USS Cape Gloucester - CVE-109 (Escort Carrier)

USS Cape Gloucester (CVE-109), originally named Willapa Bay, was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1945 to 1946. After operational training, it joined the 3rd Fleet in the Philippines, where its aircraft played a key role in combat air patrol and air raids against Japanese kamikaze attacks and cargo ships. After Japan's surrender, it participated in the "Magic Carpet" operation, returning prisoners of war and servicemen to their homelands. Cape Gloucester was placed in reserve in 1946, underwent reclassifications, and was eventually scrapped in 1971. It earned one battle star for its World War II service.