Palm Springs Air Museum Adds Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet to Collection
The Palm Springs Air Museum will receive a retired F/A-18 Super Hornet, known for its appearance in the film Top Gun: Maverick, during a ceremony on November 7, 2026.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is set to mark its 30th anniversary by incorporating a former Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet into its permanent display. The aircraft, which saw service during the filming of the motion picture Top Gun: Maverick, will be formally received on November 7, 2026.
The retirement ceremony will feature a traditional water arch salute. The institution confirms this installation represents the first time a Blue Angels-operated F/A-18 Super Hornet has been displayed at a non-military facility, marking a notable addition to the museum's existing collection of vintage naval aviation hardware.
In addition to the arrival of the Super Hornet, the event will commemorate the museum's founder, Robert Pond. The ceremony will be highlighted by a flight demonstration featuring a USN Grumman F8F Bearcat, bridging the historical gap between the museum's founding era and its latest modern acquisition.