On July 24, 1969, the Apollo 11 capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, returning the first men on the moon to Earth. A SeaKing helicopter safely delivered astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins—and their space capsule—to the USS Hornet where they could be quarantined.
As the largest Apollo artifact that still exists, the Hornet celebrates its partnership with NASA and its role in the most famous space mission every summer. This year, on Saturday, July 19, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of displays, speakers, and activities to mark this historic occasion at Alameda’s floating museum.
After 56 years, enthusiasm for the manned moon missions continues to draw people to the Hornet. While the Smithsonian Museum has called dibs on many of the original objects, the Hornet commands some amazing artifacts to share with the public. For this event, the actual quarantine capsule (hermetically sealed trailer), which is normally off limits, will be open to the public.
The SeaKing helicopter on the Hornet is not the one used for the recovery, but it is the one used by Hollywood in the movie Apollo 13. The museum also boasts a replica space suit and a biological isolation garment which astronauts used to walk to the quarantine facility. The suit is fitted with special filters to prevent any “space germs” from transferring. The Apollo exhibit on board features newspaper articles, photos, and even a first aid kit.
Additionally, visiting organizations and temporary displays will provide a variety of special opportunities to guests. NASA will be on hand with their Solar System Ambassador, video display and temporary exhibit to showcase the history of space exploration. The East Bay Astronomical Society will be featured on the flight deck where visitors can use their special sun telescopes to safely get a closer look at the sun. Bill Miklos, a Lockheed employee, will host a presentation to recount the full history of the Apollo 11 recovery, and the Hornet’s role in this historic event. The Hornet Crew Member Table will host former crew members who were stationed on board during the recovery fifty-six years ago.
Hornet Volunteer, Joe Martinez will share his collection of model rockets and provide tips for new model enthusiasts. Local Star Wars Costume Clubs will be in attendance to provide photo ops of the sci-fi nature, and high school robotics teams will be on hand to demonstrate the capability of modern robots. A traveling space exhibit will provide interactive opportunities for kids with objects from the Space Shuttle and Space Station era. Nearby another Kids Activity Table will include themed options such as coloring pages and paper airplanes.
Whether your kid is a budding space nut or you simply want to know more about our local connection to the Great Space Race, this event has something for you.
The Apollo 11 Splashdown Event will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that some events have specific times, such as the recovery story presentation which is set for 1 p.m.
Admission to the Hornet is $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, students, and military, and $12 for youth (7-17). It’s free for kids 6 and under and for museum members. Discounted tickets are available through the Museums for All program. Please bring your SNAP EBT card and photo ID to receive the Museums for All discounted rate of $5 or less per person for up to four people. Parking is free and ample. Please note that entry to the Hornet and access to areas such as the flight deck include a significant number of stairs. Depending on the tides, a “scissor” lift may be available to transport guests from the pier to the Hanger Deck. Please read the Hornet’s Accessibility Information page for further details.
For more information on the Apollo 11 Splashdown Anniversary event or about the USS Hornet Museum in general, please visit the website.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
