Thursday, March 28, 2013

General Quarter: Carrier Pilots!

Museum’s Living Ship Series pays tribute to local WWII Veteran USS Hornet CV-12 Carrier Pilot and author Mr. Billy Bush

Alameda, California — The USS Hornet Museum continues its Living Ship Day series on April 20 with special guest veteran dive bomber pilot Mr. Billy Bush who will give firsthand accounts about the World War II Battles of Guam, Iwo Jima, Marianas Turkey Shoot and Okinawa Pacific.

Bush served onboard Hornet CV-12 during WWII. Now living in Arizona, Bush returns to the Hornet to share his remarkable story beginning at 1:00 p.m. of daring flights off the deck of the Hornet with Bombing Squadron 2 into many Pacific battles. It will be followed by a meet and greet.

Born in Idaho in 1920, he completed his military flight training in 1941 following his college graduation. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he chose to use his aviation skills to serve his country. He served four years in the military during WWII. Upon completing his service to his country, Bush lived in Concord and Santa Rosa for 47 years before retiring and moving to Arizona. Bush was called upon to serve his country once again during the Korean War where he served 19 months.

Living the stark and grim realities of war inspired Bush to write a memoir, “Carrier Pilot: USS Hornet CV-12 1944.”

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. as 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.  There will also be a Big Band performance, at 11:00 a.m.

Among the day’s highlights are a musical performance from the Hornet Big Band and WWII Era Military Displays and historical re-enactments.

Living Ship Day demonstrations are held on the third Saturday of most months. Normal museum hours and admission prices apply. Ample free parking is available across from the pier.

About the USS Hornet Museum:
The USS Hornet Museum, a popular tourist destination for families located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages. Through field trips and live-aboard experiences, the USS Hornet offers educational programs focusing on naval history, science and space technology. A registered state and national historic landmark, the ship is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in Alameda, CA. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet is also a unique, unforgettable venue available for corporate events; trade shows and expos; private parties and big band dances; and TV and film productions. For more information, ticket prices and event planning, visit:  www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448.

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