F/A-18 Blue Angels Super Hornet Flown in Top Gun: Maverick Retires at Palm Springs Air Museum
PALM SPRINGS — On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. a Water Arch Retirement ceremony will be held — and unveiling for the first publicly displayed Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet NOT at a military facility.
Nov. 7 also marks the 30th anniversary of the museum’s opening
with new aircraft dedicated to founder Robert Pond, USN
Grumman F8F Bearcat fly over.
- Brief speaking dedication ceremony
- Free 30th Anniversary “Birthday” cake
- WHO: Air Museum Board Vice Chairman Fred Bell; Air Museum Board Chairman Dick Shalhoub; Bob Pond’s daughter, Polly Pond Holley; Palm Springs City Councilmember Grace Garner; Super Hornet / combat pilot LCDR Evan “Squints” Goss, USN
WHERE: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
WHY: To celebrate an historic milestone as the Palm Springs Air Museum commemorates its 30th Anniversary with the water salute and dedication of an extraordinary new addition to its permanent collection the iconic Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet featured in Top Gun: Maverick as one of Captain Pete
“Maverick” Mitchell’s on-camera aircraft.
This remarkable aircraft becomes the first F/A-18 Super Hornet ever placed on permanent public display outside a military installation, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to experience one of America’s most advanced frontline fighters up close.
Additional dignitaries:
- Greg Sanders, City Council, city of Indian Wells (Veteran)
- Ron Oden, Trustee, College of the Desert
- Mary Jane Sanchez-Fulton, Trustee, College of the Desert
- Steve Sanchez, City Council, city of La Quinta
- Representatives from PS Unified School District and College of the Desert
30th Anniversary Air Fair Dedication of America’s First Publicly Displayed F/A-18 Super Hornet Veterans Day Celebration – Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum has more than 75 vintage airframes from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War & the Global War on Terror in 91,000 square feet of open hangars & on the tarmac. Additional displays & memorabilia are located throughout. Open 10 am to 5 pm. Admission rates are $26 for adults and $24 for seniors, teens 13 – 17, & retired military. Kids 12 & under are free with paid adult admission. Active military & immediate family are free with ID. For more info, visit PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and the first Saturday in February.
