Wasp had her flight deck smashed, too, but two months later, after the war was over, in a typhoon on August 26th, 1945.

Wasp's scoreboard on the forward bulkhead, hangar deck level just behind the forecastle.

It reads left to right, "Enemy bases attacked, 36 islands / Major cities attacked, Tokyo, Saigon, Manila, Camranh Bay, Hong Kong, Canton, Kure // Aircraft destroyed in the air by ship's gunfire and AirGroup 14, AirGroup 81 and AirGroup 86, 230 / AirGroup 14, AirGroup 81 and AirGroup 86, Aircraft Destroyed on ground, 405 // Ships sunk, 114 / Ships damaged, 234."

V Division aboard USS Wasp (CV-18) during WW II. The only two identified are A.J. "Lucky" Lewis and his best friend Edmund "Ski" Kotoski, both kneeling on second row on left side.

David Long comments: "8th Sailor from the right, bottom row, kneeling is Seaman James C. Long, my father."

Chip Lawson comments: "My Dad, Talmadge Lawson, was a gunner on board the Wasp. He is located on the third row from the bottom and 16th from the left."

Jason D. Kosior believes that his grandfather, Florian "Floyd" Kosior, is in the bottom row, third from the left (as you look at the photo). "I’ve consulted with the family and we feel that this is his picture." "Floyd" Kosior "was a painter and was on the Wasp from November 24th 1943–September 15th 1945 and his rate was PtrV1c."

"NEW YORK—ROUGH VOYAGE FOR CARRIER WASP AND RETURNING VETS"

"Her flight deck splintered and crumpled by force of heavy Atlantic seas, the carrier Wasp, with 5,658 veterans of European fighting aboard, is pictured as it docked yesterday at a Staten Island pier. The skipper, Capt. Wendell O. Switzer of Alexandria, Va., said it was 'a hard luck voyage.'"

Evening Star, Washington, D.C., 6 January 1946.

The Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp CV-18, World War II Cruise Book.

This copy of the book was owned by Florian "Floyd" Kosior, who served aboard Wasp, November 1943–September 1945.

USS WASP CV-18 HISTORY, 24 November 1943–2 September 1945, The Seventh Wasp.

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

• USS Wasp (CV-18) — Carrier Modernization (SCB-27A and SCB-125 programs)
• USS Wasp (CV-18) — Commanding Officers
• USS Wasp (CV-18) — Underway Replenishment, August 1964
• USS Wasp (CV-18) — Memorabilia