**Breaking News: Unveiling the Tragic Legacy of Sunken US Aircraft Carriers**

In a powerful revelation from the depths of naval history, a new timeline documents the harrowing stories of US aircraft carriers sunk in combat, each representing a poignant chapter in the saga of warfare. These vessels, once symbols of American naval power, now lie silent beneath the waves, memorializing the sacrifices of brave men who served aboard them.

The USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, met its fate on February 27, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, attacked by Japanese bombers. Scuttled by her escorts, she became a grave for over 400 crew members, lost amidst the chaos of war. The USS Lexington followed suit, abandoned and sunk on May 8, 1942, after sustaining catastrophic damage from enemy strikes, marking the first loss of a US carrier in World War II.

As the war raged, the USS Yorktown was struck by torpedoes on June 6, 1942, leading to her sinking the next day, while the USS Wasp succumbed to three torpedoes on September 15, 1942, during the Guadalcanal invasion. The USS Hornet, another Yorktown-class carrier, was sunk by enemy fire on October 27, 1942, becoming the last American fleet carrier lost to enemy action in the war.

The tragic toll continued with the USS Block Island, the only American carrier sunk in the Atlantic, torpedoed by a German submarine on May 29, 1944, and the USS Gambier Bay, lost during the Battle of Samar on October 25, 1944, a grim reminder of the fierce battles fought in the Pacific.

Recent discoveries have unearthed the wrecks of these historic vessels, each a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of their crews. The Navy’s Heritage Command continues to honor their legacy, reminding us that these ships, and the men who served aboard them, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. As we reflect on their sacrifices, we are reminded of the enduring impact of naval warfare and the courage of those who stood on the front lines.