USS Hornet (CV-8)

The Hornet as seen in-game. (Table statistics do not reflect flag bonuses)\*

Range: 850m > 1,036

Damage: 10,080 > 12,288

Reload Time: 12s > 8s

DPS: 624 > 789

-=(x27) Class 2 =-

-Type 1-

DPS: 164 > 201

Torp. dmg: 18,552 > 21,242

Bomb dmg: 31,920 > 36,548

Reload Time: 13s > 10s

-Type 2-

HP: 453 > 555

Torp dmg: 21,335 > 24,428

Bomb dmg: 36,708 > 42,031

Reload Time: 13s > 10s

## Background history

The USS *Hornet* (CV-8) was a *Yorktown*-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down in 1939 and commissioned in 1941, she would go on to serve alongside her sister ship *Enterprise* (CV-6) for the majority of her career. She took part in the Battle of Midway and is the carrier responsible for launching the bombers for the Doolittle Raid. She and Enterprise would go on to be the only two operational US aircraft carriers in the early part of the Pacific War.

Unlike her lucky sister she would unfortunately meet her fate in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. In her last fight she was directly targeted by Japanese forces because of her part in the Doolittle Raid. She would be struck by a total of three bombs, two torpedoes, and two kamikazes before being disabled. She would later be attacked again and be struck by a third torpedo. Her captain would order her sunk and abandon ship. She would later be finished off by two Japanese destroyers.

## Tactics

Being mostly a CV-6 carbon copy, Hornet employs a similar playstyle of leaning more towards bombs but it is also a capable torpedo spammer. The Hornet receives a major upgrade in all its statistics compared to the previous aircraft carriers, having better AA, secondaries, mobility, and a shorter aircraft preparation time.

**Playing Hornet**

The Hornet employs a better tactic compared to previous carriers, and can attack more readily than them. Its fast aircraft reload can discourage enemy ships from grouping up and being stationary on a single spot. Its secondaries can also be useful for defense against vulnerable vessels that sneak up on it, but just like most carriers; it is not advised to be constantly out in the open.

**Playing with Hornet**

You can help out a fellow Hornet by weakening enemies while it attacks behind an island. Also, be on a look out for any ships that sneak up to an ally Hornet; if it succeeds in sinking it, it can deal a large blow to your team's advantage.

**Playing against Hornet**

Just like most carriers, the Hornet has difficulty withstanding constant fire from enemy ships, and also struggles to target enemies from the distance. It is advised to constantly turn whenever engaging this ship. Also, its low HP makes it vulnerable against other carriers or a sneak attack.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

**Advantages**

* Has more aircraft than the previous aircraft carriers.
* Has high mobility and improved maneuverability.
* Decent Anti Aircraft guns.

**Disadvantages**

* Low bomb and torpedo damage compared to its counterparts.
* Aircraft has lower HP.

## Trivia

* The *Hornet* is the last US fleet carrier lost in action.
* The *Hornet*'s wreck was discovered very recently, during 2019.
* The *Hornet*'s last fight was in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, in which she was sunk.
	+ Both the *Enterprise* and *Hornet* were involved in this carrier battle. Sadly enough, *Enterprise* would be forced to withdraw due to extensive damage and leave her sister behind.
	+ The first massive assault wave of planes launched by the Japanese forces focused on the *Hornet* and severely damaged and disabled her, resulting in her needing to be towed at 5 knots. The next assault wave was launched in which one torpedo had struck her starboard side. Unfortunately, this damaged the electrical system severely and caused a 15 degree tilt. At this point, her captain ordered her "sunk" and ordered the crew to abandon ship. As the US support group peeled off to safely, they launched multiple torps and shells at the wounded *Hornet*, trying to scuttle her and prevent Japanese capture.
		- Amazingly, the *Hornet* was just too stubborn to die. It was only after the Japanese forces arrived was she sunk by destroyers *Makigumo* and *Akigumo* using their Long Lance torpedoes.
	+ The Japanese considered this a "major victory" despite the fact that yet another large portion of their pilots where shot down.
* The B-25 bombers that were launched off her deck were not designed to be carried on her. Therefore, the first three bombers that were to takeoff had the least amount of runway and almost went into the water.
* The *Hornet* served a majority of the war alongside her sisters, *Yorktown* (CV-5) and *Enterprise* (CV-6). Unfortunately, *Yorktown* was sunk rather early in the war in the Battle of Midway.
* Over her time in service she had received many nicknames including "Fighting Lady," "Happy Hornet," and "Horny Maru."