USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116)

The Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) was a United States Navy Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier. It was named after the Badung Strait, located between Bali and the small island of Nusa Besar, Netherlands East Indies, which was the site of a battle, 19-20 February 1942, between American-Netherlands and Japanese naval forces.

San Alberto Bay was renamed Badoeng Strait on 6 November 1943; launched 15 February 1945 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards, Inc, Tacoma, Washington; sponsored by Mrs. T. H. Binford, wife of Captain Binford; commissioned 14 November 1945, Captain R. K. Turner in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

Badoeng Strait operated out of San Diego until March 1946, when she made a brief cruise to Hawaii. On 20 April 1946 she was placed out of commission. The ship was recommissioned 6 January 1947.

Between February 1947 and June 1950 Badoeng Strait operated in the Pacific, testing new anti-submarine warfare equipment, training her personnel, and participating in numerous anti-submarine warfare exercises. At various intervals she served as flagship of Carrier Divisions 17 and 15.

From July 1950 until February 1953 Badoeng Strait completed three tours off Korea (29 July 1950-23 January 1951, 2 October 1951-14 February 1952, and 6 October 1952-11 February 1953), as a unit of TF's 95 and 77. During these tours she operated on anti-submarine warfare duty and as a part of the blockade-escort force. Her aircraft provided invaluable close ground support during the early period of the action, particularly during the defense of the Pusan Perimeter (6 August-12 September 1950), Inchon landing (15 September), and Hungnam evacuation (9-24 December 1950).

After 1953 the ship underwent modernization (April to September 1953); continued extensive experimental work in anti-submarine warfare with new naval aircraft and helicopters, participated in various Pacific Fleet training exercises, and carried out extensive exercises with Marine assault helicopters. She has also completed another tour of the Far East and participated in Operation Redwing in the Pacific Proving Grounds during February-July 1956.

On 14 January 1957 Badoeng Strait sailed for Bremerton, Washington, for inactivation. She went out of commission in reserve 17 May 1957.

Badoeng Strait received the Navy Unit Commendation and six battle stars for her services during the Korean action.

(CVE-116: dp. 10,330; l. 557'1"; b. 105'2"; dr. 30'8"; 19.1 k.; cpl. 1072; a. 2 5"; cl. Commencement Bay)

This article includes information collected from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.