Please join the USS Hornet as they celebrate the anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing and especially the recovery of the astronauts from the Pacific Ocean by the USS Hornet in 1969. They will have a full day of family friendly, space exploration themed fun!
On July 24th, 1969, the Apollo 11 Astronauts (Armstong, Aldrin and Collins) returned to Earth after their successful mission to land on and walk on the Moon. Their capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean and the USS Hornet was there to pick them up! All the astronauts and their capsule were safely recovered and brought on board the ship where they then met President Nixon who was waiting to greet them. At the museum they have an award-winning Apollo exhibit, a Block 1 Apollo Capsule, a Mobile Quarantine Facility (which will be open for you to see what it’s like inside!), and a SeaKing Helicopter that was actually used int he movie Apollo 13. Learn about all of this and so much more!
They will have several special events and presentations.
NASA (with a large 3 table interactive set up!)
The East Bay Astronomical Society (with Sun Telescopes)
A Travelling Space Exhibit (Lots of space exploration related artifacts and models)
A Model Rocket Collection (Joe Martinez, Hornet Volunteer has 2 large tables worth of model rockets)
Star Wars Costume Clubs (Rebel Legion Endor Base, 501st Legion/Golden Gate Garrison, Wolves of Mandalore)
High School Robotics clubs (They will bring their robots that you can see in action!)
A fun Kid’s Activity Table
A Hornet Crewmember Table-talk to veterans who were present the day Apollo 11 was recovered!
Hornet docent Bill Miklos will give an Apollo Splashdown presentation in the Wardroom at 1 pm
and more!
Apollo 11 Splashdown Anniversary 2025
July 19, 2025
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
at USS Hornet Museum
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the activity organizer or venue as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
