Techs on Decks

Step aboard for Techs on Decks, an annual celebration of sea, air, and space innovation. On the anniversary of the Apollo 12 Moon Landing, students will explore hands-on activities and meet the innovators shaping tomorrow’s technologies.

Join us on November 14th, 2026 for our third annual Techs on Decks event!

Techs on Decks celebrates Innovation. We celebrate the anniversary of the Apollo 12 Moon mission (The USS Hornet was the recovery ship for that mission) and innovation from then and now! Exhibitors will be on hand to share exciting new technology and career opportunities aboard one of the Navy’s most historic ships! Our main sponsors from last year have re-committed, so we are pleased to announce we will have free entry for all students and free pizza for everyone!

Event Details


Admission: Free for students and educators with ID
Location: USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Food: Free pizza for all attendees
courtesy of our friends at Alameda Domino’s Pizza!
Refreshments: Water available (please bring a reusable bottle)

What to Expect

Explore a day of discovery across the ship:
  • Hands-on STEM activities
  • Live and interactive activities with robotics
  • Live demonstrations, including air pressure, navigation, and catapult systems
  • Docent-led exploration of exhibits and ship technology
  • Self-guided access to multiple decks of the USS Hornet
  • Opportunities to connect with students, volunteers, and educators
  • Educational video stations and historical content

Plan Your Visit

A detailed event map will be available soon, highlighting activity zones, video stations, and learning exhibits throughout the ship.
White areas will indicate spaces open for self-guided exploration during the event.
Please check back for updates as you plan your visit.

Exhibitor Registration

Interested in showcasing your organization at Techs on Decks 2026? Register to participate as an exhibitor in the Hangar Deck, located alongside the museum’s collection of historic aircraft, helicopters, and NASA artifacts.
Exhibitor Schedule
  • Set-Up and Networking: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Event Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tear-Down: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A lift will be available for load-in and load-out during designated times.
Exhibitor Package Includes (varies by tier):
  • 10 × 10 ft display space
  • Two 6 ft tables
  • 2–4 chairs
  • Promotion on social media
  • Two event passes (includes early and extended access to the exhibitor area)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Map details will be updated soon as we finalize the 2026 event layout.
Planned Zones
  • Hands-on activities
  • Robotics & interactive demos
  • Aviation & navigation exhibits
  • Video learning stations
  • Exhibitor showcase area
Safety Rules
  • Anyone under 14 must be with an adult
  • Please do not run
  • Please keep off the aircraft
  • Do not touch buttons or controls
  • Hold onto ladder rails with both hands
Tour Options
Tour sign-up will be available near Admissions.
  • Flight Deck
  • Engine Room
  • Power Generation
  • Navigation
Free Pizza! (Hangar Deck)
Free pizza will be available for all attendees courtesy of our friends at Alameda Domino’s Pizza.
Visit the Museum Exhibits
Take some time to explore the ship’s exhibits and open, restored spaces. Photos are allowed throughout the museum, and you can experience what it was like to live, work, and serve aboard this historic city at sea.
Parking
Parking is free throughout Alameda Point. The Museum’s parking lot is adjacent to the pier (pier parking is reserved for Museum staff, volunteers, and accessible parking).
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available on the Hangar Deck. Additional restrooms (heads) are located on the deck below and reflect the ship’s original Navy design, including smaller stalls with curtains.
Accessibility
The USS Hornet is a National and State Historic Landmark and retains original features such as steep stairs and narrow passageways. Visitors with limited mobility will have access to the Hangar Deck. Access to the Flight Deck requires the ability to stand briefly and navigate a small number of steps.
For more information, please click here.