Berthed at Pier 3 at the former Naval Air Station Alameda, the USS Hornet carries an undeniable haunting presence. With its imposing steel-gray exterior and storied history, the ship has earned its nickname, “The Gray Ghost,” both for its wartime call sign and countless ghostly sightings. Decommissioned for the final time in June 1970, the USS Hornet stands as one of the most unique and energetically charged vessels, often overwhelming psychic empaths with its lingering energy. Even stepping aboard can stir an unmistakable sense of its storied past. We’re thrilled to announce that Spirit Realm Network will be hosting future live-streaming event from this incredible location! Stay tuned as more details begin to dock.
Hauntings in the USS Hornet
The USS Hornet stands as a repository of the past, a ship steeped in history and ghostly reminders of its storied legacy. Echoes of gunfire, the shouts of long-lost crew members, and phantom footsteps have all been reported. Tables move on their own, and lights flicker unpredictably as if the ship itself breathes with residual energy. Eerie human shadows often appear, their vacuous forms roaming the
ship. Residual energies attached to the vessel manifest as voices heard in the silence, whispering spectral orders as though the ship remains in combat. Among these hauntings are intelligent spirits—ghosts with awareness—appearing as full-bodied apparitions that interact with the Living.
One of the most notable spirits is known as the “Dress Whites Ghost.” Witnesses have described seeing this figure, a sailor in a pristine white dress uniform, walking the corridors as if still on duty. One account tells of a figure stepping into an empty, chained-off compartment, leaving a witness stunned. This sailor, seemingly bound by his pride in service, continues to man his station in the afterlife—a haunting yet fitting tribute to the gallantry of those who served aboard the USS Hornet. Aboard this legendary ship, the lines between history and the paranormal blur, creating an unforgettable experience for those who dare to explore.
Is USS Hornet Haunted?
Spend an unforgettable evening aboard the USS Hornet and uncover its chilling history as we guide you through its shadowy decks. This exclusive after-hours paranormal tour invites you to traverse the steel labyrinth of this legendary ship in the dead of night, led by an experienced crew member. Discover the most infamous “Paranormal Hot-Spots” and venture into areas that have remained virtually untouched since the ship’s decommissioning over 40 years ago—spaces never before open to the public. Along the way, you’ll explore eerie locations where countless reports of ghostly encounters have emerged, from unseen visitors to mysterious phenomena. Don’t miss this rare behind-the-scenes investigation into the haunted heart of the USS Hornet. 
The USS Hornet’s Impressive History
The might of an aircraft carrier lies in its unparalleled ability to navigate the world’s oceans, projecting power wherever needed. At the heart of this strength are its aircraft. The USS Hornet’s Air Groups delivered its lethal sting, relying on the skill of highly trained pilots, aircrews, and the cutting-edge aircraft that launched from its flight deck. During World War II, Air Groups comprised fighter squadrons (VF), bombing squadrons (VB), and torpedo squadrons (VT). As naval warfare advanced in the 1950s, carrier-based aircraft evolved to include electronic/early warning systems, photo-reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and dual-role capabilities for aerial tanking and cargo missions. Helicopters became vital for search and rescue, further enhancing the carrier’s operational range. The USS Hornet (CV-12), an Essex-Class aircraft carrier, was the eighth vessel to bear the name. Commissioned in November 1943, she joined the Pacific War in March 1944 as part of the renowned US Navy Fast Carrier Task Forces. These task forces relentlessly struck enemy installations in the Western Pacific and supported crucial island invasions. For her outstanding service during WWII, the Hornet earned 11 battle stars. 
Beyond WWII, the Hornet completed three tours during the Vietnam War and etched her name into history in 1969 by recovering the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 Lunar Landing spacecraft. Decommissioned on June 26, 1970, the USS Hornet now serves as a museum ship, proudly berthed at the southernmost pier of the former Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, California
