Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 4, 1992):
Launched in 1943, this Essex Class aircraft carrier was part of the wartime buildup of the U.S carrier force during World War II. Hornet's distinguished war career included participation in the invasion of Saipan and the Battle of the Philippine Sea; the amphibious landings on Palau, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa; and strikes against the Japanese home islands; later, she was reactivated for duty in both the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. Hornet also acted as the recovery vessel for the command modules and crews of the first two manned landings on the moon.

Condition:
The Navy identified the Hornet as surplus to its needs and donated it to the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation in May, 1998. The group raised funds to acquire the ship and convert it to a museum and educational facility. Volunteers cleaned up the vessel, brought it to the Alameda Naval Air Station and opened it to the public for tours to raise awareness of the vessel and interest in its preservation. In 2001, the HORNET received a Save America's Treasures matching grant to help make it water tight.

The Landmark received a Save America's Treasures matching grant of $150,000 in 2001.