The USS Essex (CV-9), officially commissioned on December 31, 1942, emerged as the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, a vital component in the U.S. Navy's fleet during World War II. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, where the ship had been constructed. With a displacement of approximately 27,000 tons, the USS Essex was designed to support a large complement of aircraft, enhancing the Navy's ability to project air power far beyond its shores.

This aircraft carrier was designed with innovation in mind, featuring a unique box-shaped hull that allowed for increased stability and a more extensive hangar deck than previous carrier designs. Equipped with heavy firepower, the Essex was capable of launching a wide range of aircraft, from fighters to bombers. Her versatile design and operational flexibility would enable her to serve in numerous significant naval battles in the Pacific theater.

The commissioning of the USS Essex marked the beginning of a new era in naval aviation, where carriers would become the centerpiece of fleet operations. The ship would see extensive service throughout the war, participating in crucial engagements such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the liberation of the Philippines, significantly impacting the course of the war in the Pacific.