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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 several retired aircraft from the Second World War and the transonic and early supersonic jet propulsion period. A number of compartments contain exhibits concerning contemporary carriers supported by related associations. The flight deck, the hangar deck and the first deck below are open to self-guided tours. Docent-led tours are available through the island's navigation and flight deck control areas and down into one of the engineering spaces containing two of the four propulsion turbines.

 

Mission Statement

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 Museum connects the greatest generation of Americans with future generations, educating and inspiring them to meet their challenges.

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The History of USS Hornet

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 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 USS Hornet Museum offers a live-aboard program available to any organized youth group or family. Guests can experience a sailor 's life by going around the ship at night, eating in the mess of the crew, and sleeping in the sleeping quarters (bunks). Mostly, the ship is self-guided. A tour map is available at the entrance desk and museum teachers are available throughout the ship to answer questions and take special tours. A short video of the ship's history is shown in the orientation area.

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This amazing landmark is just one of the many must-see sights you don’t want to miss in Oakland, California:

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  • Angel Island

  • Jack London Square

  • Tilden Regional Park

  • Oakland Zoo

  • Lake Merritt

  • Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

  • Chabot Space & Science Center

  • Children's Fairyland
     

All of these wonderful attractions are located just a short distance from our location located at 555 12th Street, on the 5th Floor 
in Oakland! Stop by for a visit anytime!

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