At Fanlight Corporation / naturaLED, we believe lighting can do more than simply illuminate spaces. It can preserve history, support education, and honor the people who dedicate themselves to restoration. This is why we are proud to contribute LED lamps to the ongoing restoration of the USS Hornet, an aircraft carrier with a remarkable story.
Since opening as a museum in 1998, the USS Hornet has become one of the most unique historic sites in the country. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors come aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda, California, to explore the decks, learn about naval aviation, see historic aircraft, and walk through the same ship that recovered the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts after their journeys to the moon. Through tours, education programs, and special events, the museum preserves stories of service, exploration, and innovation in a way that connects generations to history. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the USS Hornet also connects visitors to one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to learning and discovery.
A Ship with a Remarkable Legacy
The USS Hornet (CV-12) was commissioned during World War II and went on to earn nine battle stars in the Pacific. In the years that followed, she served in the Cold War and later gained worldwide recognition as the recovery ship for Apollo missions, safely bringing astronauts and command modules back to Earth.
The Lighting Challenge
Maintaining a ship of this size is no small task, and something as basic as lighting has a big impact on both restoration work and visitor experience. With more than 2,000 fluorescent tube fixtures on board, volunteers and electricians have been working to update them to modern LED lighting.
While fixtures in spaces like the engineering log room, the museum collections office, and companionways have been rewired and upgraded, there are still additional areas of the ship that need new light fixtures installed.
With the museum’s supply of lamps running low, naturaLED donated 400 LED lamps to allow volunteers to continue retrofitting fixtures, providing reliable, efficient, and longer-lasting lighting throughout the ship.
Our lamps are designed to meet the museum’s needs. They match the 24-inch, T8, 4000K, single-end specification required, while providing bright, dependable light with a long service life. Compared to fluorescent lamps, our LEDs reduce maintenance demands and create safer, more visible spaces for visitors. They also significantly lower energy consumption and environmental impact, all while preserving the authenticity of the ship’s historic atmosphere.
Every upgraded fixture makes the USS Hornet more welcoming and accessible. Improved lighting enhances exhibits, helps volunteers work more effectively, and lowers energy and maintenance costs for the museum. Most importantly, it helps preserve the ship as a place of education and inspiration for future generations.
“We are deeply grateful for the support that makes this restoration possible,” said Bennett Taber, Ship’s Electrician of the USS Hornet who is leading the project. “This initiative highlights the importance of integrating modern sustainable products into historic restoration projects, and naturaLED’s contribution is an excellent example of that balance between preservation and innovation. Their support helps ensure that the USS Hornet remains a vibrant educational resource and a testament to naval heritage for future generations to come.”
At Fanlight Corporation, we are proud to support the USS Hornet and the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who keep her story alive. Together, we are ensuring that this historic ship continues to shine as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and discovery.
