Air Attack near Gilbert Islands
Independence headed for the Gilberts and prelanding strikes on Tarawa, November 18 - 20, 1943. During a Japanese counterattack November 20, Independence was attacked by a group of planes low on the water. Six were shot down, but the planes managed to launch at least five torpedoes one of which scored a hit on the carrier's starboard quarter. Seriously damaged, the ship steamed to Funafuti November 23 for repairs.
