History Channel - History Classics Hero Ships (2008) Part 7 USS Hornet

History Classics: Hero Ships

For nearly a hundred years, these steel, grey-skinned battlewagons have fought off everything from Al Qaeda to dive-bombing Kamikazes. Some returned from the hell of war to become major tourist attractions for new generations. Others continue to patrol the world's trouble-spots in America's latest war. History Classics: Hero Ships profiles the complete combat history and evolving technology of a single American ship, often through multiple conflicts. These are the battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and specialized ships that belong in the warship hall of fame. Archival footage and interviews are punctuated by all-access inspections of the ship's “battle stations,” conducted by young, active Navy sailors. The series lets us understand the role of each weapon and technology, the dramas that unfolded in different rooms during the heat of battle, and the unique traditions and stories of each vessel.

Part 7: USS Hornet

One of the most heroic ships of the Second World War, CV-8 has the distinction of serving as the flight deck for the incredible Doolittle Tokyo raid before being sunk by an enemy who tortured and executed the fliers of that raid. Her predecessor ship CV-12 goes on to see sixteen months in continuous battle action penetrating to within 40 miles of the Japanese home islands and set incredible records: Under air attack 59 separate times; Over 1,400 enemy planes destroyed by her planes, along with 1,200,000 tons of enemy shipping; Ten of her pilots reaching “Ace In One Day” status; Over 70 enemy planes shot down in one day; Over 255 shot down in one month; Thirty of her 42 Hellcat pilots becoming aces; Her torpedo planes destroying the super-battleship Yamato as it raced to menace the Okinawa beachhead; And, best revenge of all, her planes making the first strikes against Tokyo since the Doolittle raid launched by her illustrious ancestor. Action packed and emotional testimony.