Let Freedom Ring Aboard the USS Hornet this Fourth of July

This 4th of July celebrate in a truly patriotic way onboard the historic aircraft carrier-turned museum, the USS Hornet. The day-long celebration begins at noon on Saturday, July 4 and runs until 10 p.m. and will be filled with food, games, live entertainment, cash bars and food concessions. This annual event has become an annual celebration for many across the Bay Area.

The highlight of the evening is when visitors gather on the flight deck to view the breathtaking fireworks display in San Francisco. The USS Hornet Museum is located at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda.

Live entertainment begins at noon and can be found throughout the ship. Roaming the Hangar Deck will be Skip Henderson’s Starboard Watch. Beginning at 3 p.m., Walter Hand and the Blue Hand Band will perform on the Flight Deck. The high-energy Celtic rock band Tempest takes the stage at 4:30 p.m. The night ends with performances by McKenna Faith Band and Eddie and the Boppers.

There will also be a variety of games for all ages including a bounce house and inflatable slide. A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Throughout the day, guests can explore the numerous decks of the legendary aircraft carrier. The many areas of the ship open to the public include – the flight deck, hangar bays, captain’s bridge, ship’s hospital and the torpedo shop. Visitors will be able to view the many exhibits housed on the Hornet, including the West Coast’s largest Apollo Moon Mission display and more than a dozen aircraft ranging from WWII vintage to modern era. Enjoy a close-up look at a TBM Avenger, an F-14 Tomcat and a helicopter from the “Apollo 13” movie.

Tickets are $20 for adults ($25 at the door) and $10 for youth 6-17, Free for Children 5 & under with Paying Adult. Price includes on and off privileges. Free parking across from the Hornet. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/4thjuly/ or call (510) 521-8448, ext. 282.

Proceeds benefit the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and support the preservation of the historic aircraft carrier and the educational programs of the USS Hornet Museum.

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About the USS Hornet Museum:
The USS Hornet Museum, a popular tourist destination in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages. Through field trips and live-aboard experiences, the USS Hornet, which opened as a museum in 1998, offers educational programs focusing on naval history, science, and space technology. A registered state and national historic landmark and home of the largest collection of Apollo space mission artifacts on the West Coast, the ship is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in Alameda, CA. Regular museum admission is $10 for youths age 7-17 (age 6 and under are free with paying adult); $15 for students with ID, seniors, and military with ID; and $20 for adults. Admission is free for Museum members. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet is also a unique, unforgettable venue available for corporate events; trade shows and expos; private parties and big band dances; and TV and film productions. For more information, including group tours and event planning, visit: www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448.

Media Contacts:

Victoria Sanchez De Alba, De Alba Communications: (650) 270-7810, victoria@dealba.net

Madeline McEntyre, USS Hornet Museum: (510) 521-8448 ext. 282, mmcentyre@uss-hornet.org