During World War II what was the only United States aircraft carrier named after a fictional location?

The naming of the ship was a radical departure from the general practice of the time, which was to name aircraft carriers after battles or previous US Navy ships. Following the Doolittle Raid on Japan in April 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, replying to a reporter's question, declared that the Raiders had taken off from a secret U.S. base in Shangri-La. Thanks to this remark by President Roosevelt the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV-38) was named after the fictional far away land created by James Hilton in his novel "Lost Horizon".

The USS Belleau Wood, USS Bunker Hill, and USS Cowpens were named after famous battles. The secret U.S. base was, in reality, the USS Hornet (CV-8).

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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31 Comments

earlepg

Mr.LaFaye, I was assigned to the carrier Coral Sea and had the opportunity to visit a friend on the Enterprise one evening when we were both in Subic Bay, Philipines. Even in comparing the two carriers, Enterprise was huge.

ldross

Toured the USS Lexington & Museum in Corpus Christi during a family vacation in 1997. Huge Vessel, have to admire the crew; small hatches (doors), walkways and quarters that we had access to. Flight deck was amazing.

Mr.LaFaye

Been on the USS Enterprise back in 79. Yes just like a small city a huge ship, My ship was part of their escort group.

Ann Young

scottlarock, only one was fictional

Johnny Gio

tesla alset, DIDN'T WE JUST READ THAT??

tbear

Trish Deveaux, 👍😊

tbear

Christie Myers, 👍😊

tbear

Ken Putnam, I think you meant Lost Horizon! 😊

tbear

tesla alset, 👍😊

Gary Kirkman

Put an aircraft carrier on your bucket list. They are an incredible sight.

Shelley Welch Dunivan

scottlarock, consider that help from the author.

mlhoover

I remember seeing the USS Bunker Hill. It was tied up in San Diego for many years as well as a retired fleet. Has been gone for quite a few years. Always wanted to go aboard but didn't get around to it. Missed it!