F/A-18 Blue Angels Super Hornet Flown in TOPGUN: MAVERICK Retires at Palm Springs Air Museum

PR Newswire

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Nov. 5, 2026

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 30^th 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 30^th 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.

30th Anniversary Air Fair Dedication of America’s First Publicly Displayed F/A-18 Super Hornet Veterans Day Celebration – Palm Springs Air Museum

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 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.