The USS Hornet (CV-8) was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1941. It played a significant role during World War II, participating in major battles such as the Battle of Midway and the Doolittle Raid. The ship was known for its speed and advanced design, making it one of the most effective carriers of its time. The USS Hornet was decommissioned in 1947 after serving in the Pacific Theater. It was later used for various purposes, including recovery operations for the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 space missions. Today, the ship is preserved as a museum in Alameda, California.