USS Coral Sea (CV-43)

The USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier of the Midway-class. Commissioned in 1947, she was the third ship to bear the name, commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea. A large carrier for her time, Coral Sea served in several major conflicts and underwent numerous modernizations throughout her long career.

Initially designed for World War II, Coral Sea's construction was delayed, leading to significant design changes during her build to incorporate lessons learned from the war in the Pacific. She boasted a stronger flight deck and improved air defense capabilities compared to her predecessors.

Coral Sea played a prominent role in the Vietnam War, conducting extensive combat air operations against North Vietnam. Her air wings participated in Operation Rolling Thunder and other key campaigns. She also faced significant anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missile threats.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Coral Sea continued to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's forward deployed forces. She underwent the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to extend her operational life. However, due to budget constraints and the introduction of newer, more capable aircraft carriers, Coral Sea was decommissioned in 1990.

Following her decommissioning, Coral Sea was scrapped, despite efforts by preservation groups to save her as a museum ship. Her legacy lives on through the thousands of sailors who served aboard her and the significant contributions she made to U.S. naval history. Coral Sea's service life exemplifies the transition of aircraft carrier technology from the late World War II era through the Cold War.