The vessel that eventually became the light aircraft carrier "Bataan" was originally planned as the "Buffalo" (CL-99). Following the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the need for more carriers became urgent. In response, the Navy ordered the conversion of nine "Cleveland"-class light cruisers then under construction to completion as light aircraft carriers. These became known as the s. Thus, CL-99 was reclassified CV-29 and renamed "Bataan" on 2 June 1942. She was further reclassified as CVL-29 on 15 July 1943.