Breaking | First Pictures Of USS Hornet Surface After Ship Is Finally Found

Breaking | First Pictures Of USS Hornet Surface After Ship Is Finally Found | World War Wings Videos

Image Credit: Paul Allen; R/V Petrel

On February 6th, 2019, the wreckage of USS Hornet, which sank 77 years ago, was finally found. R/V Petrel, a research vessel owned by the estate of Paul Allen (which is also responsible for finding various other historical wrecks), located the ship off the Soloman Islands 17,000 feet below the surface.

USS Hornet

The finding of this ship is significant because the ship itself made a difference in World War II. USS Hornet (CV-8) was launched in 1940 as a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier and was sent off to fight in the Pacific Theater.

A Japanese Type 99 Aichi D3A1 dive bomber (Allied codename “Val”) trails smoke as it dives toward the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8), during the morning of 26 October 1942. This plane struck the ship’s stack and then her flight deck. A Type 97 Nakajima B5N2 torpedo plane (“Kate”) is flying over Hornet after dropping its torpedo, and another “Val” is off her bow. Note anti-aircraft shell burst between Hornet and the camera, with its fragments striking the water nearby. | U.S. Navy / Public Domain

She fought nobly during the war taking major roles in both the Battle of Midway and the launch of the Doolittle Raid but was eventually struck on October 27th, 1942. During heavy fighting, Hornet was targeted by Japanese dive bombers, many of which scored major hits on both the hull and the bridge.

Hornet cruising off Hampton Roads in October 1941. | U.S. Navy / Public Domain

She eventually succumbed to her damage, sinking into the Pacific and taking 140 of the crew with her.  The remaining survivors were picked up by surrounding ships.

Here are some of the most notable pictures which were taken when she was found.

CBS This Morning / YouTube
CBS This Morning / YouTube
CBS This Morning / YouTube
CBS This Morning / YouTube
CBS This Morning / YouTube

CBS was the first to get the story and we’ve included their newscast below. It includes more of the history and pictures of the incredible find.

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