Few vessels defined the Second World War as aircraft carriers. What was once a niche vessel became a lynchpin for any modern naval force. They certainly did, those that remained in good working condition were refurbished and modernized. Some of these carriers lasted well into the s, making their active service date span over 3 decades and encompassing multiple different conflicts.
It suffered heavy casualties during the invasion of Okinawa when it was struck by two kamikazes, resulting in a devastating fire. Although the ship returned to the United States for repairs, it was never recommissioned and was eventually decommissioned in Efforts to preserve it as a museum ship were unsuccessful and it was sold for scrap in after serving as an electronics test platform.
At the decisive Battle of Midway, it sank enemy warships, including three carriers. Despite kamikaze damage, it stayed active, transporting U. Following the war, it underwent modernization and was recommissioned as an attack carrier and later an anti-submarine aircraft carrier. It also was the primary recovery carrier for the Apollo 7 space mission. The ship survived kamikaze attacks in , underwent repairs, and returned to the Pacific in time for the Okinawa landings, during which a Japanese bomb hit the flight deck, killing troops on board.
Joseph T. Donald A. Gary received the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the bombings. After the war, Franklin was decommissioned and later sold for scrap. Commissioned in April , Hancock joined Adm. Its aircraft conducted strikes on enemy airfields and shipping in the Philippines. After the war, the carrier underwent repairs and conversions, continuing its service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
It was sold for scrap in The carrier continued to conduct strikes in the Philippines and supported ground troops. The ship was decommissioned in but became a museum in Alameda, California, as well as a national historic landmark. Commissioned in , the first of two carriers to be named Hornet and fight in WWII, the ship participated in pivotal moments of the war, including the Doolittle Raids, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Battle of Midway.
