“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Those 10 words, spoken by Apollo 11 Mission Commander Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969, when he became the first person ever to walk on the surface of the moon, are among the most memorable of the 20th century.
Four days later, another short statement was captured on NASA video and televised around the world.
“Apollo 11, this is Hornet. We are four miles away, making our approach.”
With those words, the USS Hornet notified Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins that help was on the way. After a flight of 195 hours, 18 minutes, 35 seconds, Apollo 11 had splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, 13 miles from the recovery ship USS Hornet.
Celebrate the moon landing and the Hornet’s role in the astronauts’ recovery
This year, on July 20, the USS Hornet Sea, Air, & Space Museum will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the USS Hornet’s role in the recovery of the astronauts when they splashed down.
The public is invited to join the Splashdown 55 celebration aboard the USS Hornet, located at 707 West Hornet Avenue. You will learn about the most important historical space exploration achievement of the 20th century, and have fun with the whole family.
The USS Hornet is the largest surviving artifact of the Apollo program and has an award-winning Apollo exhibit on board. Collections include a SeaKing Helicopter, a block 1 Apollo capsule, and a Mobile Quarantine Facility.
On the main stage there will be a presentation by keynote speaker, space industry executive Lee Steinke, who will chair a panel about the impact the Apollo program has had on science and technology. Panelists include Brendan Swanik, Tina Ghataore, and Hannah O’Brien.
Also on board will be Clancy Hatleberg, U.S. Navy frogman who was the first person on Earth to greet the astronauts from Apollo 11 when they splashed down.
Family fun
The Hornet Flight Deck will host a High School Robotics contest run by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), and San Jose Astronomical Association will be on hand with solar telescopes to allow guests to safely view the sun.
Visit the Hornet’s Hangar Bays for even more fun:
- Check out space-themed exhibits — Model Rocket Display, Traveling Space Exhibit of touch objects from various space programs, new replica Apollo spacesuit, and more.
- Meet Hornet crewmen who were on board during the Apollo recoveries.
- Check out local Star Wars costume clubs with everyone’s favorite characters.
- Learn from a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
- Check out the Astra outreach table to learn more about Alameda’s own launch services and space products company.
And while you’re enjoying the Hornet’s Hangar Bays, taste some of the many food options. All that science can make you hungry!
Special Apollo-themed overnight experience
Spend the night living with history on the USS Hornet’s ultimate Apollo-Themed Overnight Adventure, from 5 p.m. on July 20 to 9 a.m. on July 21.
Explore the decks from the Captain’s Bridge to the sick bay as you walk in the footsteps of Apollo 11 and 12 lunar mission astronauts.
The live-aboard program includes dinner, an evening tour, late-night ghost stories, breakfast the following morning, and more. Suitable for all age ranges, the single-night stays are divided into:
- Family/Small Group Live-Aboard: For individual families who wish to stay aboard.
- Youth Group Live-Aboard: For organized youth groups such as scouts and schools.
- Adult Group Live-Aboard: For organized adult clubs, work groups, or groups of friends.
The cost is $120 per person. Register online for this event.
