What class of aircraft carrier was the USS Antietam?

The USS Antietam is classified as an Essex-class aircraft carrier, which was a significant class of aircraft carriers developed and commissioned by the United States during and after World War II. The Essex-class carriers were designed for versatility and capability and played a crucial role in naval operations during the war and beyond. They featured a well-deck structure and were equipped to support various aircraft operations, making them one of the most successful and numerous classes of carriers of their time.

The Essex-class was notable for its ability to launch and recover aircraft efficiently, and during the war, many of these carriers contributed to significant military operations in the Pacific Theater. The USS Antietam, specifically, was commissioned in 1944 and served various missions until it was ultimately decommissioned in 1973.

The other classes mentioned in the choices represent different generations of aircraft carriers, each with its own advancements and characteristics, but it is the Essex-class designation that correctly identifies the USS Antietam.