Enhanced 2021 Edition This is a FINAL edit of a comprehensive history of a fast WWII aircraft carrier, and her air groups. The book details the ship from concept through construction, launching, outfitting, shakedown and entry into the great Pacific war. CVL-22 participated in strikes against Japanese held Marcus and Wake Islands, then Rabaul on its way to the Gilberts. After healing from extensive torpedo damage off Tarawa, USS Independence reemerged as our nation’s first dedicated night carrier. Follow the story of the ship and her aviators in action against the Japanese Empire in the Philippines, Okinawa, Indochina, and onward to the waters off Japan. Squadrons that flew off the USS Independence included: VF-6, VF-21, VT-21, VC-22, VF-22, VT-22, VF-27, VT-27, VFN-41, VTN-41, VF-46, VT-46 (and VF-33 for one day at Rabaul). First released at the ship’s reunion in September 2011 the book has been extremely well received by the crew members and their families. This is a revised edition with 111 additional pages from the First Edition . The 2015 & 2016 NOAA & OET missions (Dr. James Delgado & Dr. Robert Ballard) along with added research made the update a necessity. The glossy hardcover 8.5 X 11 book has 896 pages with over 500 photos, and 40 maps, charts and diagrams with an extensive index. - Contact the author at: [email protected]