The USS Hornet Museum is a museum ship located on the southernmost pier of the former Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, California , USA. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, exhibits from the NASA Apollo Moon exploration missions, and many retired aircraft from the Second World War and the transonic and early supersonic jet propulsion phase. A variety of compartments contain exhibits concerning contemporary carriers sponsored by associated organizations. The flight deck, the hangar deck and the first deck below are open to self-guided tours. Docent-led tours are available via the island's navigation and flight deck control areas and down into one of the engineering spaces housing two of the four propulsion turbines.

Mission

The mission of USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum is to utilize USS Hornet and the collections, exhibitions and educational programming to promote awareness and understanding of history, science, technology, and service.

The USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum has joined organizations in 46 states , Puerto Rico and Panama, which are part of the Smithsonian Affiliations network, all working to conserve history, extend awareness and encourage learning.

The might of an aircraft carrier lies in its ability to quickly move about the world’s oceans, projecting power whenever and wherever it is needed. The heart of a carrier’s combat strength is its aircraft; her Air Groups provided Hornet’s lethal sting. Hornet’s success was dependent on the capabilities of highly trained pilots and aircrews and the specialized aircraft that operated from her flight deck.

In World War II, her air groups consisted of a fighter (VF) squadron, a bombing (VB) squadron and a torpedo (VT) squadron. During the 1950s as naval warfare technology evolved, so too did the complexity and specialty of carrier-based aircraft. Joining the classic fighter and attack aircraft were electronic/early warning, photo-reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Dual-role aircraft also provided aerial tanking and limited cargo capabilities and helicopters proved essential to carrier operations which included search and rescue missions.

The USS Hornet Museum was formally opened to the public on 17 October 1998. Astronaut Apollo 11 Buzz Aldrin was the main speaker. Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Honorable Jerry Brown – Mayor-elect of Oakland; Honorable Ralph Appezzatto – Mayor of Alameda; General Richard Hearney – Vice President for Domestic Business Growth, Boeing Company; and Rear Admiral Robert Chaplin – Superintendent, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.

This amazing landmark is located in California’s Alameda County and is only a short distance away from:

• Jack London Square
• Oakland Zoo
• Lake Merritt
• Chabot Space & Science Center
• Mission Peak
• Coyote Hills Regional Park 
• The University of California Botanical Garden
• Del Valle Regional Park

All of these wonderful landmarks are located just a short distance from our location, conveniently located just down the freeway at 1261 Locust St, Walnut Creek! Stop by for a visit anytime!