CVE-98 was initially named Bucareli Bay for a water passage between Baker and Suemez Islands, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska (NS0306115a). The name has had several variants: Buccarelli Bay, Buccarelli Gulf, Bukarel Bay, Gavan Bukareli, Port Bukarelli, Puerto del Baylio Bucareli, Puerto y Entrada de Bucareli. The latter (meaning "Port and Entrance of Bucareli") was the original name given on 24 August 1775 by Lieutenant Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, of the Spanish schooner Sonora (officially, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), in honor of Don Antonio María Bucareli y Ursúa, Viceroy of Nueva España (Mexico).

Renamed Kwajalein after the battle fought on Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, 31 January–3 February 1944.

(Maps: Google Maps. Maps of the battle from The U.S. Army Campaigns of World War II: Eastern Mandates.)

Kwajalein (CVE-98) was christened on Thursday, 4 May 1944, by Mrs. Rudolf L. Johnson, with daughter Susan Ann.

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USS Kwajalein (CVE-98) underway with six OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes parked on her flight deck. This image is dated 11 June 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.034.004. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

This 19 July 1944 photo shows USS Kwajalein (CVE-98) heading towards the Pacific war zone, her flight deck jammed with fifty-nine F4U Corsairs and F6F Hellcats. All carriers were used as airplane ferries when first joining the fleet or rejoining the fleet after refits. All available flight and hangar deck space was utilized.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.034.003. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

USS Kwajalein (CVE-98) in a typhoon, circa December 1944. Note SB2C Helldiver tied down in center.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), photo No. NH 51018.

USS Kwajalein (CVE-98) in San Francisco Bay, date unknown (possibly late 1945–early 1946).