This exhibit highlights the clothing and personal gear of the men that served on aircraft carriers like USS Hornet. 24 total ships of the Essex class design served in the US Navy.
In this city at sea, about 3,000 people did specific jobs in all parts of the ship. Right now, 5 uniforms are on display: Proximity Suit, Shore Patrol, Sailor, Pilot, and Landing Signal Officer (LSO).
There are many more uniforms that can be displayed, but each one requires an immense amount of work to make into a professional display. Therefore, different uniforms are planned to be rotated in and out of display.
Special thanks to
USS Hornet Museum volunteers that told their stories about their time serving on Essex-class aircraft carriers.
USF Museum Studies Program: Nicholas Guzman for guest curating this exhibit and USF faculty for their support and time.
Photo Description: Sailors receiving cargo on USS Hornet, 1967. Photograph taken by a Photographer’s Mate, part of the ship’s crew. (USS Hornet Museum Collection 2020.037.061)
