Palm Springs Air Museum To Mark 30th Anniversary With 'Top Gun: Maverick' Aircraft

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs Air Museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary Saturday with the dedication of America's first publicly displayed F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, along with live entertainment, family activities and tributes to military veterans.

The anniversary dedication is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the museum, located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, which appeared in the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick" as one of the aircraft featured in scenes involving the film's lead character, will become part of the museum's permanent collection.

Museum officials said the aircraft represents one of the most advanced frontline fighter jets and will be the first of its kind permanently displayed at a museum outside a military installation.

The anniversary celebration, billed as an air fair, will also feature historic aircraft displays, food trucks, birthday cake and special exhibits highlighting three decades of preserving America's aviation heritage.

The event will include recognition of museum founder Bob Pond for his role in establishing the institution.

Following the anniversary celebration, the museum will host a Veterans Day program from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. honoring U.S. military veterans and service members.

The evening program will feature Lt. Cmdr. Evan "Squints" Goss as its guest speaker. Goss has received numerous military honors, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal and Air Medal.

The events will recognize the museum's history while honoring the aircraft, people and military service members who have contributed to the nation's aviation heritage.

City News Service contributed to this report.