TF 11 was originally formed around Lexington (CV-2), then Saratoga (CV-3) until she was disabled by a Japanese torpedo in January 1942, then Lexington again for the Battle of the Coral Sea, then Saratoga after repairs were completed.
TF 11, as part of TF 61 along with TF 16, was involved in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in late August 1942, but Saratoga was again crippled by a submarine, and the task force shrank to just the carrier and some destroyers.
In September 1943, TF 11 was reorganized around light carriers Princeton (CVL-23) and Belleau Wood (CVL-24) under Rear Admiral William Augustus Lee, and supported landings on Baker Island and Howland Island.
In early 1944, its task groups TG 11.1 and 11.2, now consisting of escort aircraft carriers, supported operations in the Marshall Islands.