 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (May 2009) |
| Task Force 17 | |
|---|---|
_during_the_Battle_of_the_Coral_Sea,_April_1942.jpg) Yorktown and Task Force 17 operate in the Pacific Ocean in February or March 1942. | |
| Active | 1941–1942 ? |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Seizing and maintaining Command of the sea |
| Size | Aircraft Carriers USS Lexington and Yorktown |
| Part of | United States Pacific Fleet |
| Garrison/HQ | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii[citation needed] |
| Engagements | Marshalls-Gilberts raids Invasion of Lae-Salamaua Battle of the Coral Sea Battle of Midway Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Frank Jack Fletcher |
Task Force 17 (TF17) was an aircraft carrier task force of the United States Navy during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. TF17 participated in several major carrier battles in the first year of the war.
TF17 was initially centered around USS Yorktown. With Yorktown, TF17 engaged Imperial Japanese Navy forces in actions at the Marshalls-Gilberts raids, Invasion of Lae-Salamaua, Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Battle of Midway. Yorktown was sunk at Midway.
Reformed around USS Hornet and commanded by RADM George Murray, TF17 supported Allied forces during the Guadalcanal campaign. At the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, Hornet was sunk. After the battle the task force ceased to exist, the remaining ships (the cruiser and destroyer escorts) were then dispersed to other duties.