Top 10 greatest aircraft carrier battles
- By Lin Liyao China.org.cn, October 19, 2011
Battle of Leyte Gulf (莱特湾海战)
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The light carrier USS Princeton is burning duiring the battle of Leyte Gulf. [angelfire.com] |
Location: Leyte Gulf, eastern Philippines
Countries: Allies (United States and Australia) vs. Japan
Aircraft carriers: U.S.: 9 fleet carriers (USS Intrepid, Hornet, Franklin, Lexington, Bunker Hill, Wasp, Hancock, Enterprise, Essex) and 8 light fleet carriers (Independence, Princeton, Belleau Wood, Cowpens, Monterey, Langley, Cabot, San Jacinto) vs Japan: 1 fleet carrier (Zuikaku) and 3 light carriers (Zuiho, Chitose, and Chiyoda)
Result: With 21 carriers taking part in total, the battle is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II. After fighting, the Allies won, while the Imperial Japanese Navy suffered its greatest loss, with all four of its aircraft carriers sunk.