U.S.S. SANTEE

CVE-29 USS SANTEE

USS Santee was built at Chester, PA with the original name of Esso Seakay. The ship was bought by the Navy and redesignated AO-29 Santee in October 1940. The ship was named for the Santee River of South Carolina. Before the war began, she was used to haul oil. Beginning in spring 1942, the ship was converted to an aircraft carrier at Norfolk Navy Yard. In October 1942, she undertook her first mission to North Africa.

After returning, she was sent south to the South American coast. There she helped patrol the waters against enemy merchant ships and naval activity. Eight of her crew was killed when they boarded a German blockade runner. During summer of 1943, the Santee took part in antisubmarine operations in the Atlantic. In December, she was on patrol in the North Atlantic as well as conveying troops and aircraft.

Beginning in February, Santee was sent to the Pacific. After making a transport run to Pearl Harbor, the ship joined other escort carriers heading to the heaviest action in the Pacific. The ship took part in air operations over Hollandia, Kwajalein, Guam and Morotai. By October, the ship saw damage caused by kamikaze and torpedo. In November, she went home to San Diego extensive repairs. She returned to combat in time to support the invasion of Okinawa. After hostilities ceased, the ship served as transport for returning troops. In October 1946, the ship was put into reserve and struck from Navy rolls in March 1959.