A national treasure known as the USS Hornet is located in Alameda, California, near Oakland. This floating city allows visitors to experience life as if they were out to sea for months. Construction started on the Navy aircraft carrier in 1942, and the ship was put into service shortly after that.
USS Hornet played a significant role in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and later was used for transporting the Apollo astronauts as they returned from the moon.
USS Hornet Tours
Tours of the ship are self-guided, the place is massive, and you have three decks to wander around. Volunteers are stationed throughout the vessel to answer any questions or direct you if you get lost.
After a short 10-minute history and safety video, you can explore the many passageways, compartments, and decks of this famous ship that you can squeeze into your visit.
The USS Hornet Museum has many exhibits on historic aircraft and WWII, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars, while the Apollo moon mission and program are also covered.
Visitors can walk through the Officer’s area, crew quarters, and pilot-ready rooms while experiencing the awe that will come over you as you peer from the towering captain’s bridge.
Many of the staff are former crew, and you can meet and experience their stories firsthand, hearing their tales of life at sea. Then enjoy lunch in one of the officer mess areas.
Seasonal events include the Flashlight Tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes tour, including spaces that have not yet been opened to the public. It lasts three hours and is guided. Another popular event is Living Ship Day, where you can experience an aircraft carrier in action through simulated flight operations.
USS Hornet Haunted Warship
Besides its glorious war history, the Hornet is said to be one of the most haunted warships, as numerous supernatural events have occurred on board. She has been the subject of several TV shows, such as MTV’s Fear, Scariest Places on Earth, and Ghost Hunters.
Aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position, and you participate in the mission briefing, meet former crew, and get to sit in the cockpit of a real fighter jet. The flight simulator rides allow you to experience the thrill of being launched from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
If you work up an appetite, a box lunch is available on site, or you can have lunch waiting for you in one of the Officers’ mess areas.
USS Hornet Admission
The USS Hornet is permanently anchored at Alameda’s former Naval Air Station. The ship is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. There is ample free parking for automobiles and tour buses.
Discounts are available for seniors, military, and Students w/ ID. Group rates are available for 15 or more people with reservations. Group leaders and bus drivers receive free admission.
The USS Hornet is located at 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA, Pier 3 Alameda, California. Tickets Information.
