USS Monterey (CVL-26)

Dayton (CL‑78) was laid down on 29 December 1941 at Camden, N.J., by the New York Shipbuilding Corp.; reclassified as an aircraft carrier, CV‑26, on 27 March 1942; renamed Monterey on 31 March 1942; launched on 28 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Patrick N. L. Bellinger, wife of Rear Adm. Patrick N. L. Bellinger, Chief of Staff to Adm. Ernest J. King, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet; and commissioned on 17 June 1943, Capt. Lester T. Hundt in command.

Reclassified as a small aircraft carrier, CVL‑26, on 15 July 1943, less than a month after commissioning, Monterey departed Philadelphia following her shakedown, sailing for the western Pacific. She reached the Gilberts on 19 November 1943, in time to help secure Makin Island. She took part in strikes on Kavieng, New Ireland, on 25 December, as part of TG 37.2, and supported the landings at Kwajalein and Eniwetok until 8 February 1944. The small carrier then operated with TF 58 during raids in the Carolines, Marianas, northern New Guinea, and the Bonins from February through July 1944. During this time she was also involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea on 29 and 30 April.

Monterey then sailed to Pearl Harbor, T.H., for overhaul, departing once again on 29 August 1944. She launched strikes against Wake Island on 3 September, then joined TF 38 and participated in strikes in the southern Philippines and the Ryukyus. October through December 1944 were spent in the Philippines, supporting first the Leyte, and then the Mindoro landings.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Monterey III (CVL-26)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.