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The light aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV-23) was originally intended as the

Cleveland-class light cruiser Tallahassee. However, in early 1942, the purpose of the

vessel changed to that of an Independence-class light aircraft carrier. The Navy took

her over in early 1943, and in the fall of that year, she engaged with her carrier air

group in combat in the Pacific. Her battle name served as a reminder of the Battle of

Princeton, which occurred on January 3, 1777. It became one of two minor victorious

engagements that boosted the morale of Americans at the beginning of the War of

USS Birmingham (CL-62) during attempts to

control her fires during the afternoon of 24

October. Note damage to Princeton's

40mm gun position and catwalk, caused by

Birmingham's Number Two 6/47 gun turret

as the two ships grind together. Also note

flight deck tractor partially hung up on

Princeton's deck edge, F6F and TBM airplanes

parked forward, floater nets and life rafts on

off from Mabalacat airfield in Central Luzon.

Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command