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After some preliminary training in Chesapeake Bay in late May and a week of availability at Norfolk, Belleau Wood sailed for the West Indies on 8 June to carry out her shakedown cruise. Anchoring off Port of Spain on the 13th, the light carrier spent the next two weeks conducting battle problems, damage control drills, gunnery practice, and flight operations in the Gulf of Paria. Returning to the United States at Philadelphia on 3 July, the aircraft carrier underwent a series of post-shakedown repairs, inspections, and alterations at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. During these modifications, she was redesignated as a small aircraft carrier, CVL-24, on 15 July 1943. Belleau Wood got underway for [[Panama]] on the 21st, transited the canal on 26 July, and moored at Balboa that same day. Two days later, she sailed for [[Hawaii]] in company with Lexington (CV-16), Princeton (CVL-23), and six escorts. Arriving at [[Pearl Harbor]] on 9 August, the crew spent the next two weeks in hurried preparation for the reoccupation of Baker Island.

After some preliminary training in Chesapeake Bay in late May and a week of availability at [[Norfolk]], Belleau Wood sailed for the West Indies on 8 June to carry out her shakedown cruise. Anchoring off Port of Spain on the 13th, the light carrier spent the next two weeks conducting battle problems, damage control drills, gunnery practice, and flight operations in the Gulf of Paria. Returning to the United States at [[Philadelphia]] on 3 July, the aircraft carrier underwent a series of post-shakedown repairs, inspections, and alterations at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. During these modifications, she was redesignated as a small aircraft carrier, CVL-24, on 15 July 1943. Belleau Wood got underway for [[Panama]] on the 21st, transited the canal on 26 July, and moored at Balboa that same day. Two days later, she sailed for [[Hawaii]] in company with Lexington (CV-16), Princeton (CVL-23), and six escorts. Arriving at [[Pearl Harbor]] on 9 August, the crew spent the next two weeks in hurried preparation for the reoccupation of Baker Island.

Assigned to Task Group (TG) 11.2, Belleau Wood departed Pearl Harbor on 25 August in company with Princeton and seven escorts. The warships crossed the equator on 1 September and arrived off Baker Island, some 400 miles east of the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands, that same day. The small carrier's combat air patrol (CAP) scored their first kill on the 1st as well, when her Grumman F6F "[[F6F Hellcat|Hellcat]]" fighters splashed a Kawanishi H8K four-engine "Emily" flying boat that strayed too close to the task group. The two smaller carriers flew CAP and ASP missions in the area for the next two weeks, protecting Army troops and Navy construction battalions ("Seabees") as they built an airstrip on the island.

Assigned to Task Group (TG) 11.2, Belleau Wood departed Pearl Harbor on 25 August in company with Princeton and seven escorts. The warships crossed the equator on 1 September and arrived off Baker Island, some 400 miles east of the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands, that same day. The small carrier's combat air patrol (CAP) scored their first kill on the 1st as well, when her Grumman F6F "[[F6F Hellcat|Hellcat]]" fighters splashed a [[Kawanishi H8K]] four-engine "Emily" flying boat that strayed too close to the task group. The two smaller carriers flew CAP and ASP missions in the area for the next two weeks, protecting Army troops and Navy construction battalions ("Seabees") as they built an airstrip on the island.

After four weeks of replenishment and training, the light carrier sailed on 10 November for the Gilbert Islands to participate in Operation "Galvanic"--the seizure of Makin and Tarawa Atolls. Joining the Northern Carrier Group in TG 50.2, she supported Enterprise (CV-6) and Monterey (CVL-26) in strikes on Makin Island on the 19th. Fighter sweeps over the Gilberts, in conjunction with bombing raids by "Avengers," continued through 26 November when the islands were declared "secure."

After four weeks of replenishment and training, the light carrier sailed on 10 November for the Gilbert Islands to participate in Operation Galvanic--the seizure of Makin and Tarawa Atolls. Joining the Northern Carrier Group in TG 50.2, she supported Enterprise (CV-6) and Monterey (CVL-26) in strikes on Makin Island on the 19th. Fighter sweeps over the Gilberts, in conjunction with bombing raids by "Avengers," continued through 26 November when the islands were declared "secure."

After refuelling and reprovisioning at Majuro on 4 February, the task group returned to Kwajalein for a week of CAP and ASP over the ships supporting the conquest of the atoll. On 12 February, TG 58.1 and two of the other carrier task groups sailed for a raid on the Japanese base at Truk in the central Pacific. Intended to cover the landings on Eniwetok and to distract the Japanese from Allied operations in New Guinea, Operation "Hailstone" began on 16 February when the big carriers struck at enemy airfields on Truk. Belleau Wood's planes flew CAP and ASP over her task group, shooting down a [[Nakajima B5N]] "Kate" carrier bomber at 1432 that afternoon. After a morning strike on the 17th by planes from Enterprise and Yorktown, the task group retired east to refuel.

After refuelling and reprovisioning at Majuro on 4 February, the task group returned to Kwajalein for a week of CAP and ASP over the ships supporting the conquest of the atoll. On 12 February, TG 58.1 and two of the other carrier task groups sailed for a raid on the Japanese base at [[Truk]] in the central Pacific. Intended to cover the landings on Eniwetok and to distract the Japanese from Allied operations in New Guinea, Operation "Hailstone" began on 16 February when the big carriers struck at enemy airfields on Truk. Belleau Wood's planes flew CAP and ASP over her task group, shooting down a [[Nakajima B5N]] "Kate" carrier bomber at 1432 that afternoon. After a morning strike on the 17th by planes from Enterprise and Yorktown, the task group retired east to refuel.

Ordered west for a raid on Tinian and Saipan, Belleau Wood flew her usual CAP and ASP missions while the big carriers attacked shore targets. At 0830 on 22 February, two "Bettys" surprised the task group and closed Belleau Wood. The first, taken under fire by the light carrier's starboard automatic weapons, passed over the flight deck and splashed about 200 feet away on the port beam. The second bomber, also fired on by the light carrier's 20-millimeter and 40-millimeter guns, hit the water about 500 yards ahead of the ship. Her 20-millimeter batteries also claimed a Kawasaki Ki. 61 "Tony" fighter which had just attacked Essex. Meanwhile, Belleau Wood's CAP caught and downed two Kawasaki Ki. 48 "Lily" light bombers that wandered into range.

Ordered west for a raid on Tinian and Saipan, Belleau Wood flew her usual CAP and ASP missions while the big carriers attacked shore targets. At 0830 on 22 February, two "Bettys" surprised the task group and closed Belleau Wood. The first, taken under fire by the light carrier's starboard automatic weapons, passed over the flight deck and splashed about 200 feet away on the port beam. The second bomber, also fired on by the light carrier's 20-millimeter and 40-millimeter guns, hit the water about 500 yards ahead of the ship. Her 20-millimeter batteries also claimed a [[Kawasaki Ki-61]] "Tony" fighter which had just attacked Essex. Meanwhile, Belleau Wood's CAP caught and downed two [[Kawasaki Ki-48]] "Lily" light bombers that wandered into range.

The light carrier moved to Majuro on the 13th where her crew began preparations for Operation "Forager," the planned liberation of the Mariana Islands. Tasked with eliminating Japanese air power in the Marianas, the 15 fleet carriers of TF 58 planned to attack airfields on Saipan, Tinian, and [[Guam]]. They also prepared for a major fleet battle if the Japanese carriers attempted to interfere. Belleau Wood joined Hornet (CV-12), Yorktown, and Bataan (CVL-29) and put to sea with TG 58.1 on 6 June. Five days later, as part of the task group attacking Guam, Belleau Wood launched a fighter sweep against Japanese airfields. These planes shot down four "Zekes" over Agana airfield without loss. On the 12th, the light carrier launched fighter sweeps over Guam and Rota that claimed another "Zeke" and a Kawasaki Ki. 45 "Nick" fighter at a cost of one "Hellcat." After retiring and refueling on the 14th, the task group sailed for the Bonin Islands that evening.

The light carrier moved to Majuro on the 13th where her crew began preparations for Operation "Forager," the planned liberation of the Mariana Islands. Tasked with eliminating Japanese air power in the Marianas, the 15 fleet carriers of TF 58 planned to attack airfields on Saipan, Tinian, and [[Guam]]. They also prepared for a major fleet battle if the Japanese carriers attempted to interfere. Belleau Wood joined Hornet (CV-12), Yorktown, and Bataan (CVL-29) and put to sea with TG 58.1 on 6 June. Five days later, as part of the task group attacking Guam, Belleau Wood launched a fighter sweep against Japanese airfields. These planes shot down four "Zekes" over Agana airfield without loss. On the 12th, the light carrier launched fighter sweeps over Guam and Rota that claimed another "Zeke" and a [[Kawasaki Ki-45]] "Nick" fighter at a cost of one "Hellcat." After retiring and refueling on the 14th, the task group sailed for the Bonin Islands that evening.

On 16 June, after a morning fighter sweep over Iwo Jima, the task group heard reports that a large Japanese force was closing the Marianas from the Philippines. Rather than carry out the planned afternoon strikes on Iwo Jima, Belleau Wood's task group hurried south to rejoin TF 58. After rendezvousing with the other three carrier groups around noon on 18 June, the carriers took up a patrol station some 150 miles west of Saipan.

On 16 June, after a morning fighter sweep over [[Iwo Jima]], the task group heard reports that a large Japanese force was closing the Marianas from the Philippines. Rather than carry out the planned afternoon strikes on Iwo Jima, Belleau Wood's task group hurried south to rejoin TF 58. After rendezvousing with the other three carrier groups around noon on 18 June, the carriers took up a patrol station some 150 miles west of Saipan.

From that position, on the northern flank of the carrier forces, Belleau Wood participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Although American search aircraft could not find the approaching Japanese carriers, the presence of land-based enemy "snoopers" around the American task force indicated that the Japanese had found them. On the morning of the 19th, Belleau Wood, along with Bataan, launched CAP and ASP aircraft to guard TG 58.1. Despite the appearance of 14 enemy raids on radar, none closed the task group. American fighters broke up all the enemy formations and disrupted those attacks that the Japanese managed to develop. Not only did the light carrier help to parry enemy carrier-based air, but she also put a fighter sweep in the air over Guam to neutralize Japanese land-based aircraft. During the first day of the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Belleau Wood aircraft claimed 10 "Zekes" destroyed over Guam's Orote field, a portion of the 300 or so Japanese aircraft lost in the battle dubbed the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot."

From that position, on the northern flank of the carrier forces, Belleau Wood participated in the [[Battle of the Philippine Sea]]. Although American search aircraft could not find the approaching Japanese carriers, the presence of land-based enemy "snoopers" around the American task force indicated that the Japanese had found them. On the morning of the 19th, Belleau Wood, along with Bataan, launched CAP and ASP aircraft to guard TG 58.1. Despite the appearance of 14 enemy raids on radar, none closed the task group. American fighters broke up all the enemy formations and disrupted those attacks that the Japanese managed to develop. Not only did the light carrier help to parry enemy carrier-based air, but she also put a fighter sweep in the air over Guam to neutralize Japanese land-based aircraft. During the first day of the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Belleau Wood aircraft claimed 10 "Zekes" destroyed over Guam's [[Orote field]], a portion of the 300 or so Japanese aircraft lost in the battle dubbed the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot."

In an effort to destroy Japanese air power in support of the planned liberation of Leyte later that month, carrier aircraft struck at Okinawa and two smaller islands on 10 October. They claimed dozens of planes and scores of small coastal cargo ships. The next day, while Belleau Wood's task group moved southwest, she launched air strikes against Japanese airfields on Luzon before concentrating with the rest of TF 38 for a blow against Formosa.

In an effort to destroy Japanese air power in support of the planned liberation of Leyte later that month, carrier aircraft struck at [[Okinawa]] and two smaller islands on 10 October. They claimed dozens of planes and scores of small coastal cargo ships. The next day, while Belleau Wood's task group moved southwest, she launched air strikes against Japanese airfields on Luzon before concentrating with the rest of TF 38 for a blow against Formosa.

After refueling on the 26th, TG 38.4 spent the next four days providing air cover for ground operations on Leyte and launching air strikes against enemy shipping. Raids also hit airfields around [[Manila]] to destroy Japanese reinforcements being flown in from the north. In response, Japanese pilots began flying suicide missions--kamikaze attacks--against the American ships in the Philippines. On the 29th, a kamikaze hit TG 38.2 and damaged Intrepid (CV-11). At around 1400 the next day, as Belleau Wood's task group operated near Leyte, five kamikazes eluded CAP by closing the warships at an altitude of 18,000 feet. Antiaircraft fire splashed three, but one crashed Franklin, killing 56 men and seriously wounding 14 others. The fifth plane, identified as a Mitsubishi A6M3 "Hamp" carrier fighter, first dropped a bomb on Franklin and then, at 1427, pulled up and dove on Belleau Wood. The Japanese fighter plunged into the light carrier's flight deck, striking among 11 fully loaded "Hellcats." Several explosions started extensive fires that took three hours for damage-control teams to get under control. With her flight deck holed and casualties numbering 92 men killed and 97 wounded, Belleau Wood retired to the Carolines.

After refueling on the 26th, TG 38.4 spent the next four days providing air cover for ground operations on Leyte and launching air strikes against enemy shipping. Raids also hit airfields around [[Manila]] to destroy Japanese reinforcements being flown in from the north. In response, Japanese pilots began flying suicide missions--kamikaze attacks--against the American ships in the Philippines. On the 29th, a kamikaze hit TG 38.2 and damaged Intrepid (CV-11). At around 1400 the next day, as Belleau Wood's task group operated near Leyte, five [[kamikaze]]s eluded CAP by closing the warships at an altitude of 18,000 feet. Antiaircraft fire splashed three, but one crashed into Franklin, killing 56 men and seriously wounding 14 others. The fifth plane, identified as a Mitsubishi A6M3 "Hamp" carrier fighter, first dropped a bomb on Franklin and then, at 1427, pulled up and dove on Belleau Wood. The Japanese fighter plunged into the light carrier's flight deck, striking among 11 fully loaded "Hellcats." Several explosions started extensive fires that took three hours for damage-control teams to get under control. With her flight deck holed and casualties numbering 92 men killed and 97 wounded, Belleau Wood retired to the Carolines.

Task Group 58.1 steamed to a position roughly 125 miles southeast of Tokyo on 16 February. From there, the carriers launched repeated strikes against airfields in the region, claiming the destruction of several hundred enemy planes. Belleau Wood's CAP splashed one of these, shooting down a Mitsubishi Ki.46 "Dinah" reconnaissance plane near the task group that morning. After bad weather canceled the remaining strikes the following afternoon, the carriers then steamed south to support the planned 19 February amphibious landings on [[Iwo Jima]].

Task Group 58.1 steamed to a position roughly 125 miles southeast of Tokyo on 16 February. From there, the carriers launched repeated strikes against airfields in the region, claiming the destruction of several hundred enemy planes. Belleau Wood's CAP splashed one of these, shooting down a [[Mitsubishi Ki-46]] "Dinah" reconnaissance plane near the task group that morning. After bad weather canceled the remaining strikes the following afternoon, the carriers then steamed south to support the planned 19 February amphibious landings on [[Iwo Jima]].

Belleau Wood resumed Okinawa operations on 12 May and replaced Bunker Hill (CV-17)--heavily damaged in a kamikaze attack the previous day--in TG 58.3. Along with those of Essex, Hancock (CV-19), and Cabot (CVL-28), her aircraft commenced several more weeks of grueling air attacks on Okinawa and Kyushu. During these operations, the light carrier's pilots claimed a Nakajima Ki.84 "Frank" fighter and a "Betty," at a cost of one torpedo bomber lost to antiaircraft fire. Although the start of the summer typhoon season canceled flight operations in early June, one strike slipped through to hit Okinawa on the 7th. Nevertheless, continued heavy weather finally drove the carriers off station and, on 10 June, they steamed south to the Philippines, anchoring in San Pedro Bay on the 13th.

Belleau Wood resumed Okinawa operations on 12 May and replaced Bunker Hill (CV-17)--heavily damaged in a kamikaze attack the previous day--in TG 58.3. Along with those of Essex, Hancock (CV-19), and Cabot (CVL-28), her aircraft commenced several more weeks of grueling air attacks on Okinawa and Kyushu. During these operations, the light carrier's pilots claimed a [[Nakajima Ki-84]] "Frank" fighter and a [[Mitsubishi G4M|"Betty,"]] at a cost of one torpedo bomber lost to antiaircraft fire. Although the start of the summer typhoon season canceled flight operations in early June, one strike slipped through to hit Okinawa on the 7th. Nevertheless, continued heavy weather finally drove the carriers off station and, on 10 June, they steamed south to the Philippines, anchoring in San Pedro Bay on the 13th.