This image captures a moment during World War II when a U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bomber returns to its aircraft carrier after a mission against Japanese shipping. The aircraft is likely from Bombing Squadron 11 (VB-11) and is flying over the USS Hornet (CV-12).
The photo was taken from another aircraft in the formation, capturing the Helldiver banking to land on the carrier's deck.
The SB2C Helldiver was designed to replace the earlier SBD Dauntless, a key aircraft in early U.S. Navy victories













