 |
| 30 Seconds over Tokyo |
I was watching our old friend Huell Howser on a old segment he did a few uears ago of California's Gold. It was about his tour of the Hornet and it peaked my interest. So, I checked out the website printed a map and directions and decided to go see the aircraft carrier. My pop was in the Navy during WW2 and was on a carrier for three years out in the Pacific. Though he never talked about his war years, I wanted to see what and how these brave Americans lived on these great ships.
HERE is the website for a lot of the details on the Hornet.
The tour was a long one and there was a lot of up and down the stairways. The placement of your feet was important since the stair treads were short and steep. If OSHA finds out they will probably come and fine the museum.
 |
| One level on top is missing, how did they sleep! |
The Docent was a Vietnam veteran and he was very informed about the ship and all its parts. He was very interesting. The tour cost 16 bucks and was well worth it. Apparently though, the City f Alameda is playing some games with the Museum and they are thinking of moving the Hornet to another port. Since we all saw San Fransisco shun a battleship a few years ago, it may not be moored in the Bay Area in the future. I hope Alameda gets their heads out of their ass about this.
 |
| Most "kills" in WW2 |
I took some pictures with my phone and hopefully you readers can appreciate the life a sailor had in those days on one of these carriers. The Docent told us the biggest fear of all was fire. Every single sailor was a trained fireman. So, read up on this ship and if you can go visit. It is an ongoing restoration project. When I was there last week the Museum was preparing for a massive Google Company Party and the tents were simply massive.
 |
| Model of the Hornet |
 | | | | |
| President Nixon was on board for this mission |
|
|
|
Todd, I’m reading that friends of the USS Hornet are hoping to relocate the carrier to SF. Its current location is easy enough to get to, but not that visible. It’s a fascinating piece of history that should be on everyone’s punch list. I took my nieces and nephews there several years ago. Did you take any photographs of the bridge/ control room? That was the highlight of my visit. Next time you visit San Diego, consider visiting the USS Midway. That was in service from ’45 to ’92, so it’s interesting to see the modernizations made in carriers. – Dai Meagher
ReplyDeleteDai, I did get a couple of shots of the inside of the bridge, the Captains bridge and the Admirals. They did not turn out. I also had a shot of the internal room where they write backwards with a grease pen. Too dark. But it was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI did get to do on the Carrier in San Diego back in 1990 or so when I was a County Supervisor. The City worked a deal so the Supervisor Association could have a cocktail party/buffet there. I think it was on Coronado Island? It was not a tour though. Huge ship.
Yeah, the Midway is ~200 longer than the Hornet---which is amazing since the Hornet is 770 feet long itself. -- Dai
Deletecome on Todd.. They didn't have aircraft carriers during the revolutionary war.
ReplyDeleteOf course not. Maybe you misunderstood. The Hornet I toured was the ninth ship with the name.
Delete