I forgot to ask about the naval museum there as well.
I did, about 15 years ago. It was a memorable experience.
I visited the USS Ranger in NYC in the mid-60’s and the Stennis in San Diego about ten years ago. Definitely enjoyable, but only if you’re interested in ships. They don’t have fine art nor African gazelles. You’re expecting...?
Alameda, Colorado? No ocean there and reservoirs are not set up for Naval vessels.
Our,Cub Scout pack slept over on tne Hornet about 18 years ago. It was quite memorable. Really fun being on tne ship at night.
Attended a Cub Scout overnight with my two boys a few months ago. Both kids loved it, but the tour was a bit late/long for my younger son (8yo). The staff is great for the most part, enjoy what they do, and love getting questions.
It is nice. Also when you’re there you will notice some MSC ships tied up next to the hornet. The Algol and the Capella are two 45 year SL7 class steam ships that can still reach 34 knots.
Impressive for their age.
Get a docent-led tour (and ask to see the brig, it's vewy skewy). You will learn lots, and have an appreciation for just what goes on on a history-laden flat-top.
My buddy and I (both with Navy "kids") got there early on a weekday, and were not disappointed.
I might tend to avoid Oakland, and indeed the whole East Bay. (Crime rate is a useful guide.)
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Did the tour a couple times when we lived in the Bay Area. It is a great ship with an interesting history. Lots of things to see on it especially if you get on some of the special tours.
Do it. You begin on the very spot where Doolittle’s B-25s were winched up onto the original Hornet.
You’ll see an updated Essex class carrier. You’ll see a good aircraft collection. You’ll see a great Apollo 11 exhibit and an Apollo capsule.
Get there at the right time and ride the main elevator from the flight deck down to the hanger deck.
Fantastic experience.
Check out the Midway parked in San Diego if you get a chance. Wife and I spent a day aboard this unique aircraft carrier.
The deck features more than a dozen Navy airplanes, including a rarity, the RA-5 Vigilante.
Pretty impressive. There's also a submarine, USS Drum. Even as a kid, I marveled at how small it was. B-25, Patton tank also on display at that time.
Just looked at the website, and there's a lot more stuff there now.
I’ve done it and thought it was really cool until I did the tour of the Midway in San Diego.
The Midway is 10x the tour as you see the ENTIRE ship.
If you’ve been or served aboard a carrier it might not impress very much. If not, and you have an interest in ships, it should be interesting.