USS_Cowpens_(CVL-25)_underway_at_sea_on_17_July_1943_(80-G-K-74271)

The U.S. Navy light aircraft carrier USS Cowpens (CVL-25) underway at sea on 17 July 1943. Note that she still carries Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bombers as part of her air group. Before entering combat, only Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighters and Grumman TBF-1 Avenger torpedo bombers, both with folding wings, equipped the air groups of the light carriers. (U.S. Navy photo 80-G-K-74271 – Public Domain)