USS Hornet Museum's Living Ship Series Pays Tribute to Veteran Military Pilots

Living Ship Day: Flights of Valor–Honoring Military Aviators
Featuring a special panel of military aviators. Experience an aircraft carrier in action! Witness simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position; participate in mission briefings; sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet! Musical performance by The Frisky Frolics, featuring obscure and classic songs from the heyday of Tin Pan Alley songwriters of the 1920’-30’s.

The program begins at 1 p.m. with a presentation by the six veteran military pilots’ sharing their experiences. It will be followed by a meet and greet.

Among those scheduled to attend:

Lt. Allan Cartwright - a navy attack pilot with 220 mission in Vietnam; witnessed many SAM missiles; later flew for Western & Delta Airlines.

Lcdr. Mike Arrowsmith - a navy helicopter pilot with two tours in Vietnam; flight instructor for two years; 466 Helo Helicopter landings on ships, HS-85 ASW (Russian Attack Boat).

Capt. Jim Long - a navy jet pilot with three, six month deployments with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean area and the Berlin Crisis 1961-1962, later a civilian instructor; has flown 51 different types of aircraft.

Cdr. Dwight Lubich - a navy ASW pilot involved in the Cuban Blockade, tracked Soviet submarines, a former Captain for United Airlines.

Capt. Don Merucci USAF – more than 4,000 hours in AEW anti-electronic warfare surveillance; tracked Soviet MIG’S during the Cuban Mission Crisis; former captain with United Airlines.

Lt. John Suckow - a navy attack pilot and Vietnam veteran; as a pilot during Vietnam he often came under ground to air missile attacks. During a training mission he was forced to eject from his cockpit into the jungle.

Master of Ceremony:

 Ltjg Dale Berven - navy pilot in Korea and also a Hornet pilot in 1954; 90 combat missions in Korea; 192 carrier landings, native of the Bay Area.

Included among the day’s activities are a musical performance by The Frisky Frolics from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as children’s activities.

Living Ship Day aboard the Hornet offers something for everyone. The museum comes to life as an operating aircraft carrier with flight simulations between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. when aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position. Visitors can meet former crew, sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, and enjoy the sights and sounds of naval aviation.

Living Ship Day demonstrations are held on the third Saturday of most months. Normal museum hours and admission prices apply. Museum Members receive free admission. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet Museum is located at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3 in Alameda.

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