Flames Of War on the USS Hornet Museum USS Hornet in Alameda, California August 21st-22nd 4 Rounds, LW, 105 points 20 players from Northern and Southern California The USS Hornet is an Essex class Aircraft Carrier, first commissioned at the end of 1943. She served in almost every major naval battle in the Pacific campaign from 1944-45, arriving home undamaged by the Japanese but with her flight deck partially collapsed from a Typhoon. She served until 1970, finishing up her career as the recovery ship for both the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts, the first 2 moon landings. She is now a floating museum in Alameda, California.

The event was held in our spacious Hangar Bay where we were easily able to fit enough tables and chairs for everyone with plenty of room to spread out! We played 4 rounds to leave extra time to explore the museum. A subset of the players even spent the night on board-not as comfortable as a hotel but an experience to say the least. One player reported a ghost encounter during the night. This is not a surprise as the USS Hornet is listed as one of California's most haunted locations!

As the dust cleared at the end of the 2nd day, Kevin Morris and his Finns emerged victorious with 29 points, followed by Tom Richards and his Germans and Hyato Tukakosi and his British. Igor Torgeson won Best Painted army and Richard Aldrete was named Favorite Opponent. Prize support was generously provided by Battlefront and the USS Hornet Museum. Next year we want to do an even bigger event and are considering some changes based on our experience this year. Author - Russell Moore