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My Dad served on the Hornet when they picked up Apollo 11. When it came to Alameda to be a floating museum, he was a part of the first group of volunteers to help with restoration and took us to where he worked/lived while onboard AND his name was still on his locker in the Machine Shop! He was very proud to have served on that ship as well as help get it repaired and cleaned up for the public. He didn't get to see its full restoration, but I know he took pride in his time doing what he could on CVS -12 both in Service and in Restoration... Thank you for the awesome video!
I was a volunteer on the Hornet in the early years of it being converted to a living museum. I might have crossed paths with your father. I worked security and helped with the restoration of the F-8 Crusader Cop Pit that was on display. Was there when the F-14 was delivered to the ship. Haven’t been there in about 10 years but from what I can see there has been a lot of progress in the restoration.
@christygruber2283 Hey, get your own interjections to use! I paid good money for that "wow!" . ...and you used up all of my exclamation points! ( _I was gonna use three here._ ) . 😄🤣
I was also an Interior Communications Electrician first on a Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG2) Then on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) until I retired. The unique thing is we were responsible for equipment in almost every compartment on board, So we had to learn are way around. This brought back some good memories, THANKS.
Back when that naval air base was still operating, some friends and I helped a sailor repair his flat tire. He repaid us by giving us a tour of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. This was back in the early 1990s. The Carl Vinson is a modern aircraft carrier that is still in service to this day.
Did the same when the Vinson was in Alameda for maintenance. I still had my yellow card then and my dad (retired military) and I went on base to look around. The OOD was nice enough to give us a short look around the ship, including the flight deck. There is a lot of room when it's not full of Hornets or Tomcats. :)
I had a "sleepover" on the USS Hornet when I was about 10 years old and in Boy Scouts back in 1998-ish. 60 of us stayed on the ship and had to do things like night shifts and do "guard" at various locations of the boat. All fun and games until you learn that this boat is insanely haunted. The first 2 hours on the boat was a presentation by the 2 volunteers who painted 80% of the lower decks themselves. Their stories were something else... My friends and I had to do night watch about 4 decks down and in the middle of the boat. We literally just sat in a room by ourselves (bunch of 5th graders) with nothing but a notepad and flashlights. The sounds you hear is something else. Foot steps, voices, knocks... We thought our parents were messing with us, but you are in the middle of a metal city with zero people around you. We didn't sleep that night.
That's amazing! Your dad must have had some incredible stories to share about his time on the Hornet. It's wonderful to hear that he was able to contribute to the restoration of such a historic ship. His dedication and pride in his service are truly commendable. Thank you for sharing this touching tribute to your father.
I remember as a kid doing a night cap, of them telling spooky stories with flashlights then being scared afterward. We were in a smaller group, not by ourselves though. 2004? ish?
I live in Alameda and love the Hornet not to mention spirits alley down through the air base. Most of the volunteers on the carrier are people who worked on the ship so you get first hand stories from them. Don't know how much longer that will last but it's a great experience.
Your words mean a lot to me and I am honored to carry on my father's legacy. It is heartwarming to see his hard work and dedication recognized by others. Thank you for showing appreciation for his service in preserving the history of the Hornet.
The OG USS hornet and USS enterprise will always be my favorite aircraft carriers. Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. The battle is won your memory, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You can rest now.
I am grateful for your appreciation of my dad's dedication to preserving the history of the Hornet. His service was truly admirable and I am proud to continue his legacy. Thank you for your kind words.
I'm glad to hear that you appreciate my kind words. It's touching to see the impact that my dad's stories and dedication to the Hornet have had on others. I'm truly thankful for the memories we shared and the legacy he left behind.
Gosh! I lived in Alameda for years! When my folks came to visit, my Dad always wanted to go out on the Hornet. It’s such an amazing piece of history and proud that she was restored.
Makes me sad thinking about Hornet CV8 and her sister CV6. AKA USS Enterprise. Enterprise watched both her sisters die, and there was nothing she could do about it. In her anger, rage, and shear determination, she stared down the empire of Japan and won. After earning the most battle stars of any US carrier and serving her country even after enduring so much, we had audacity to scrap her. Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. You fought the good fight, and the battle is won. You can now finally rest. Glory to the yorktowns and glory to my lady, the Grey Ghost.
@@PauloPereira-jj4jv CV-8 Hornet and CV-6 Enterprise were both Yorktown-class carriers. The current Hornet (CV-12) in Alameda is an Essex-class carrier.
I work on the Hornet now in the education department , and we usually run the school tours and overnights. Looks like you got a "Special Tour" with Nic and Laura. It's always funner with 100 of your closest friends onboard as well, but that's always fun too. Hope you guys enjoyed, and thanks for showing people around!
I live on the East Coast of America, and over here we have a very similar experience known as *BATTLESHIP COVE.* Battleship Cove, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a renowned maritime museum and war memorial. It boasts the world’s largest collection of World War II-era naval vessels, including the highly-decorated battleship USS Massachusetts. As a memorial, it honors all Bay Staters who perished in service during World War II. Battleship Cove serves as a historical tribute, preserving the military heritage of the New England region and the United States since 1965. It’s a place of education and reflection, offering visitors a chance to explore naval history and the sacrifices made for freedom. Many years ago, when my sons were young and in the Boy Scouts of America, my wife and I joined the troop ( _along with many other parents_ ) for a sleepover on the battleship *USS Massachusetts.* It was a truly wonderful, memorable experience! So whether you are on the West Coast or the East Coast, I highly recommend you bring your friends and family with you and spend a night or a weekend on board!
I am truly touched by your kind words and grateful for your recognition of my father's dedication to preserving the history of the Hornet. His service was truly admirable, and I am proud to continue his legacy. Thank you for your appreciation.
Fun Fact: Two of the vessels at Battleship Cove are movie stars. The submarine was used in Run Silent, Run Deep. The destroyer was used in 13 Days. We also had an East German missile boat, but it was scrapped due to maintenance costs. R.I.P. Hiddensee
I am grateful for your kind words and support. I am committed to continuing my father's work and preserving the history of the Hornet. Thank you for recognizing his dedication.
Fantastic tour of a REAL piece of military history!! As a volunteer at a WW2 museum, I was geeking out over this video! Thank you for the amazing tour!
I spent four years on the USS Enterprise. I loved your mini documentary of the Hornet Museum. Also, I 100% support left over pizza for breakfast. Nothing better.
As a former sailor on the Hornet you guys did a great job, I was a IC man too, as well as a ships master at arms( ship police) I never saw a ghost. Greatest experience of my life. I was transferred before the decommissioning too. Greatest ship ever.
You guys are lucky. People might be shaving with scrap from Saratoga now. Watching her shrink slowly in the breakers yard from Google Earth point of view was very sad. My other ship, Yosemite went down in a SINKEX off of NC. At least she still exists a couple of thousand fathoms deep in the Atlantic. You guys can actually show friends/relatives your workspace and berthing. I truly envy you. Data Systems Technician here.
I'm a docent aboard the USS Hornet Museum and you did a GREAT job of both story telling and photography. There are quite a few places aboard that you missed, but that can be corrected the next time you come on board. Great video.
This is so cool, Mike, surprising Andrew and Kyle with this sleepover! My father, James Oliver, was an Aviation Ordinance Man on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard- CVA 31 from 1962 to 1965. His ship was also an Essex Class aircraft carrier. Since I was a boy, I've always wanted to tour an aircraft carrier, and your video helped me realize my dream, kind of. Thank you so very much for this! What a treat! And thank you, Kyle and Andrew, for all of the excellent editing work you do on this channel.
I remember vividly, being scared when they told ghost stories during a night cap while on here when I was young. Then sleeping in those bunker beds with the smell of metal and electrical hums. It was actually fun.
I just told your friend will on his channel about my two disabled adult sons how they love watching his show also because one of them has the real short attention span we've been watched his show and now yours keep up the great work❤
The USS Hornet and several other retired Navy Vessels have active Amateur radio clubs. I have talked to the Hornet several times over HF radio. The club gets permission from the Navy to use the Hornets original callsign from WW2 “NBGC”. I get chills down my spine each time.
It’s nice to see the uss hornet get more recognition on TH-cam from bigger creators I’m from alameda where it’s docked and it’s as amazing as it is in the video
Thanks for another history lesson at an unusual experience. I couldn't do it, so it was fun to watch through your eyes. Many thanks to all the service men and women who served their time on the ship.
My boys and I visited USS Hornet back in 2019. Areas were blocked off due to renovations. But I am pretty sure that Downie got a special treatment and he had access to areas that you normally would not get to. Good video.
I live in Alameda and seeing this in my subscriptions tab made my jaw drop, so cool to see you in town! I’ve gone out to the hornet to fish dozens of times, and love it
I used to live in Alameda in my childhood to adolescence years. Just watching you drive to the USS Hornet brought back so much memories especially the tube connecting Oakland and Alameda. I took some friends there and they were amazing how big navy ships are in person. 😊
Great vid, Mike. My grandfather was a machinist who helped refit Hornet in the Brooklyn Navy Yard during all of 1952. He was given a piece of the flight deck commemorating a complete year of solid production. I believe Hornet was the last of the wooden decked carriers. Happy to share a photo if you're interested..
What an adventure for you and your friends! The most poignant moment for me watching this was the history record at 3.15. Seems that the USS Hornet was one of two US aircraft carriers that worked in cooperation with the Australian Navy/Army/Air Force during the liberation of the Philippines in which my late father played a part. He served as a sapper on the HMAS Manoora, one of three merchant navy vessels that were equipped as armed light cruisers with landing ship infantry during the liberation campaign from March until November 1944. Amongst other memorabilia, I have Dad's service medals from that era, including the Filipino Liberation Medal that was awarded many years later in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation. Thanks for re-awakening my late father's history. Cheers from Michael in Melbourne.🙂
We used to do this as a group trip for sub scouts. Never an aircraft carrier though, they were retired destroyers from world war 2. The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one
@lemmyspeaks can you read more than a sentence and construe connections between them? "they were retired destroyers from world war 2. The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one." In this sentence construction, "my favorite one" must refer to an item as being part of a set. Saying "The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one" alone loses meaning unless you know "one of what?" Favorite museum, favorite museum ship, favorite museum ship at Battleship Cove, favorite attraction in Fall River, MA - we don't know without context. But OP says "retired destroyers from world war 2". Thus, we plug that in where "one" was and we get "The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite retired destroyer from world war 2", which is a correct statement of OP's personal preference but an incorrect status of the class of BB-59, which is in fact a retired battleship.
My dad's sister served aboard USS Eisenhower and her position would be on the flight deck bring in the planes as they land on the flight deck. I remember her picture of her going through the Suez Carnal.
My father-in-law was a plank holder on this ship . He was a plane captain during the war. It's an interesting tour and a very historic ship. Thank you.
I love my WW2 history, and the Hornet has it in spades. What an awesome experience to witness Bar just keeps getting higher haha. Awesome video....as usual. We truly do NOT know where you're going next Downie. But I know well all be there with ya.
Spent 12 years as a docent on board. Had a great time and met some great people. Heard some interesting stories from WWll veterans that aren't in history books. Too many experiences to pass on here.....
I was lucky enough to spend the night on the USS Yorktown in Charleston SC back in my Boy Scout days. Still one of my favorite camping trips I ever took!
I just started watching your channel and I want to say I enjoy it very well and I also subscribe to your other friends I might can't travel like you guys but I can enjoy pretending to be there with you guys keep up the great work 💯
I've been watching since your California Zephyr video, which inspired me to take the trip with my dad. Two 6ft+ men in that tiny roomette was cramped but it was definitely an unforgettable experience (We almost got left behind in Winnemucca at midnight while it was snowing). You've been on some crazy adventures but never would I have thought you'd make a video in my hometown.
I've stayed overnight on the hornet for a few days once. I used to be a sea scout, and in my last year (2006/7?) one of the big Regattas was held there. Old Salts or Ancient Mariners, I don't recall specifically - but it was a lot of fun. We basically had the run of the ship, and I absolutely snuck off to do some of my own exploration without delving into the lower (more unsafe) decks.
Was on this wirh my partner. Had a Lincoln Car Show. Tours, they let you go free to explore. Did not have all the aircrafts on. Made it to Bridge, down to Engine Room, Down more levels... Did not know about light switches, so did not go into Darkness. We did not have knees, muscles left from all those stair ladders. Just Wow you can sleep on it now!
I did the sleepover on the Lexington, which is also an Essex class carrier. I found it remarkable that there 14 Essex carriers that saw serious action in WWII. Total that were sunk: 0.
Buddy....you can use "boat" all day. Ive helped design these and many of US vessels as well as Canadian ones. We use "boat" almost exclusively. This was AWESOME!!! I wanna go soooooooo bad!
I did a sleepover on this exact aircraft carrier when I was a kid in boy scouts! What an interesting night it was! Probably in that exact bunk the tour guide mentioned they give the scouts!
When I saw the thumbnail, I said, no way this is the USS Hornet! The carrier that launched the Doolittle Raid! I knew that carrier was sunk during WWII. But that USS Hornet was a Yorktown class carrier! This USS Hornet is a Essex Class carrier!
Makes me sad thinking about Hornet CV8 and her sister CV6. AKA USS Enterprise. Enterprise watched both her sisters die, and there was nothing she could do about it. In her anger, rage, and shear determination, she stared down the empire of Japan and won. After earning the most battle stars of any US carrier and serving her country even after enduring so much, we had audacity to scrap her. Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. You fought the good fight, and the battle is won. You can now finally rest. Glory to the yorktowns and glory to my lady, the Grey Ghost.
They did a great job of restoring it and you were lucky to spend the night on it. At the beginnin g I misunderstood and thought they had turned it into a hotel like the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
Would love to visit it, my uncle was a gunners mate on one of the anti-aircraft guns right after it got commissioned. He was sent to the Pacific Theatre and saw lots of action, was wounded below the knee by a Japanese Zero bullet. I still have his Blue jacket handbook.
i never knew you could do that. When I was in Navy ROTC in college we would get to do summer cruises for a month or so and we would be billeted with the officers. We learned all operations of a ship. Once I was stationed on a nuclear carrier. Now that was an experience.
8:31 "I don't know how you know where you are on the ship" as he pans past a Bullseye that tells him exactly where he is. We changed the nomenclature on them so that they were easier to read. I don't know where he is other than in a space between frames 44-50 as I can't fully read the old ones. 11:11 Points to a Sound Powered Phone Handset. The Navy still uses those...in fact that same model.
That looks so cool! Would be really neat to stay on an aircraft carrier! If you are ever in Ontario, you should visit Smiths Falls and spend the night in a train caboose at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario! You'd love that Mike! I did it twice and it was so much fun!
Many years ago, one of my elementary school classmates had a birthday sleepover on the USS Blueback, an old Barbel-class US Navy sub that, among other service distinctions, appeared in the movie The Hunt for Red October.
I remember doing something on the USS Yorktown in Charleston SC (the replacement for the one sunk in WWII). The sleeping accommodations were in the stern and face several other museum ships in the area.
USS Hornet CV-8 was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier. She launched the famed Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942 in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Nice! Now live there for ten months with three days ashore every month and the same food week after week. Also, you work every day for 8 hours if you’re lucky and 16 hours if you’re not. Even if you’re proud of your military service, like I am, and never in any real danger it’s still unending tedium. On the plus side you’ll work out a lot because there’s nothing else to do. I have nothing against these tours but don’t ever get it into your head that you’re getting the sailor experience.
I've taken a few groups of scouts for overnights on the hornet. The docents are amazing! They even do the ghost tour for the kids. There is also a submarine in the Fisherman's Warf area that does overnights. Talk about tight quarters.
I have too...i was a Navy nuclear engineering officer and one of my assignments involved operation inspections of the engineering and reactor departments...
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That's fantastic. There's so much shadow-banning and sensorship going on, its nice to find an outlet for the whole truth. Or both sides of a story😌
I go there for fleet week
You should do a day in life of u.s. coast gaurd at coast gaurd island ther
You should go see a rocket launch in FL or TX and cover that in a video! Sure someone who works down there would love to show you around!
My Dad served on the Hornet when they picked up Apollo 11. When it came to Alameda to be a floating museum, he was a part of the first group of volunteers to help with restoration and took us to where he worked/lived while onboard AND his name was still on his locker in the Machine Shop! He was very proud to have served on that ship as well as help get it repaired and cleaned up for the public. He didn't get to see its full restoration, but I know he took pride in his time doing what he could on CVS -12 both in Service and in Restoration... Thank you for the awesome video!
For ur dad: thanks for the service
Probably your father was a person who had killed many
@@chesscostley2952war criminals
I was a volunteer on the Hornet in the early years of it being converted to a living museum. I might have crossed paths with your father. I worked security and helped with the restoration of the F-8 Crusader Cop Pit that was on display. Was there when the F-14 was delivered to the ship. Haven’t been there in about 10 years but from what I can see there has been a lot of progress in the restoration.
@@LFMotorhead I am sure you guys did, many people helped bring that ship back to life. William Butler was his name.
High school senior here! We JUST had our Senior prom on this ship literally like 2 weeks ago, so cool to see it more in depth !
I’m sorry, did you say you had your SENIOR PROM at ship?!?! Seriously that’s so cool, I would have killed to have such an awesome prom
Where exactly did you gather for the prom activities? On deck? In a room below deck? If so, which room?
@@mbgrafixthere’s an event space inside the ship I think it’s the main museum floor
@@Xoxoiluy
Wow! Who knew?
@christygruber2283
Hey, get your own interjections to use! I paid good money for that "wow!"
.
...and you used up all of my exclamation points! ( _I was gonna use three here._ )
.
😄🤣
I was also an Interior Communications Electrician first on a Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG2) Then on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) until I retired. The unique thing is we were responsible for equipment in almost every compartment on board, So we had to learn are way around.
This brought back some good memories, THANKS.
Back when that naval air base was still operating, some friends and I helped a sailor repair his flat tire. He repaid us by giving us a tour of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. This was back in the early 1990s. The Carl Vinson is a modern aircraft carrier that is still in service to this day.
Did the same when the Vinson was in Alameda for maintenance. I still had my yellow card then and my dad (retired military) and I went on base to look around. The OOD was nice enough to give us a short look around the ship, including the flight deck. There is a lot of room when it's not full of Hornets or Tomcats. :)
I had a "sleepover" on the USS Hornet when I was about 10 years old and in Boy Scouts back in 1998-ish. 60 of us stayed on the ship and had to do things like night shifts and do "guard" at various locations of the boat. All fun and games until you learn that this boat is insanely haunted. The first 2 hours on the boat was a presentation by the 2 volunteers who painted 80% of the lower decks themselves. Their stories were something else... My friends and I had to do night watch about 4 decks down and in the middle of the boat. We literally just sat in a room by ourselves (bunch of 5th graders) with nothing but a notepad and flashlights. The sounds you hear is something else. Foot steps, voices, knocks... We thought our parents were messing with us, but you are in the middle of a metal city with zero people around you. We didn't sleep that night.
How very true when I spent the night on the ship I heard doors opening and closing
Didn't seem very haunted to me when I was overnight on it as a seascout. Ships are.... loud.
The exact same thing I did.
From upstate New York
That's amazing! Your dad must have had some incredible stories to share about his time on the Hornet. It's wonderful to hear that he was able to contribute to the restoration of such a historic ship. His dedication and pride in his service are truly commendable. Thank you for sharing this touching tribute to your father.
I remember as a kid doing a night cap, of them telling spooky stories with flashlights then being scared afterward. We were in a smaller group, not by ourselves though. 2004? ish?
I live in Alameda and love the Hornet not to mention spirits alley down through the air base. Most of the volunteers on the carrier are people who worked on the ship so you get first hand stories from them. Don't know how much longer that will last but it's a great experience.
Your words mean a lot to me and I am honored to carry on my father's legacy. It is heartwarming to see his hard work and dedication recognized by others. Thank you for showing appreciation for his service in preserving the history of the Hornet.
AF has an airbase, and the Navy has a Naval Air Sation
The OG USS hornet and USS enterprise will always be my favorite aircraft carriers. Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. The battle is won your memory, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You can rest now.
Well, technically, the "OG" Hornet was from the war of independence, so 1775. CV-12 Hornet is the 8th US Ship named Hornet.
@@KennethStone but you know which ones I meant right.
@@zacharyfreelove6101 wasn’t sure, so that’s why I asked. I hear “OG Hornet”, I think “1775”. If I hear “the last Hornet”, I think “CV 8”.
Downie's dad lore is gonna be epic
I am grateful for your appreciation of my dad's dedication to preserving the history of the Hornet. His service was truly admirable and I am proud to continue his legacy. Thank you for your kind words.
I'm glad to hear that you appreciate my kind words. It's touching to see the impact that my dad's stories and dedication to the Hornet have had on others. I'm truly thankful for the memories we shared and the legacy he left behind.
Gosh! I lived in Alameda for years! When my folks came to visit, my Dad always wanted to go out on the Hornet. It’s such an amazing piece of history and proud that she was restored.
Hey now, nice profile pick. "Are you kind?"
@@jeremynall9173 yes I am🙂
Makes me sad thinking about Hornet CV8 and her sister CV6. AKA USS Enterprise. Enterprise watched both her sisters die, and there was nothing she could do about it. In her anger, rage, and shear determination, she stared down the empire of Japan and won.
After earning the most battle stars of any US carrier and serving her country even after enduring so much, we had audacity to scrap her.
Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. You fought the good fight, and the battle is won. You can now finally rest. Glory to the yorktowns and glory to my lady, the Grey Ghost.
The Hornet was NOT the sister ship of the CV-6 Enterprise. It was the YORKTOWN. The Hornet was of another class.
@@PauloPereira-jj4jv no it wasn't cv8 was designated as a Yorktown.
@@PauloPereira-jj4jv CV-8 Hornet and CV-6 Enterprise were both Yorktown-class carriers. The current Hornet (CV-12) in Alameda is an Essex-class carrier.
I work on the Hornet now in the education department , and we usually run the school tours and overnights. Looks like you got a "Special Tour" with Nic and Laura. It's always funner with 100 of your closest friends onboard as well, but that's always fun too. Hope you guys enjoyed, and thanks for showing people around!
I live on the East Coast of America, and over here we have a very similar experience known as
*BATTLESHIP COVE.*
Battleship Cove, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a renowned maritime museum and war memorial. It boasts the world’s largest collection of World War II-era naval vessels, including the highly-decorated battleship USS Massachusetts. As a memorial, it honors all Bay Staters who perished in service during World War II. Battleship Cove serves as a historical tribute, preserving the military heritage of the New England region and the United States since 1965. It’s a place of education and reflection, offering visitors a chance to explore naval history and the sacrifices made for freedom.
Many years ago, when my sons were young and in the Boy Scouts of America, my wife and I joined the troop ( _along with many other parents_ ) for a sleepover on the battleship *USS Massachusetts.* It was a truly wonderful, memorable experience!
So whether you are on the West Coast or the East Coast, I highly recommend you bring your friends and family with you and spend a night or a weekend on board!
I am truly touched by your kind words and grateful for your recognition of my father's dedication to preserving the history of the Hornet. His service was truly admirable, and I am proud to continue his legacy. Thank you for your appreciation.
Fun Fact: Two of the vessels at Battleship Cove are movie stars.
The submarine was used in Run Silent, Run Deep.
The destroyer was used in 13 Days.
We also had an East German missile boat, but it was scrapped due to maintenance costs.
R.I.P. Hiddensee
@@Yogasefski
Did not know that (or I forgot).
i wonder if thats were my troop did a sleepover when i was kid in the mid 90s? i lived in CT. i have no recollection of where it was.
@dirtrider88
May very well be.
I got to sleep aboard the Hornet last week, as I'm going to be doing some work on one of the displays.
I wandered the ship just before dawn.
I am grateful for your kind words and support. I am committed to continuing my father's work and preserving the history of the Hornet. Thank you for recognizing his dedication.
Fantastic tour of a REAL piece of military history!! As a volunteer at a WW2 museum, I was geeking out over this video! Thank you for the amazing tour!
I spent four years on the USS Enterprise. I loved your mini documentary of the Hornet Museum. Also, I 100% support left over pizza for breakfast. Nothing better.
As a former sailor on the Hornet you guys did a great job, I was a IC man too, as well as a ships master at arms( ship police) I never saw a ghost. Greatest experience of my life. I was transferred before the decommissioning too. Greatest ship ever.
You guys are lucky. People might be shaving with scrap from Saratoga now. Watching her shrink slowly in the breakers yard from Google Earth point of view was very sad. My other ship, Yosemite went down in a SINKEX off of NC. At least she still exists a couple of thousand fathoms deep in the Atlantic. You guys can actually show friends/relatives your workspace and berthing. I truly envy you. Data Systems Technician here.
I'm a docent aboard the USS Hornet Museum and you did a GREAT job of both story telling and photography. There are quite a few places aboard that you missed, but that can be corrected the next time you come on board. Great video.
Thanks Mike for bringing back some great memories. My father served in the US Navy during World War Ii. Thank you.
This is so cool, Mike, surprising Andrew and Kyle with this sleepover! My father, James Oliver, was an Aviation Ordinance Man on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard- CVA 31 from 1962 to 1965. His ship was also an Essex Class aircraft carrier. Since I was a boy, I've always wanted to tour an aircraft carrier, and your video helped me realize my dream, kind of. Thank you so very much for this! What a treat! And thank you, Kyle and Andrew, for all of the excellent editing work you do on this channel.
Your father has a great comedy news show.
I remember vividly, being scared when they told ghost stories during a night cap while on here when I was young. Then sleeping in those bunker beds with the smell of metal and electrical hums. It was actually fun.
My kids and I got to do a sleepover when they were in scouts on the Hornet! Best overnight trip EVER!! The coolest!
I just told your friend will on his channel about my two disabled adult sons how they love watching his show also because one of them has the real short attention span we've been watched his show and now yours keep up the great work❤
I helped move the Hornet to Alameda when it was going to become a museum! Cool!
The USS Hornet and several other retired Navy Vessels have active Amateur radio clubs. I have talked to the Hornet several times over HF radio. The club gets permission from the Navy to use the Hornets original callsign from WW2 “NBGC”. I get chills down my spine each time.
It’s nice to see the uss hornet get more recognition on TH-cam from bigger creators I’m from alameda where it’s docked and it’s as amazing as it is in the video
Thanks for another history lesson at an unusual experience. I couldn't do it, so it was fun to watch through your eyes. Many thanks to all the service men and women who served their time on the ship.
Had to laugh when you said Tail fin on the stern, Fantail.
Ya, I notice that and chuckled too.
Awesome video . I would love to stay on her for a week. She was a icon to our military history.
My boys and I visited USS Hornet back in 2019. Areas were blocked off due to renovations. But I am pretty sure that Downie got a special treatment and he had access to areas that you normally would not get to. Good video.
I live in Alameda and seeing this in my subscriptions tab made my jaw drop, so cool to see you in town! I’ve gone out to the hornet to fish dozens of times, and love it
I used to live in Alameda in my childhood to adolescence years. Just watching you drive to the USS Hornet brought back so much memories especially the tube connecting Oakland and Alameda. I took some friends there and they were amazing how big navy ships are in person. 😊
Great vid, Mike. My grandfather was a machinist who helped refit Hornet in the Brooklyn Navy Yard during all of 1952. He was given a piece of the flight deck commemorating a complete year of solid production. I believe Hornet was the last of the wooden decked carriers. Happy to share a photo if you're interested..
"MAKE A HOLE!!" going down the ladder.
you said it Mike, awesome!
Really great of you to share a trip with your team and for us to meet the editor team!
What an adventure for you and your friends! The most poignant moment for me watching this was the history record at 3.15. Seems that the USS Hornet was one of two US aircraft carriers that worked in cooperation with the Australian Navy/Army/Air Force during the liberation of the Philippines in which my late father played a part. He served as a sapper on the HMAS Manoora, one of three merchant navy vessels that were equipped as armed light cruisers with landing ship infantry during the liberation campaign from March until November 1944. Amongst other memorabilia, I have Dad's service medals from that era, including the Filipino Liberation Medal that was awarded many years later in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation. Thanks for re-awakening my late father's history. Cheers from Michael in Melbourne.🙂
Breakfast of Champions, except that you're missing the warm beer. Then its really the Breakfast of Champions.
Imagine the boat trailer.
Visiting Battleship Cove in Mass. and touring those ships made me appreciate having joined the USAF.
We used to do this as a group trip for sub scouts. Never an aircraft carrier though, they were retired destroyers from world war 2.
The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one
Isn't USS Massachusetts a battleship?
@@djcfrompt can you read? “Never an aircraft carrier though, they were retired Destroyers from WW2”
@lemmyspeaks can you read more than a sentence and construe connections between them?
"they were retired destroyers from world war 2. The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one."
In this sentence construction, "my favorite one" must refer to an item as being part of a set. Saying "The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite one" alone loses meaning unless you know "one of what?" Favorite museum, favorite museum ship, favorite museum ship at Battleship Cove, favorite attraction in Fall River, MA - we don't know without context. But OP says "retired destroyers from world war 2". Thus, we plug that in where "one" was and we get "The USS Massachusetts was probably my favorite retired destroyer from world war 2", which is a correct statement of OP's personal preference but an incorrect status of the class of BB-59, which is in fact a retired battleship.
I did this same experience with my Cub scout troop when I was younger. Such a fun experience to explore the whole place after normal hours.
OH BOY HES BACK AT THE SEA ONCE AGAIN!! LESSS GOOO
Pretty epic! Those torpedo monorail tracks are fascinating! So much history on that ship.
Going down the ladder well backwards is so funny
Nice to see Andrew and Kyle in the video! Seems like an epic experience even though Andrew got a little scared on that ghost tour :D
My dad's sister served aboard USS Eisenhower and her position would be on the flight deck bring in the planes as they land on the flight deck. I remember her picture of her going through the Suez Carnal.
My father-in-law was a plank holder on this ship . He was a plane captain during the war. It's an interesting tour and a very historic ship. Thank you.
I love my WW2 history, and the Hornet has it in spades. What an awesome experience to witness
Bar just keeps getting higher haha. Awesome video....as usual. We truly do NOT know where you're going next Downie. But I know well all be there with ya.
Wow what an exciting adventure, thanks Mike, I love it❤
You got the fancy accommodations 😂 I was enlisted and they’re not the spacious nor nice lol
Spent 12 years as a docent on board. Had a great time and met some great people. Heard some interesting stories from WWll veterans that aren't in history books. Too many experiences to pass on here.....
I was lucky enough to spend the night on the USS Yorktown in Charleston SC back in my Boy Scout days. Still one of my favorite camping trips I ever took!
I've always wanted to see inside of a naval aircraft carrier ship, you've made my day. Superb one.
Still love that I did 5 years in the Navy and you have spent more time on a US Navy ship than I have.
I just started watching your channel and I want to say I enjoy it very well and I also subscribe to your other friends I might can't travel like you guys but I can enjoy pretending to be there with you guys keep up the great work 💯
i absolutely love everything aviation so i am super jealous of yall getting to stay on the ship!
I've been watching since your California Zephyr video, which inspired me to take the trip with my dad. Two 6ft+ men in that tiny roomette was cramped but it was definitely an unforgettable experience (We almost got left behind in Winnemucca at midnight while it was snowing). You've been on some crazy adventures but never would I have thought you'd make a video in my hometown.
I've stayed overnight on the hornet for a few days once. I used to be a sea scout, and in my last year (2006/7?) one of the big Regattas was held there. Old Salts or Ancient Mariners, I don't recall specifically - but it was a lot of fun. We basically had the run of the ship, and I absolutely snuck off to do some of my own exploration without delving into the lower (more unsafe) decks.
I remember visiting the Hornet when it was decorated as a Halloween haunt with scare actors. It was really creepy.
Was on this wirh my partner. Had a Lincoln Car Show. Tours, they let you go free to explore. Did not have all the aircrafts on. Made it to Bridge, down to Engine Room, Down more levels... Did not know about light switches, so did not go into Darkness. We did not have knees, muscles left from all those stair ladders. Just Wow you can sleep on it now!
Dude, you have the best job! Love this. Thanks for sharing.
Loved the video, you walked down the escalator and didn't notice though! Always the coolest way to get to the deck in your flight suit
I did the sleepover on the Lexington, which is also an Essex class carrier. I found it remarkable that there 14 Essex carriers that saw serious action in WWII. Total that were sunk: 0.
Awesome video, have always been a fan of your channel, cool to show off to your audience an important and historic museum ship!
Great video, and your tour guides were awesome.
I was stationed there in the mid 90's. I was on the USS Samuel Gompers AD 37. Nice base. Enjoyed your video.
Buddy....you can use "boat" all day. Ive helped design these and many of US vessels as well as Canadian ones. We use "boat" almost exclusively. This was AWESOME!!! I wanna go soooooooo bad!
This is very cool. I am going to keep this in mind.
I did a sleepover on this exact aircraft carrier when I was a kid in boy scouts! What an interesting night it was! Probably in that exact bunk the tour guide mentioned they give the scouts!
Another fantastic adventure. Thanks for providing such entertaining and educational content. Looking forward to the next adventure.
That was amazing thanks so much. Your posts are incredible Downie Live
Glad you like them!
When I saw the thumbnail, I said, no way this is the USS Hornet! The carrier that launched the Doolittle Raid! I knew that carrier was sunk during WWII. But that USS Hornet was a Yorktown class carrier! This USS Hornet is a Essex Class carrier!
Makes me sad thinking about Hornet CV8 and her sister CV6. AKA USS Enterprise. Enterprise watched both her sisters die, and there was nothing she could do about it. In her anger, rage, and shear determination, she stared down the empire of Japan and won.
After earning the most battle stars of any US carrier and serving her country even after enduring so much, we had audacity to scrap her.
Rest in peace Yorktown, Hornet, and Enterprise. You fought the good fight, and the battle is won. You can now finally rest. Glory to the yorktowns and glory to my lady, the Grey Ghost.
That tour was hot. Thanks!
glad to see your buds tag along!
They did a great job of restoring it and you were lucky to spend the night on it. At the beginnin g I misunderstood and thought they had turned it into a hotel like the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
Would love to visit it, my uncle was a gunners mate on one of the anti-aircraft guns right after it got commissioned. He was sent to the Pacific Theatre and saw lots of action, was wounded below the knee by a Japanese Zero bullet. I still have his Blue jacket handbook.
i never knew you could do that. When I was in Navy ROTC in college we would get to do summer cruises for a month or so and we would be billeted with the officers. We learned all operations of a ship. Once I was stationed on a nuclear carrier. Now that was an experience.
Ok, what a fun sleepover! I had no idea this ship even existed and was available for such a thing. 😊👍
I've slept on the USS Midway in San Diego, I slept in the crew quarters, which are very compact. The USS Midway is a museum as well.
8:31 "I don't know how you know where you are on the ship" as he pans past a Bullseye that tells him exactly where he is. We changed the nomenclature on them so that they were easier to read. I don't know where he is other than in a space between frames 44-50 as I can't fully read the old ones.
11:11 Points to a Sound Powered Phone Handset. The Navy still uses those...in fact that same model.
That looks so cool! Would be really neat to stay on an aircraft carrier! If you are ever in Ontario, you should visit Smiths Falls and spend the night in a train caboose at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario! You'd love that Mike! I did it twice and it was so much fun!
Many years ago, one of my elementary school classmates had a birthday sleepover on the USS Blueback, an old Barbel-class US Navy sub that, among other service distinctions, appeared in the movie The Hunt for Red October.
I’m surprised the flight deck is so empty! Other carrier museums like the Midway and intrepid have tons of planes on their flight decks!
The Intrepid even having a space shuttle.
Another WoW! I'm speechless. That is incredible! Thanks.
Your videos never disappoint. Thanks!
I love the historic sites you visit
As a US Navy vet that served on the Theodore Roosevelt in the 90s, this was fun to watch.
I remember doing something on the USS Yorktown in Charleston SC (the replacement for the one sunk in WWII).
The sleeping accommodations were in the stern and face several other museum ships in the area.
My dad served 2 years on the Hornet in the Korean War, he’s no longer with us but I’m sure he would have loved seeing this.
6:40 ... AND MIKE COLLINS haha cant help myself. gotta give the love to the unsung crewmember of apollo 11
USS Hornet CV-8 was a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier. She launched the famed Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942 in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
When I did this as a Bear Cub Scout 8 years ago, it was an amazing experience sleeping on the three man bunks.
Very cool! There are some other fun ships like this on the east coast too
Its fascinating. What a great experience
I helped decommission her back in the early 90's. It was and is a floating museum.
Great tour. Thanks!
Nice! Now live there for ten months with three days ashore every month and the same food week after week. Also, you work every day for 8 hours if you’re lucky and 16 hours if you’re not.
Even if you’re proud of your military service, like I am, and never in any real danger it’s still unending tedium. On the plus side you’ll work out a lot because there’s nothing else to do.
I have nothing against these tours but don’t ever get it into your head that you’re getting the sailor experience.
I've taken a few groups of scouts for overnights on the hornet. The docents are amazing! They even do the ghost tour for the kids. There is also a submarine in the Fisherman's Warf area that does overnights. Talk about tight quarters.
Thank you, this was a real cool idea.
I have too...i was a Navy nuclear engineering officer and one of my assignments involved operation inspections of the engineering and reactor departments...