HORNET launching aircraft over the stern

Stern Launch After Typhoon Damage

HORNET launching aircraft over the stern. This was a rare event as can bee seen by the crowd on the island. Essex class carriers were designed to launch over the stern and recover aircraft over the bow. Which is opposite than normal. This was done so the carrier could still operate if the flight deck was damaged at either end. Later Essex carriers were built without the bow arresting wires and the early ones kept theirs through the end of the war. There were 16 wires on the stern and I believe about 6 on the bow. This picture was taken after the bow was damaged. HORNET was the only carrier to launch off of the stern during wartime.