Introduction
Welcome aboard the World War II aircraft carrier USS Cowpens (CVL-25). The
"Mighty Moo" was an Independence Class light fleet aircraft carrier (CVL)
which saw duty in the Fast Carrier Task Force in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945. She
was awarded twelve Battle Stars and a Navy Unit Commendation for service during World War
II.
The Cowpens was named
in honor of the Revolutionary War battle of January 17, 1781, fought seven miles north of
the town of Cowpens, South Carolina. This battle was a victory in the campaign which
led to the surrender of the British at Yorktown, Virginia.
Famous USS Cowpens
'Firsts':
First US aircraft carrier in South China Sea - January 10, 1945
First aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay - August 27, 1945
My Interest in the
Cowpens
My father, Lt. Charles E.
White, USNR, was a Naval Aviator
and served aboard the Cowpens from September, 1944, through the end of the war. This
link contains pictures and information regarding his military service and time aboard the
Cowpens.
Need Information
I am actively seeking any information regarding the Cowpens, her crew, embarked Air
Groups, images, etc. I would like to hear from Cowpens Veterans or their
families. Please e-mail me with any
information you may have.
Mind-it
Would you like to be notified by e-mail whenever this site gets updated? I
use Mind-it to notify me via e-mail when the Deck Log has been modified. When I
receive the e-mail notice from Mind-it, I know someone has signed in. This service
is free and I find it very useful. Simply click the Mind-it button to start this
service. You can cancel it at any time.
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Updates:
7/15/99 A few modifications made this day. Look for new images and a new Discussion Forum in the near future.
1/16/99 Added new images to all image pages. Created new Air Wings image page.
References
Terzibaschitsch, S. 1989. Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy. Annapolis, MD.
Naval Institute Press.
Reynolds, C. 1992. The Fast Carriers, The Forging of an Air Navy.
Annapolis, MD. Naval Institute Press.
Adamson and Kosco, 1967. Halsey's Typhoons. New York, N.Y. Crown Publishers.
History of USS Cowpens (CVL-25). Office of Naval Records and History, Ships'
History Branch, Dept of the Navy.
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Washington, D.C., Naval History
Division, Dept of the Navy.
Officer Service Record of Lt. Charles E. White, USNR.