She was originally built as light cruiser CL-78 Dayton, then redesignated CV-26 and renamed Monterey, in July 1943 reclassified as CVL-26. During 1943-1944 she took part in many combats at Pacific including operations over Gilbert Islands, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, northern New Guinea, and the Bonin Islands, Wake Island, she was also involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, participated in strikes in the southern Philippines and the Ryukyus. In early 1945 she repaired and back to combats. She supported Okinawa operations by launching strikes against Japanese Islands until August 15th, 1945. During 1946 she took part in massive evacuation of Allies troops (Operation Magic Carpet). She decommissioned 11th February 1947. With the outbreak of hostilities in the Korean War, Monterey recommissioned, 15th September 1950, but served for cadet training at Pensacola. In October 1954, she took part in a flood rescue mission in Honduras. She was reclassified as an auxiliary aircraft transport AVT-2 on 15th May 1959. She was sold for scrapping in May 1971.
Took part in wars:
Battle of Pacific Ocean (1941-1945)
New Guinea Campaign (1942-1945)
Battle of the Philippine Sea (1944)
Liberation of Philippines (1944-1945)
Battle of Okinawa (1945)
Allied Navy Aviation air raids on Japan (1944-1945)
Aircraft:
 USA
Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger [ 1 2 4 ];
Grumman F6F Hellcat [ 3 8 ].
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Type: Light aircraft ñarriers