Press Release · Palm Springs Air Museum
F/A-18 Blue Angels Super Hornet Flown in TOPGUN: MAVERICK Retires at Palm Springs Air Museum
Distributed by Jared Tech · Originally issued via PR Newswire
WHEN : SAT, Nov 7, 2026 at 1 PM
WHAT :
- Water Arch Retirement ceremony and unveiling for the first publicly displayed Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet NOT at a military facility;
- 30 th anniversary museum's opening
- 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: 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.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Nov. 5, 2026 — 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.
Media Contact: Ann Greer
[email protected]
(323) 363-8243 – cell
SOURCE Palm Springs Air Museum