USS Liscome Bay Torpedoed Near Tarawa
On November 24, 1943, the USS Liscome Bay, an escort carrier, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine while supporting the invasion of Tarawa. The attack resulted in the sinking of the ship and the tragic loss of 650 crew members. The event highlights the dangers faced by naval forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II, as well as the ongoing conflict between U.S. and Japanese forces in the region.
USS Liscome Bay was an escort carrier.
Hit by a torpedo from I-175 submarine.
650 crew members lost in the sinking.
Highlight of US naval challenges in the Pacific.
What Happened?
The USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56), an escort aircraft carrier, was providing air support for American ground forces during the critical invasion of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. The invasion was part of a broader strategy by the Allied forces to establish a base from which to launch further offensives into the central Pacific. On this fateful day, while engaged in combat operations near Tarawa, the ship was struck by a torpedo fired from the Japanese submarine I-175. The torpedo found its mark in the Liscome Bay's hull, causing catastrophic damage and a massive explosion that led to the swift sinking of the vessel. The crew, numbering over 900 personnel, faced overwhelming odds as many were trapped and unable to escape the sinking ship.
Rescue operations were complex and dangerous, further complicated by the ongoing warfare in the area. Despite the efforts of nearby ships and aircraft, only a fraction of the crew was saved. The loss of the Liscome Bay not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also represented a setback for U.S. naval operations in the region. The event underscored the persistent threat posed by Japanese submarines to Allied naval forces and highlighted the high-stakes nature of naval warfare in the Pacific Theater during this critical phase of World War II.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of the USS Liscome Bay serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by naval forces during World War II. The event contributed to a growing awareness of anti-submarine warfare tactics, which would be necessary to protect naval vessels from similar attacks. With the loss of 650 men, it also reflected the immense human cost of conflict, influencing military policy and strategy in future engagements. This tragedy emphasized the importance of naval carriers in warfare and shaped subsequent naval operations in the Pacific.