USS Barnes (ACV-20, later CVE-20 and CVHE-20), 1943-1959

USS Barnes, a 7800-ton Bogue class auxiliary aircraft carrier, was built at Tacoma, Washington, and commissioned in February 1943. She was reclassified as an escort aircraft carrier on 15 July 1943 and redesignated CVE-20. During World War II, Barnes mainly served as an aircraft transport and training carrier in the Pacific. She also operated in a combat role during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. Following the Pacific War's end in August 1945, Barnes served on occupation duty in the Far East. She returned to the United States in March 1946 and was decommissioned in August of that year. The ship saw no further active service. While laid up in June 1955, she was reclassified as an escort helicopter aircraft carrier (CVHE-20). USS Barnes was sold in October 1959.

Planes Ferried To USA