What year was this Hornett commisioned? My Dad served on the flight deck aboard her in late 50's .

This one is the CVS12, it was first commissioned from '43-47, then 53-70. Sounds like it's definitely the one your dad served on. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hornet_(CV-12)

The USS Hornet CV-12 was commissioned in November, 1943. It was built for WW II and when the keel was laid in August, 1942 it was to be named USS Kearsarge, but two months later in October, 1942 the USS Hornet CV-8 was sunk at the battle of Santa Cruz Islands. CV-12 was renamed Hornet to honor that ship and its crew.