Fourth of July on the USS Hornet

Following up on our post about the Fourth of July on the USS Hornet, we wanted to post a few pictures from our day.  We had a great time.  The ship is fairly crowded.  I vividly recall a lot of kettle corn.

On the flight deck, the Hornet sets up "bouncy houses" for kids (a big hit with our 3-year old).

The fireworks were a bit disappointing.  Everyone moves to the stern of the ship, where you have a view of the -- very very distant -- fireworks out in San Francisco.  Alameda didn't have fireworks, and there were no fireworks within many miles of the vessel.  Fortunately it was a beautiful clear night without fog.  Our three-year-old expressed it best:  "That's the fireworks?  Really?"  Our recommendation:  Come for the food and the patriotic crowd; leave before the fireworks and find a better spot to watch them.

View of a neighboring dry-dock vessel:

View of the bridge from the flight deck:

Sunset:


Bouncy houses:

Kettle Corn on the airplane elevator:

 View of San Francisco:

Crowd gathers by the flag in anticipation of the fireworks: