About this Unit
USS Hornet is the name carried by several distinguished ships in U.S. Navy history, most famously the aircraft carrier CV-8. Commissioned in 1941, USS Hornet (CV-8) played a pivotal role in World War II, notably launching the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942, the first air raid to strike the Japanese home islands. The carrier also participated in the pivotal Battle of Midway, contributing to the turning of the tide in the Pacific Theater. Despite her heroic service, CV-8 was sunk during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October 1942, but her legacy endures through subsequent ships bearing the Hornet name, including CV-12, which served in World War II and later as a recovery ship for Apollo missions.
Historical Facts
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Eight Ships Named USS Hornet: The name "USS Hornet" has been used for eight ships in U.S. Navy history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, making it one of the most storied names in the fleet.
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CV-8 and the Doolittle Raid: The aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) famously launched the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942, marking the first air raid on the Japanese home islands and a major morale boost for the United States after Pearl Harbor.
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Sunk at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands: The USS Hornet (CV-8) was sunk in October 1942 during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, becoming the last American fleet carrier ever lost in action.
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CV-12: The Survivor: The next USS Hornet (CV-12) was commissioned in 1943 and served with distinction throughout World War II, surviving multiple kamikaze attacks and earning 7 battle stars.
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Apollo Recovery Ship: The USS Hornet (CV-12) served as the recovery ship for both Apollo 11 and Apollo 12, picking up astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Charles Conrad, Alan Bean, and Richard Gordon after their historic moon missions.
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Haunted Reputation: The preserved USS Hornet (CV-12) in Alameda, California, is often cited as one of the most haunted warships in the United States, with numerous ghost stories from visitors and crew.
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Japanese Surrender Witness: The USS Hornet (CV-12) was present in Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II.
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First Hornet: Captured from the British: The original USS Hornet was a converted merchant ship captured from the British and played a key role in the early days of the Continental Navy.
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Preserved as a Museum: The USS Hornet (CV-12) is now a National Historic Landmark and a museum ship, open to the public in Alameda, California, serving as a tribute to American naval history.
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Decorations and Awards: Throughout her service, USS Hornet (CV-12) received the Presidential Unit Citation and a total of 11 battle stars for her World War II service, making her one of the most decorated ships of the era.
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