June Idell Foster passed away on April 20. Her spirit lives on aboard the USS Hornet, however. A Bay Area native, Foster grew up in a military family and put her support behind military and veteran causes. This included contributing the funds to restore the Grumman TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bomber aboard the USS Hornet.

During restoration volunteers painted the Avenger with the markings of VT-17, a squadron that fought from the deck of USS Hornet CV-12 during World War II.

To thank Foster for her generosity, the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation christened the restored aircraft “Miss June.” You can visit Foster’s legacy on the Hornet’s hangar deck. The Hornet is berthed at 707 West Hornet Ave. at Alameda Point. 

Foster will be honored with a memorial service aboard the USS Hornet on Wednesday, June 8, at 11:30 a.m.