USS HORNET ~ 2012 REUNION EVENTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
Select Event A, Event B, or Event C for daytime tours.
EVENT A: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! SAN FRANCISCO MOVIE TOUR
Thursday, September 13th (9:00am-3:00pm)
The San Francisco Bay area has always been a magnet for scouts seeking dramatic movie locations. The beauty of San Francisco combined with its recognizable structures and neighborhoods attract filmmakers from around the world. Today, you will see San Francisco through Hollywood’s eyes. Movies come to life, watch actual movie clips as you pass by locations made famous by both classic and contemporary movies. You will see locations from Mrs. Doubtfire, Interview With A Vampire, Princess Diaries, the Maltese Falcon, Vertigo, The Wedding Planner, Raising Cain, Heaven Can Wait, and many more. The tour concludes at Mel’s; a 1950’s drive-in for lunch on your own. This is a fun day out, don’t forget your camera.
Please note: This tour is limited to 50 participants, get your forms in early!
EVENT B: WENTE VINEYARDS TOUR, TASTING & LUNCH
Thursday, September 13th (9:30am-3:30pm)
Spend the day at the Wente Vineyards, founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainable farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Your day begins with a guided walking tour of the winery; see traditional techniques and the latest innovations in winemaking. The knowledgeable staff members will teach you how to evaluate and truly appreciate wine. For those who do not want to take the walking tour, there are plenty of places at the winery where you can relax before the tasting. Following the tour there will be a tasting of some of the vineyards most popular wines. A boxed lunch of a grilled chicken sandwich, chips, fruit, and cookies (included in the tour price) will be served at the vineyard following the tasting. Prior to returning to the hotel, there will be ample time to stroll the grounds, and purchase wine which can be shipped from the winery directly to your home. You will receive a 15% discount on selected wines. www.wentevineyards.com
EVENT C: USS HORNET VISIT
Thursday, September 13th (9:30am-3:30pm)
For those of you who just can’t wait until Friday, this is your chance to visit the ship. You will have the whole day to explore on your own, and take some time to remember the days on board. There will be former crew members on board serving as docents to show you around areas you may not have seen before. Lunch is on your own available from the “lunch coach” located on the pier. Price is for transportation to the Ship. Admission is complimentary with the presentation of your reunion name badge.
EVENT D: DINNER CRUISE ON THE BAY
Thursday, September 13th (6:00pm-10:00pm)
Embark on a magical evening of memory making aboard the fabulous Hornblower Yacht! As you cruise the Bay enjoy various food stations including Latin foods, carved roast beef, mashed potato bar, local vegetables, Italian pasta, fresh breads and delicious desserts. After dinner enjoy the music and dancing on the desk and views of the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco sites. www.Hornblower.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
Friday will be focused on visiting the USS Hornet. We are offering several tour options to help you plan your day. Please select Event E, Event F, or Event G. You MUST have your official reunion name badge for admission to the ship and to take part in the lunch.
EVENT E: MEMORIAL SERVICE, LUNCH & TOURING THE USS HORNET
Friday, September 14 (10:00am-4:00pm)
This is your ship, today is the day to spend on board some familiar territory. A special program has been arranged by Jim Baker, making this a very memorable day. The hangerbay three has been reserved for the Memorial Service and Lunch. The Memorial Service will take place upon arrival, followed by a wonderful lunch which has been organized by Ralph Johnson. Spend the afternoon visiting the ship; don’t miss the new areas of the ship which have been opened since your last visit. There will be former crew members on board serving as docents to show you around areas you may not have seen before.
EVENT F: MEMORIAL SERVICE & LUNCH ON BOARD THE USS HORNET
Friday, September 14th (10:00am-1:00pm)
Board the USS Hornet for a special program which has been arranged by Jim Baker, making this a very memorable day. The hanger bay three has been reserved for the Memorial Service and Lunch. The Memorial Service will take place upon arrival, followed by a wonderful lunch which has been organized by Ralph Johnson. Following the lunch, the buses will be available for transportation back to the hotel if you do not want to spend the afternoon on board the ship.
EVENT G: MEMORIAL, SERVICE & LUNCH ON BOARD THE USS HORNET
& MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
Friday, September 14 (10:00am-4:00pm)
Board the USS Hornet for a special program which has been arranged by Jim Baker, making this a very memorable day. The hanger bay three has been reserved for the Memorial Service and Lunch. The Memorial Service will take place upon arrival, followed by a wonderful lunch which has been organized by Ralph Johnson. Following the lunch, board the coach for the short drive to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). The museum brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA connects collections and programs across disciplines, advancing an integrated, multilayered understanding of this ever-evolving state. With more than 1.8 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California's dynamic cultural and environmental heritage.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH
Please Select Event H or Event I for Saturday
EVENT H: BRIDGE 2 BRIDGE CRUISE & FISHERMANS WHARF ON YOUR OWN
Saturday, September 15th (10:00am-3:00pm)
During this wonderful outing, enjoy a 90 minute cruise as well as time on your own at Fisherman’s Wharf. Upon arrival at the Wharf you will have about an hour to browse and enjoy the Wharf before boarding the afternoon cruise. This unique 90-minute journey will sail under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in one spectacular cruise along San Francisco’s entire urban skyline, accompanied by the headphone audio. Along the way, explore San Francisco's stunning landmarks like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, the Ferry Building, Transamerica Pyramid, Palace of Fine Arts, and many more, and learn about San Francisco's unique natural history, architecture, and Native American culture through the audio tour. Sailing under both of San Francisco’s incredible bridges surely will be the highlight of this journey. The cruise departs at 12:30pm from Pier 43 ½ located in the heart of the Wharf at the end of Taylor Street. It is best to be at the pier by 12:00pm. There are snack bars on board or you are welcome to bring your own, maybe chowder in bread bowl purchased at the Wharf!
EVENT I: UNIQUELY SAN FRANCISCO
Saturday, September 15th (10:00am-3:00pm)
Take a closer look at some of San Francisco’s most unique neighborhoods. Begin the day with a drive through The Haight, Fillmore Street, Nob Hill, Union Square and Chinatown. You will then have the afternoon to explore Union Square and Chinatown on your own (these two neighborhoods are adjacent). As you walk through the gloriously decorated gate marking the entry to Grant Avenue’s Chinatown you will see elaborate1920’s streetlights sculpted to resemble golden dragons lighting the way. Here you will find some things you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to find time to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cooke Factory and watch the ladies make over 20,000 fortune cookies a day. Nearby Union Square is one of San Francisco’s main retail and cultural centers. The area has one of the largest collections of retail stores, department stores, boutiques, tourist shops, art galleries, and salons in the Western United States, making it one of the world's premier shopping districts.
TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.
Important Reunion Notes:
~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.
Reservations are due by August 3rd , 2012. Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a non refundable $10 per person late fee. You should make a copy of this form for your records. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any reason. There is a $10 per person refund processing fee. Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate. Full refunds given for any cancelled Event.