USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
The USS Hornet Museum is a museum ship located on the southernmost pier of the former Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, California , USA.
Their mission statement is Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation preserves and honors the legacy of USS Hornet, a national historic landmark, and its role in naval aviation, the defense of our country, the Apollo Program and exploration of space. The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum connects the greatest generation of Americans with future generations, educating and inspiring them to meet their challenges.
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 program, all working to preserve heritage, expand knowledge and inspire learning.
The USS Hornet Museum was officially 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 Development, Boeing Company; and Rear Admiral Robert Chaplin – Superintendent, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.
The power of an aircraft carrier lies in its ability to move quickly across the oceans of the world, projecting power whenever and wherever it is needed. Its aircraft are the heart of the carrier's combat strength; its Air Groups provided Hornet with a lethal sting. Hornet 's success depended on the capabilities of highly trained pilots and aircrews and specialized aircraft operating from its flight deck.
In World War II, its air groups consisted of a fighter (VF) squadron, a bomber (VB) squadron and a torpedo (VT) squadron. In the 1950s, naval warfare technology evolved, as did the complexity and specialty of carrier-based aircraft. Electronic / early warning, photo-recognition, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft joined the classical fighter and attack aircraft. Dual-role aircraft also provided aerial tanking and limited cargo capabilities and helicopters were shown to be essential to carrier operations, including search and rescue operations.
The aim of each of the Museum's educational programs is to use our unique environment to teach science and history concepts in an interactive and fun way, and each program includes a tour and hands-on activities. Try one of the overnight stays for a maximum ship experience. HomeSchools & Scout Groups are rated for field trips.
People can come aboard and experience a night in the life of a sailor on a WWII aircraft carrier. They offer the ultimate overnight experience for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
- Sleep in restored sleeping compartments where the real Hornet crew lived
- Enjoy Dinner and Breakfast in the Crew’s Mess
- Learn about this famous aircraft carrier’s daring exploits
- Tour key areas in the ship and the historical naval aircraft on board
- Learn about NASA’s Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 space missions that put the first humans on the Moon
- Ride the Flight Simulator
- Earn a special crew member Patch & Certificate!
- Ample Free Parking
This amazing landmark is located near the following amazing must-see sites in Oakland, California:
- Angel Island
- Tilden Regional Park
- Oakland Zoo
- Lake Merritt
- Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
- Children’s Fairyland
- The University of California Botanical Garden
- Chabot Space and Science Center
All of these wonderful points of interest 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!
