IS THE USS HORNET HAUNTED? UNCOVER GHOST STORIES IN ALAMEDA, CA
The service history of the USS Hornet (CV/CVA/CVS-12) is extensive and violent. With notable deployments throughout the Pacific Theatre during World War II, helping during the Vietnam War, and assisting with the Apollo missions, the Essex-class aircraft carrier has done it all. This is why there should be no surprise that while she currently docked in Alameda, California, several reports of ghostly sightings and paranormal activity have been reported. The USS Hornet is a haunted vessel. Don’t believe us? Judge for yourself.
The USS Hornet Has a Haunted History
While the USS Hornet remains one of the most famous ships in U.S. military history, its haunted past and present have left many visitors with an uneasy feeling.
The ship is responsible for playing key roles in major World War II campaigns, including New Guinea, the Marianas, and the Philippines, as well as during the Vietnam War and helping recover the crew from the first moon landing in 1969.
From search and rescue to providing the United States with much-needed surveillance and electronic warfare support through planes and much more, the USS Hornet has done a lot for our nation.
However, because the carrier saw so much action, there have also been a lot of deaths involved with the ship.
Tragically, over 300 Sailors lost their lives. While many were due to combat, there are also reports of accidents.
Adding to the reasons many suspect the USS Hornet is a haunted ship is the gruesome nature of the accidental deaths, including decapitations, being sucked into plane intakes, and jets blowing service members off the deck, to name a few.
Furthermore, no other ship in the Navy maintained a higher suicide rate while the USS Hornet was in service.
Being in the military is a life of sacrifice when the ultimate price must be paid. While we all enjoy these freedoms, the cost is high.
The uneasy feeling visitors feel to this day remains a reminder of the human tragedies that keep our nation safe.
For those who believe in the paranormal, it’s no wonder that plenty of reports continue to come in about restless spirits and unexplainable activities aboard the ship.
Friendly Spirits? Depends Who You Ask
Since the museum opened in 1995, more than 750,000 visitors have climbed aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda, California, with many experiencing weird, paranormal activity while on board.
Caltech has created a catalog of ghost stories about these varying experiences which have ranged from misunderstandings to the unexplainable.
There are many different events including weeks dedicated to the potential haunted experiences the ship has to offer hosted by the museum.
Most notably, there are overnight experiences for visitors that have led to many different stories coming to light.
For example, a Girl Scout reported hearing the scream of a man needing help before ultimately seeing a ghostly figure in their sleeping quarters.
Other Girl Scout groups have mentioned strange occurrences, including a 300-pound locker moving on its own.
Video of a Sailor’s ghost was captured by a visiting family and MMTV’s FearTV’s Fear even recorded an episode around the USS Hornet’s hauntings.
While screams for help might not inspire the idea that these ghosts may be friendly, the volunteers that help make the museum happen never deny that the USS Hornet is haunted, just that the spirits aboard are benign, friendly presences.
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum Haunted Tours
Whether you believe in supernatural occurrences or just want a unique approach to the USS Hornet, taking an after-hours tour can be a creative way to explore this vessel up close and personal.
The history mystery tours are a spooky take on showcasing the history of the USS Hornet, and you can even keep on the lookout for public overnight tours, as well as the chance to book private overnight stays.
It’s hard to say whether or not spirits still roam the ship, looking for the peace they died fighting for.
Yet, if you really want to know if the USS Hornet is haunted or not, your best bet may just be to check it out for yourself.
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