USS Hornet CV 12

The USS Hornet (CV-12) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier that served during World War II and the Cold War. Commissioned in November 1943, the Hornet was an Essex class of aircraft carriers, and was named after the USS Hornet (CV-8), which was sunk in the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1942.

The Hornet played a critical role in World War II, participating in several major battles in the Pacific Theater. In 1944, the carrier launched airstrikes against Japanese targets in support of the United States Marine Corps' amphibious assault on the island of Saipan. Later that year, the Hornet was involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot," where the Japanese navy suffered significant losses.

After World War II, the Hornet was decommissioned and later reactivated for service in the Cold War. The carrier was used for various operations and training exercises, including the Korean War.

In 1969, the Hornet was selected as the primary recovery ship for the Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar landing in history. On July 24, 1969, the Hornet was stationed in the Pacific Ocean, ready to recover the Apollo 11 astronauts – Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins – after their historic mission to the moon.

The Hornet's crew, along with personnel from the Navy and NASA, were on high alert as the Apollo 11 capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. The Hornet quickly deployed its recovery team, who successfully retrieved the astronauts and the capsule from the water. The Hornet's crew then provided medical attention to the astronauts and safely returned them to shore.

The Hornet's role in the Apollo 11 mission was not only a technical achievement but also a historic moment. The recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts marked the successful completion of one of the greatest feats of human achievement and a major victory for the United States in the space race.

The USS Hornet also played a role in the recovery of the Apollo 12 mission, which landed on the moon in November 1969.

In the 1970s, the Hornet was decommissioned for the last time, after 30 years of service to the United States Navy.

The USS Hornet was a formidable vessel, known for its versatility and striking power. The sailors and aviators who served on board the Hornet demonstrated incredible courage and skill in the face of adversity. Their contributions to the war effort were instrumental in securing victory for the United States and the Allied powers.

The USS Hornet may no longer be with us, but its legacy lives on. Today, the Hornet is a museum ship located in Alameda, California, open for visiting and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Navy in defense of freedom and democracy. The Hornet will always be remembered as one of the most iconic and successful aircraft carriers in American history.