USS Hornet (CV-8)

The seventh USS Hornet (CV-8) of the United States Navy was an Yorktown class aircraft carrier of World War II, notable for launching the Doolittle Raid, as a participant in the Battle of Midway, and for action in the Solomons before being mortally wounded in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - Yorktown class - Aircraft carrier - World War II - Doolittle Raid - Battle of Midway - Solomons - Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands

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She was launched 14 December 1940 by Newport News Shipbuilding of Newport News, Virginia, sponsored by Annie Reid Knox (wife of Secretary of the Navy Frank M. Knox), and commissioned at Norfolk 20 October 1941, Captain Marc A. Mitscher in command.

Related Topics:
14 December - 1940 - Newport News Shipbuilding - Newport News, Virginia - Annie Reid Knox - Secretary of the Navy - Frank M. Knox - 20 October - 1941 - Marc A. Mitscher

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During the uneasy period before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hornet trained out of Norfolk. A hint of a future mission occurred 2 February 1942 when Hornet departed Norfolk with two Army Air Force B-25 Mitchell medium bombers on deck. Once at sea, the planes were launched to the surprise and amazement of Hornets crew. Her men were unaware of the meaning of this experiment, as Hornet returned to Norfolk, prepared to leave for combat, and on 4 March sailed for the West Coast via the Panama Canal.

Related Topics:
Attack on Pearl Harbor - Norfolk - 2 February - 1942 - Army Air Force - B-25 Mitchell - Bomber - 4 March - Panama Canal

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