USS Franklin - Surviving a Comet Strike and a lot of actual films of USS Franklin (CV/CVA/CVS-13, AVT-8), nicknamed "Big Ben," was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. 50 miles off the coast of Japan this took place.
Amazing that they managed to save her after the tremendous damage she took after 2 Japanese bombs from a 'Judy' (Comet) ripped through her setting off her fully fueled and armed aircraft and her stores of aviation fuel.
The armed aircraft bombs and aircraft mounted rockets were set off in the blazes that took place damaging the Franklin further. Aircraft bombs were exploding both on and below decks and rockets were flying and exploding all over her.
Heroic acts by many of the crew saved her along with many lives, but in the aftermath her Admiral who was on board at the time of the attack was the first to leave the ship tried to charge those of her crew who were literally blown off the ship or dove into the water the escape the flames and explosions with desertion. His charges were later dismissed (asshole IMO).
The Franklin was later first towed then gained her own power and went all the way back to the shipyards on the east coast for complete repairs.
The actual films show the absolute horrific damage she took and are interesting to see. Worth the watch IMO.
