Wreckage of USS Hornet Located

The Wreckage of USS Hornet has been discovered, a monumental find that brings to light one of the most iconic warships of World War II. Lost during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942, the USS Hornet (CV-8) sank to the depths of the Pacific, taking with it untold stories of heroism and sacrifice. In January 2019, the research team aboard R/V Petrel, funded by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, confirmed the discovery of this historic aircraft carrier.

R/V Petrel, a vessel renowned for its success in uncovering World War II-era shipwrecks, located the Hornet in 5,330 meters (17,486 feet) of water in the South Pacific. The search was guided by historical data, including ship logs and battle reports from nine other American warships that had sighted Hornet before she sank. Impressively, the research team located the wreck on their first dive.

Pictures captured by the remotely operated submersible unit revealed the Hornet’s rusted hull and the scars of her final battle, including damage inflicted by American destroyers Mustin (DD-413) and Anderson (DD-411) in an attempt to scuttle the carrier. Despite these efforts, Japanese forces ultimately delivered the fatal blows that sent her to the ocean floor.

Commissioned in October 1941, just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Hornet quickly became a symbol of American resolve. In April 1942, she played a pivotal role in the Doolittle Raid, an audacious mission to strike Japan’s home islands. Carrying 16 B-25 bombers, Hornet sailed 600 nautical miles off Japan’s coast and launched the aircraft in the first U.S. attack on Japanese soil. This bold strike boosted American morale and marked a turning point in the Pacific War.

After the Doolittle Raid, USS Hornet participated in the Battle of Midway and the Solomon Islands campaign. Her service culminated in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, where she faced relentless attacks from Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes. Despite the crew’s valiant efforts to save her, the damage was too severe. With Japanese forces closing in, the order to abandon ship was given.

Hornet’s final moments were marked by her crew’s determination to deny the enemy a prize. Attempts to scuttle the carrier by U.S. forces were unsuccessful, and Japanese fire ultimately sent her to her watery grave.

The discovery of the USS Hornet underscores the dedication of the R/V Petrel team to preserving the legacy of World War II. While the precise location of the wreck remains undisclosed to honor it as a war grave, the find serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the sailors and airmen aboard.

Hornet joins a growing list of historically significant wrecks discovered by R/V Petrel, including USS Indianapolis (CA-35), USS Lexington (CV-2), and Japanese battleship Hiei. Each discovery highlights the vessel’s storied history and honors the brave individuals who served aboard.

The wreckage of the USS Hornet is more than a sunken ship—it’s a testament to the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of those who served during World War II. Through advanced technology and meticulous research, the R/V Petrel team has brought these stories back to life, ensuring they are remembered for generations to come.

This incredible discovery of the USS Hornet stands as a beacon of history, reminding us of the valor displayed in the face of adversity and the enduring legacy of those who served aboard her.