Museum Dedicates First Publicly Displayed F/A-18 Super Hornet
Palm Springs Air Museum marks its 30th anniversary with a new jet acquisition and a Veterans Day ceremony.
By Rafael Delgado ·
The Palm Springs Air Museum will dedicate its newest acquisition, an F/A-18 Super Hornet, on Saturday as part of its 30th anniversary celebration.
The ceremony is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the museum, which is located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs, California. The event will include live entertainment, family activities, and tributes to military veterans.
The specific aircraft featured in the dedication appeared in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick. It served as one of the planes in scenes involving the lead character. The jet will become part of the museum's permanent collection.
Museum officials stated that the F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the most advanced frontline fighter jets currently in service. They noted that this will be the first time this type of aircraft is permanently displayed at a museum outside of a military installation.
The anniversary event, described as an air fair, will also feature displays of historic aircraft and special exhibits. These exhibits focus on the institution's three decades of preserving aviation heritage. Food trucks and birthday cake will be available for attendees.
The day's proceedings will recognize Bob Pond, the museum's founder, for his role in establishing the institution.
Following the anniversary dedication, the museum will host a Veterans Day program from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The evening event will honor U.S. military veterans and service members. Lt. Cmdr. Evan "Squints" Goss will serve as the guest speaker. Goss has received military honors including the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, and Air Medal.
