The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum has outlined a series of recent updates reflecting ongoing preservation work, volunteer activity, and upcoming public programs aboard the historic aircraft carrier in Alameda, California. One of the most interesting programs is the History Mystery “After-Hours” Tour, scheduled for March 20, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, giving visitors the chance to walk through the aircraft carrier once the lights dim and most guests have gone home. Over the years, the USS Hornet has picked up a reputation for strange sounds, sightings, and stories shared by former crew and visitors, which has made these tours one of the museum’s more unusual programs. Guests taking part are led through a mix of operational and living spaces around the ship, including areas that are not always open during regular visiting hours.
Depending on conditions, the route may pass through the Combat Information Center, Message Center, Mess Deck, Sidewinder Missile Assembly Room, Brig, Catapult Machinery Room, and Sick Bay, along with the Captain and Admiral staterooms. Portions of the flight deck, island, focsle, and secondary con areas can also be included when access allows. Each tour is limited to 40 participants and is split into four smaller groups moving through the ship. Some sections may be unavailable at times while safety work continues, and visitors are asked to follow onboard safety guidance throughout the evening. Tickets cost $40 for adults, or $32 for museum members, and must be purchased ahead of time through the museum’s website. Click HERE to get tickets to the event.
Apart from the “After Hours” Tour scheduled for March 20, the museum has scheduled a slate of public programs in the coming weeks. Take a look at the following events scheduled:
| Mar 21st-22nd: CarrierCon! 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (both days) Mar 29th: National Vietnam War Veterans Day 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Apr 9th: History Mystery After Hours 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Apr 12th: FREE Alameda Youth Day 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The museum continues to offer docent-led tours on days the ship is open to the public, providing visitors with a closer look at specific areas and aspects of carrier life. Tours are typically scheduled around 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, although availability may vary depending on staffing. Several themed options are offered throughout the day. These include the Engineering tour, which explores the ship’s engine room spaces; the Island tour, covering the navigation bridge and primary flight control areas; and the Sailor’s Life tour, which focuses on living and working spaces on the third deck. A recently introduced Firepower tour highlights the ship’s weapons systems and related spaces. Visitors can check tour availability at the admissions desk while on board or just simply click HERE to pre-book.
If you’re interested, the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum is seeking volunteers to assist with ongoing projects and daily operations aboard the historic carrier. Visitors can stop by the restoration area to see current work in progress, including the museum’s F-4 aircraft, which continues to undergo restoration. A variety of volunteer roles are open, ranging from ship and aircraft restoration to security, events and outreach, docent tours, radio operations, IT support, and collections work. Volunteers play a key role in helping preserve the ship and support visitor programs. You can contact the volunteer team directly at [email protected].
Some words from Russell Moore, Chief Experience Officer, Guest Writer: “To the Hornet Family, we just had our second annual Valentine’s Day Swing Dance. We hope you were able to make it! Death and Taxes Swing band entertained our romantically inclined guests with song after song, and everyone seemed to be having a great time! We are still in the midst of celebrating Black History Month. Our exhibit on the 2nd deck honors many important firsts in the US Navy, Marines, and other branches of the Military. If you are on board this month, please remember to visit this important exhibit. In March, we will be honoring Women in the Military and National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Stay tuned for more information on these!” For more information and to support the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, click on this link: uss-hornet.org.
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Amreetam Basu is a Content Manager at Vintage Aviation News with more than four years of experience in editorial roles. He began his career covering automobiles before moving into aviation, with a focus on aircraft history and design. His experience spans both news and feature content, with an emphasis on clear, well-researched reporting. When he is not reading about aircraft or editing stories, you will likely find him behind the camera or planning his next trip. For queries or story ideas, you can contact Amreetam at [email protected].
