The sinking of the USS Hornet (CV-8) during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942, has long been a subject of debate among historians and naval enthusiasts. After suffering catastrophic damage from Japanese dive bombers, torpedo planes, and a subsequent torpedo strike from the Japanese submarine I-21, the question arises: could the Hornet have been saved and removed from the combat zone before Japanese destroyers caught up?
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The Challenges in Saving the USS Hornet
Several factors made it nearly impossible to save the Hornet and prevent its capture or destruction by the advancing Japanese forces:
1. Extent of Damage
The Hornet was severely damaged during the battle. Key issues included:
Multiple Bomb Hits: Japanese dive bombers scored several hits on the flight deck and hangar, causing widespread fires and structural damage.
Torpedo Strikes: At least two torpedoes struck the ship, disabling its propulsion systems and leaving it dead in the water.
Subsequent Fires: Bombs and torpedoes caused uncontrollable fires, exacerbated by fuel and ammunition explosions.
Without propulsion, the Hornet was unable to maneuver or withdraw, leaving it a sitting target.
2. U.S. Naval Decisions
Efforts were made to salvage the carrier, including towing it out of the danger zone:
Attempted Towing: The cruiser USS Northampton attempted to tow the Hornet. However, the combined weight of the stricken carrier and ongoing fires made progress exceedingly slow.
Crew Evacuation: With Japanese forces closing in, the decision was made to evacuate the Hornet’s crew and scuttle the ship.
Towing a burning, disabled carrier amidst the chaos of battle was a daunting task. U.S. commanders recognized the risk of the Hornet being captured or sunk by the approaching Japanese forces.
3. The Japanese Pursuit
Japanese forces were actively hunting the crippled carrier:
Surface Ships: Several Japanese destroyers and cruisers were en route to the area, aiming to capture or destroy the Hornet. Given the carrier's immobility, it was unlikely to escape even with the best salvage efforts.
Air Strikes: Additional Japanese aircraft sorties targeted the U.S. ships attempting to save the Hornet, further hindering rescue efforts.
The advancing Japanese fleet, combined with the Hornet’s vulnerability, made her recovery unrealistic.
Could the Hornet Have Escaped?
In hindsight, the answer is likely no. The severe damage rendered her immobile and defenseless, while the proximity of Japanese forces left little room for effective withdrawal or rescue. Even if repairs were feasible, they would have taken longer than the time available before Japanese destroyers reached the area.