08/26/2026
Remembering Vergil E. “Verg” Bloomquist, who served as an Aviation Radioman with Torpedo Squadron 11 (VT-11) aboard USS Hornet (CV-12) during World War II. ⚓️
Before his passing, Verg generously donated photographs taken with his K-20 aerial camera, along with memorabilia from his wartime service, to the USS Hornet Museum. Today, these artifacts are displayed on the 2nd Deck in our Air Group 11 exhibit, helping tell the story of VT-11 and the young men who flew into combat over the Pacific.
We also want to remember and thank Verg’s beloved wife, Mary Ellen “Mert” Bloomquist, who passed away earlier this year. Verg and Mert first met as teenagers and stayed connected through letters before marrying in 1945, following his return from combat. They shared 76 years of marriage until Verg’s passing in 2022.
Verg’s remarkable story has also been preserved in the following media:
📚 The Sundowners, Pegasus, and Little Butch (2025)
https://www.usni.org/press/books/sundowners-pegasus-and-little-butch
🎙️ “Verg’s War” (2019)
https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2019/august/vergs-war
🎬 Radioman Flyer (2017)
https://youtu.be/vJX_Qz_4M9I
🎬 Eleven: The Movie (2014)
https://youtu.be/YfMhcK9gcqM
We’re grateful to the entire Bloomquist family, for helping preserve this history for future generations. Their support has helped keep Verg’s story, and the history and service of those who served aboard USS Hornet, alive for future generations.
Do you have a family member or friend who served aboard Hornet? If you have photographs, documents, or memorabilia you would like to donate and help preserve aboard the ship, please contact us at: [email protected]
You can also help preserve this historic museum-ship and the stories of those who served aboard her with a financial contribution: https://uss-hornet.org/support/donate/
