The USS Hornet's board is studying a potential move from Alameda Point to San Francisco to boost visitors and revenue. Chairman Sam LaMonica says the museum receives no government funding and relies on attendance and membership. Commissioned in 1944 and notable for recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts, the Hornet has been a museum since 1998. The board is evaluating several San Francisco piers and plans a five-year study of logistics, costs and funding.
USS Hornet May Leave Alameda for San Francisco in Bid to Attract More Visitors
The USS Hornet's board is studying a potential move from Alameda Point to San Francisco to boost visitors and revenue. Chairman Sam LaMonica says the museum receives no government funding and relies on attendance and membership. Commissioned in 1944 and notable for recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts, the Hornet has been a museum since 1998. The board is evaluating several San Francisco piers and plans a five-year study of logistics, costs and funding.
08:14 AM, 11/20/2025Culture
After roughly 30 years docked at Alameda Point, the historic aircraft carrier USS Hornet could be relocating to San Francisco, the ship’s board chair, Sam LaMonica, has confirmed. The board is researching options to move the museum to a busier waterfront in hopes of increasing attendance and revenue.
Why the move is being considered
"We don't get any government funding at all, so we have to rely entirely on attendance by our visitors and membership to be able to fund us," LaMonica said. Board members believe that a more prominent berth across the Bay could raise visitor numbers and the museum's financial stability.
Historic significance
Commissioned in 1944, the USS Hornet served during World War II and later took part in several high-profile missions. The carrier is perhaps best known for recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts after their return from the Moon. Decommissioned in the 1970s, the Hornet has operated as a museum since 1998.
Local reaction and next steps
The possibility of a move surprised many longtime visitors. "Oh my God! Why do they want to move it?" said Deborah Harrod, who recalled taking her grandson to the ship when he was nine and watching exhibits such as the barbershop, post office and captain's quarters open over the years.
LaMonica said the board has given itself a five-year timeline to complete research, logistics and funding plans before any decision is finalized.
The board is currently evaluating several piers along San Francisco's waterfront but has not selected a specific location. Any relocation would require detailed studies, permit approvals, funding and community engagement. For now, the Hornet remains docked at Alameda Point while the board explores its options.