Intro
Explore the USS Hornet CV-12 aircraft carriers rich history and fascinating facts. Discover its World War II service, role in the Doolittle Raid, and later as a recovery ship for Apollo 11 and 12. Learn about its construction, dimensions, and notable deployments, making it an iconic Essex-class aircraft carrier.
The USS Hornet (CV-12) is one of the most iconic and storied aircraft carriers in the history of the United States Navy. From its commissioning in 1943 to its eventual decommissioning in 1970, the Hornet played a significant role in several major conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War.
The USS Hornet's Early Years
The USS Hornet (CV-12) was commissioned on November 29, 1943, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. Initially, the ship was to be named USS Kearsarge, but it was later renamed Hornet in honor of the USS Hornet (CV-8), which was lost in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October 1942.
The USS Hornet was designed to be a fast and agile aircraft carrier, capable of carrying over 100 aircraft and reaching speeds of up to 33 knots. The ship's crew consisted of over 3,000 personnel, including pilots, sailors, and Marines.
The Hornet's World War II Service
During World War II, the USS Hornet played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In June 1944, the Hornet participated in the Mariana Islands campaign, where it provided air support for the invasion of Saipan and Guam.
In October 1944, the Hornet was part of Task Force 38, which was tasked with supporting the Allied invasion of the Philippines. The ship's aircraft played a key role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which was one of the largest naval battles in history.
The USS Hornet's Korean War Service
Following the end of World War II, the USS Hornet was decommissioned and placed in the Reserve Fleet. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the ship was recommissioned and sent to the Far East to support United Nations forces.
During the Korean War, the Hornet's aircraft played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The ship's crew also participated in several notable events, including the evacuation of civilians from the besieged city of Hungnam.
The USS Hornet's Vietnam War Service
In the 1960s, the USS Hornet was once again called upon to serve in a major conflict, this time in Vietnam. The ship's aircraft played a key role in several major battles, including the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the Battle of Khe Sanh.
In 1969, the Hornet's crew participated in the Apollo 11 recovery mission, where they recovered the astronauts and spacecraft after the first moon landing.
The USS Hornet's Legacy
Today, the USS Hornet (CV-12) is a National Historic Landmark and is moored at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California. The ship is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on board during its many years of service.
The USS Hornet's legacy extends far beyond its own history, however. The ship played a significant role in shaping the course of modern naval warfare and its aircraft and crew were instrumental in several major conflicts.
Facts About the USS Hornet (CV-12)
Here are some interesting facts about the USS Hornet (CV-12):
- The USS Hornet was the eighth aircraft carrier to bear the name Hornet.
- The ship was 872 feet long and 93 feet wide.
- The USS Hornet had a top speed of 33 knots.
- The ship's crew consisted of over 3,000 personnel.
- The USS Hornet carried over 100 aircraft.
- The ship was decommissioned in 1970 and is now a museum ship.
USS Hornet CV-12 Image Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed this article about the USS Hornet (CV-12). Please feel free to leave a comment or share your thoughts on this topic.