The Largest US Navy Ships Lost at Sea: A Chronicle of Tragedy and Mystery

Throughout the centuries, tragedies in naval history have been marked by the loss of vast and formidable ships. Among the notable losses of significant US Navy ships lies the story of the USS Bon Homme Richard, the USS Cyclops, and the USS Lexington. These vessels, once a part of the mighty US fleet, now stand as somber reminders of man's vulnerability against fate and nature.

The USS Bon Homme Richard: A Colossal Loss in San Diego

USS Bon Homme Richard CV-31, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, was the largest US Navy ship to be lost at sea, tragically in non-combat conditions. This mighty ship, measuring 888 feet in length and with a displacement of over 27,000 tons, encountered a tragic end in California on July 26, 1972.

The USS Bon Homme Richard was lost in a fire that started during routine maintenance in San Diego harbor. Albeit the blaze was eventually contained, the damage was extensive, requiring the vessel to be decommissioned and subsequently scuttled. This event remains one of the most significant losses of its kind, illustrating the precarious nature of naval maintenance operations.

The USS Cyclops: A Mysterious Vanishing in the Caribbean

Another notable example is the USS Cyclops, a 19,000-ton collier that mysteriously disappeared near the Bermuda Triangle. Joining the fleet in 1918, USS Cyclopswas tasked with transporting manganese ore instead of coal from Barbados to Baltimore. Her last recorded sighting was on March 4, 1918, shortly after an unscheduled stop. Although the ship's Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, officially declared it lost on June 18, 1918, the cause of the loss remains an enduring mystery.

The USS Cyclops had three sister ships that met a similar end. The USS Proteus, USS Nereus, and USS Jupiterall had fates that remain shrouded in enigma, with the USS Jupiter even transitioning into the USS Langleyand playing a crucial role in history as the first US aircraft carrier. Sadly, like its sister ship, she too met her end while engaging in World War II operations.

The USS Lexington: A Fateful End During Combat

The USS Lexington, with a substantial displacement of 37,000 tons, saw its tragic loss during the Battle of the Coral Sea. This aircraft carrier was lost on May 8, 1942, marking one of the largest non-combat losses in US Navy history. The battle took a toll on her, and despite brave efforts, the USS Lexingtoncould not withstand the opposing forces and was scuttled to prevent further damage.

The USS Oklahoma: A Casualty of a Storm

Another significant loss suffered by the US Navy was the USS Oklahomain 1947. Unlike the aforementioned ships, the USS Oklahoma met its end while being towed to the West Coast for scrapping. Although not in combat, it was nonetheless one of the largest ship losses, with its standard displacement being 27,900 tons. No one was aboard during the incident, and it is believed to have occurred due to a storm.

The USS Yorktown and USS Hornet: Fateful Losses During WWII

The USS Yorktown and USS Hornet, both of which were part of the original carrier fleet, also lost their lives in significant action during World War II. The USS Yorktown and USS Hornet, with a displacement of 20,000 tons each, were both sunk in 1942 during critical waters of the Pacific Theater. These losses were huge blows to the US Navy's efforts during this period, highlighting the inherent risks and dangers of naval combat.

The USS Cyclops: The Largest Unknown Loss of the Three

Among the significant ship losses, the USS Cyclopsholds a unique distinction. This 18,000-ton collier was lost between Barbados and the Virginia Capes in 1918, exactly a decade before the Apollo moon landing. As with the USS Bon Homme Richard, there were no survivors, and the ship has not been found to this day. The cause remains unknown, with some theories suggesting the ship was lost in a storm, while others point to a potential mystery beyond our current understanding.

The chronicle of these lost ships not only serves as a somber reminder of the perils of naval operations but also as a testament to the ways in which history can still surprise us. The USS Bon Homme Richard, USS Cyclops, and USS Lexington remain integral parts of the US Navy'schronicle, serving as silent memorials to the challenges and sacrifices borne by those who serve.

By examining and understanding these significant losses, we can better appreciate the dedication and bravery borne by our naval forces, ensuring a more informed and respectful acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice.