This month, marked the 50th anniversary since man landed on the moon and the Jeep® brand celebrated the milestone in a unique way. Aboard the retired aircraft carrier USS Hornet, special participants got an opportunity to ride in the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup and the 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year, Jeep Wrangler on the vessel’s flight deck.
The former naval vessel that once defended the United States during World War II now serves as a museum. Built-in 1943, the ship played an important role during the Apollo program. The USS Hornet was involved with recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts after returning from space after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, after their successful landing and exploring the surface of the moon. The ship also severed as the recovery vessel for the Apollo 12 mission as well.
Jeep designed a closed course on the flight deck for the Wrangler and Gladiator, in which they showcase the legendary American brand’s attributes in capability, body strength, agility, traction, and more. The Jeep brand also brought out some very popular vehicles from its historical lineup. Those vehicles included…
- 1944 Willys MB
- 1951 M38 Navy Jeep
- Jeep Wrangler (JK) 75th Salute
- Jeep Wrangler (JK) Staff Car
- Jeep Wrangler (JK) Sarge J8 Concept
- Jeep 715 Crew Chief Concept
- Jeep (TJ) T-1 Concept
Of course, the Jeep brand brought vehicles from the rest of its lineup too. The event lasted over the weekend and shows the iconic American brand is not afraid to try different marketing promotions to get more exposure to the most capable lineup of off-road SUVs using its military roots.
The USS Hornet was decommissioned in 1970 and was eventually designated as both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. The USS Hornet Museum is located in Alameda, California and opened in 1998.
Jeep Apollo 11 Splashdown 50th Anniversary Celebration Week Image Gallery:
