The Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation preserves and honors the legacy of USS Hornet, a National and State Historic Landmark, and its role in naval aviation history, the defense of our country, the Apollo Program, and exploration of space.  The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum connects the greatest generation of Americans with future generations, educating and inspiring them to meet the challenges they will face in the days to come.

The might of an aircraft carrier exists in its ability to move at will about the world’s oceans, projecting power at sea whenever and wherever it is needed. At the heart of a carrier’s strength is its aircraft, without which it would be ineffective. Her Air Groups provided Hornet’s lethal sting. Hornet’s effectiveness and success was dependent on the capabilities of her highly trained pilots and aircrews and the specialized aircraft which operated from her flight deck.

In World War II, her air groups consisted of a fighter (VF) squadron, a bombing (VB) squadron and a torpedo (VT) squadron. During the 1950s as naval warfare technology evolved, so too did the complexity and specialty of carrier-based aircraft. Joining the classic fighter and attack aircraft were electronic/early warning, photo-reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Dual-role aircraft also provided aerial tanking and limited cargo capabilities and helicopters proved essential to carrier operations which included search and rescue missions.