Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet
Museum at Alameda
Updated
05/07/2010
For our members who would like a do-it-yourself tour of a historic "Navy Gray", the USS Hornet is located at Alameda, across the bay from Burlingame. The Hornet (CVA/CVS) was built and operated in the same era as Topeka. Keith Hedley, a former Radarman on the Galveston (CLG), is a docent on the Hornet, and has agreed to be the speaker at our reunion banquet. He says "the fully-restored CIC and Radio Central spaces are very similar to what CLG-8 had. The equipment - which is almost all there - is exactly the same type/models as on all of the CLGs. Not only will any RD and RM feel like they have stepped into their work space on the Topeka, any snipe will tell you the Hornet restored Main Control and Engine Room is only missing the heat and noise". Other restored areas include the bridge and chart house, mess decks, CPO mess, living spaces, and MARDET compartment. On display are dozens of ship exhibits, several aircraft and many historical displays from WW II through the Apollo 11 & 12 recovery operations. Public transportation (BART to downtown Oakland, + 3.5 mile taxi ride to the Hornet) is available to get you there. (About 1 hour travel time) Hornet hours 10am-5pm every day. Admission: Adults $14. For the 65+ folks, it's $12. Those interested may contact me (Dudley Cass), and if there are several interested, we might set up a group visit. Keith has said he will conduct personal tours for Topeka association members, for a "couple beers or a Mai-Tai at the local Tiki bar". More information on the Hornet is available on the website www.uss-hornet.org. |