uss midway ship tour

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USS Midway Museum

*san diego’s most popular family attraction.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a historic aircraft carrier.  Activities for all ages including self-guided audio tours, theater, flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, ejection seats and cockpits, guided tours of the bridge and more. Audio tours are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, French and German.

Spectacular flight deck views of the downtown skyline, San Diego Bay Bridge, and active U.S. Navy ships! Midway is an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of San Diego, original home of TOP GUN.

Conveniently located in downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero. Parking available alongside on Navy Pier. Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

*Cited by TripAdvistor

USS Midway Museum - a real aircraft carrier...fun for the family, once in a lifetime memory for everyone! Create a once in a lifetime memory exploring the USS Midway, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century! Imagine living aboard a floating city at sea with 4,500 shipmates, by exploring galleys, officer's country, sleeping quarters and the 4 acre flight deck. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour to over 60 locations from the engine room to control tower, narrated by Midway sailors who lived or worked in each.

Family-oriented activities for all ages abound! Check out the new child's audio tour with content geared specifically for 7-12 year-olds, take the kids and explore, climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits, walk through helicopters, ride three types of flight simulators, climb in bunks, sit in ejection seat theatre, listen to real pilot conversations during Desert Storm, take the family to sea without leaving port!

Located alongside Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, parking is managed by ACE Parking.

Neighborhood: Downtown

910 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Contact Info

(619) 544-9600

Daily: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Last Admission at 4:00 PM Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving

Legacy Week

Join us for Legacy Week at the USS Midway Museum, the centerpiece of Memorial Day celebrations in San Diego. Legacy Week is a heartfelt tribute to our military's valor and sacrifices, offering a...

Admission Prices:

• $34 Adult (Ages 13+)
• $24 Youth (4-12)
• $24 Veterans (w/ valid ID)
• Children 3 and under are free

Experiences

• More than 30 restored military aircraft trace 80 years of naval aviation history
• Battle of Midway 3D Theater
• Flight Simulators
• Award-winning audio tour in six languages
• Virtual Reality experience

More Information

• Destination Weddings
• Historic Landmark
• World-famous docents bring Midway's flight deck to life
• Kid Friendly
• General Admission - Adult
• General Admission - Child
• General Admission - Senior
• Restaurants

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Visiting the USS Midway in San Diego

Ana Alarcon

It seems unlikely that a decommissioned aircraft carrier like the USS Midway would be one of the top things to do in a major California city like San Diego, but that's what it is. 

It's more than just the ship's history that draws visitors, even though the Midway served the United States longer than any other aircraft carrier in history. It's not just that it was the largest ship in the world when it was commissioned in 1945, either. 

The Midway appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds as much as it does to history nerds and military buffs. Here's why: the Midway was retired in 1991 and now serves her final tour of duty in San Diego , home to one-third of the Pacific Fleet and many former Midway crew members. They bring the old ship to life as its volunteer docents, giving live talks about what happens on a working aircraft carrier.

How to Get There

The Midway is docked at the Navy Pier, between the cruise ship terminal and Seaport Village at 910 N. Harbor Drive. The San Diego Trolley stops three blocks from USS Midway at the Santa Fe Train Depot.

If you drive, limited parking is available on the pier next to the USS Midway. If you're in an RV that's more than 18 feet long, the nearest parking is in metered spots on Pacific Highway, one block east of Harbor Drive.

Metered parking is also available along N. Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. The meters are cheaper than the lots, but they have a three-hour limit.

When you're in town, you can't miss the Midway, one of San Diego's top attractions. You can even observe it on an iconic San Diego harbor cruise .

Once aboard the USS Midway, you can learn about life on a Navy ship. You'll find out how airplanes land and take off from a ship moving at 60 miles per hour, riding the ocean waves. 

Start by watching the short film about the Battle of Midway in the theater. It's included in the price of admission and is a wonderful way to learn about the ship.

The self-guided USS Midway audio tour, included in the entrance fee, takes you to the mess deck, sleeping quarters, hangar deck, and flight deck. It incorporates the voices of many who served on the USS Midway, who tell the stories of their experiences there.

Volunteer tour guides take you through the bridge, chart room, and primary flight control. It's one of the most fun things to do, and lines can grow long on a busy day. 

You can also live out your dream of flying in one of the ship's flight simulators (for an additional charge).

• There's no air conditioning, so bring water. Otherwise, all those stairs and tight quarters will leave you thirsty in the middle of the tour.
• Allow at least three hours to see everything on the USS Midway. If you're in a hurry, take the Express Tour.
• To avoid getting stuck in line for the guided portions of the tour, get there as soon as the USS Midway opens and go straight upstairs.
• Many doorways have a high threshold, and there are many stairs, some of them quite steep. Comfortable shoes with soles will give you a firm footing. 
• If you don't like confined spaces, be glad you weren't stationed on the Midway. The barracks can feel very claustrophobic, and you might want to bypass that part of the tour.
• Bring a light jacket; it can be windy on the Flight Deck.
• Leave the big bags behind. Only modest-sized diaper bags and camera bags are allowed.
• If you have a child in a stroller, you will either have to take them out and park the stroller at the entrance or skip seeing some parts of the ship.
• The USS Midway is a 100 percent non-smoking ship.
• You might end up staying longer than you expected on the Midway. If you need nourishment to continue, you can get something to eat at the Fantail Cafe.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy .

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USS Midway Museum

Review Highlights

“ I experienced a lot, but I by no means read every information board or went into every plane on the flight deck . ” in 325 reviews

“ I knew they are big but it didn't crystallize just how massive an aircraft carrier is until I visited Midway. ” in 195 reviews

“ Having someone close in the Navy and being able to see what, how and where he is a lot of time was the best! ” in 145 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

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910 N Harbor Dr

San Diego, CA 92101

Broadway & Pacific Hwy

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About the Business

The USS Midway Museum is San Diego's #1 visitor attraction, this real naval aircraft carrier offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone. Guests of all ages can enjoy a self-guided audio tour featuring 60 exhibits highlighting this "city at sea" and 29 restored aircraft. Explore galleys, officer's country and sleeping quarters of a 69,000 ton ship, naturally located in Navy Town USA, a visit to the Midway is uniquely San Diego! …

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Do i need to buy tickets in advance for the day self guided tours or can purchase tickets at the gate once i arrive?

It is not necessary, but it is possible to do so, and it certainly might speed things up on the day you go to the US Midway. We recommend purchasing tickets for things in… more

Can we bring foods?

They have a food court there. But as I recall they didn't check for food/drinks items when entering the facility .

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Overall rating

1898 reviews

See paul (the best aviator in the Navy). He is topside and gives great commentary about video regarding tail hook and landing on Midway. He inserts personal comments and he has interesting fun, dedicated and enthusiastic about being a Navy pilot. He made our visit wonderful my out-of-town guest enjoyed his speech, the best.

The place exceeded expectations!! I was here three hours and it wasn't enough time! There is SO much to do that it is worth every penny. I am actually debating getting the annual pass and taking the train down! There's so many aircrafts on the deck that you can actually go into, as well as flight simulators, a short movie, and various volunteers have presentations all around the Midway. The movie was interesting to me because it was about Pearl Harbor getting bombed. My grandparents are from that area; my grandma once told me she and her sisters had seen a Japanese plane flying so low they could see the pilot... before the guy sprayed their plantation house with bullets. Moving on... Below deck is an incredible amount of history and you can see how sailors lived. There's narrow passages, steep stairs and it's definitely not handicap friendly- not to mention, low ceilings. I was the only one in my group who never had to duck to enter anything here. The food was decent too; it's cafeteria-style, where you grab a tray and go. I ordered the grass-fed burger and it was actually very good. Overall, I highly recommend this place to others. Pros: - the volunteers are often vets and have wonderful stories - so many interactive activities - views from deck - the history Cons: - below deck gets hot and stuffy - parking sucks! They took away most of the 7-hour parking - taller/ bigger people may have decreased mobility below deck

Various parts of the ship, various flying objects, and the statue as seen from the deck.

Lunch was a grass-fed burger!

I've been to San Diego a few times and have always seen this museum but never stopped bye. I made a trip to SD with my son and it eas the perfect opportunity to go. This is an aircraft carrier so it is huge. Eat advice I got from a docent was to start on the flight deck then work your way down. The flight deck has tons of cool jets and helicopters, some of which you can get in, when we were there a few retirement ceremonies were occurring so that was cool to see. The hangar area has pro planes and copters, simulators, gift shop, cafe, restroom and a theater. The theater was surprisingly good, a film about the battle of midway. There are some cool effects that made things very lifelike. The other part of the museum is the "loop" which takes you through various parts of the ship: bunks, CIC, store, briefing room, officers quarters, etc. this can get a little claustrophobic but it's worth it. One last thing is there there's a free audio tour device that you point at. Various signs. It filled in the museum very well. Took us about two hours to get through the whole place.

What an amazing museum! We parked in the dock and walked right in (we pre-bought tickets at our hotel). Plan lots of time if you want to explore the whole place. There are so many routes through the ship before you even get to the flight deck. The collection is in great shape! We got to see it all lit up for the holidays. While it was fun to see at night, the lights draped over the planes during the day was a bit of an eyesore. Great museum! Well worth a trip!

After countless years of never quite getting here, I finally visited this amazing, historical aircraft carrier which has been converted into a museum. It was a Monday morning at around 11am and there was no line at the ticket booth. Walking through the museum was very nice without a crowd (at times I found myself alone in certain rooms) although there was an uptick of people by the time I left at 2. While there are docent tours given as well as an audio tour, I decided to do a self tour as there are plenty of placards, photos, and videos to explain the various areas of the ship as well as a good number of docents positioned throughout the ship who are very knowledgable and can answer any question you can come up with. It is obvious that they love to be asked! I walked through most of the ship; engine room, galley, chapel, laundry, sick bay, bunk area, etc. One realizes this is a small, efficient city below deck. I nimbly maneuvered up and down various stairs, some steep and ladder-like, exploring the various areas. I read in the brochure there are elevators at a few locations for folks that can't do the stairs. The flight deck was cool to see various aircraft and get a better visual idea of the precision pilots must have to take off and land. I appreciated the use of mannequins to enhance how everything was staffed in the various areas. There was a lot to see and the nearly three hours I spent here was just glossing over many sections as I realized if I read every plaque and watched every video I'd need a full day. This is a fascinating, educational place for history buffs or students of any age.

See all photos from Timmy S. for USS Midway Museum

This is an excellent museum. I've been on a few ship museums over the years, and they are always informative. The last I saw was the USS Intrepid (also a carrier). The exhibits in the Midway were interesting, informative, and their audio tour was also useful (unlike some that are boring). You can use your own headphones with the audiotour which is very nice. There is a bookstore in the hangar near the entrance that is filled with donated materials you can buy, and there is a separate Museum shop for the ship with lots of different types of goods. I spent a few hours here and did not complete the entire museum. I have to come back with my dad who flew in the Navy, but was on a different carrier. You can buy a ticket online and save some money -- $2 savings. I bought a ticket when I got there because I wanted the physical ticket.

The USS Midway is a must see while in San Diego. This is such a great experience with so much history. We loved all areas that are open to visitors. The volunteers were all so knowledgeable and friendly. We spent about 3.5 hours looking around. Plan for lots of walking - wear comfy shoes! Lots of stair climbing and tight spaces. The flight deck is awesome with so many different planes and some you can even walk into. The coolest part for us, was seeing a US Navy retirement ceremony on the flight deck.

See all photos from Kimberly G. for USS Midway Museum

CA 01-2024 Tony and I was at the Marina Waterfront in San Diego piers and saw the USS Midway. There was a lot of people touring the ship. Tony's grandfather Smith served during WWII on a big ship similar to one of these so he was very interested in checking it out. We had a nice day in San Diego #bucketlisttriplisatony2024

See all photos from Melissa B. for USS Midway Museum

Everyone needs to visit the USS Midway at least once. The history of bravery, technology and strategy of the mighty flat tops that expanded US Airpower. Tours can get long during peak season. Best to visit early or near closing.

See all photos from Gerald H. for USS Midway Museum

Airplane carrier turned museum and permanently anchored in San Diego port. This is really something spectacular! Floating city - nothing less. Gives a naive tourist like myself a sense of proportion. Even more so as modern aircraft carriers are even bigger and mightier! There are many things to like about the USS Midway museum, but I will mention only that volunteers who were actual sailors or pilots on this aircraft carrier who today work as volunteers are special! I spent several hours listening about take off and landing procedures from the folks who actually did it themselves! A true technical marvel....

See all photos from Risto K. for USS Midway Museum

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USS Midway Museum is a Yelp advertiser.

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Year in and year out, the USS  Midway  Museum is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. This unique destination is actually a United States naval aircraft carrier that has been decommissioned and turned into a museum. Visitors to the USS  Midway  Museum can peruse a series of exhibits that demonstrate what life was like for the crew in every aspect of their time in service, as well as explore the over 30 historic aircrafts that remain onboard the vessel.

Save on your visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum! USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is included on the Go San Diego Pass . Save an additional 5% on the Go City Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on February 29th.

USS Midway History

Over the course of the 20 th  Century, no United States aircraft carrier was in active service for longer than the USS  Midway . Named in honor of the Battle of Midway, a significant naval confrontation that took place in early June 1942, the USS  Midway  was launched in September 1945, just after the close of World War II. The USS  Midway  would go on to see action all over the world, engaging in deployments off the coast of Vietnam, joining in NATO exercises, and serving as flagship naval carrier during Operation Desert Storm.

The USS  Midway  was decommissioned in 1992, and spent the next decade in storage. In 2003, plans were made to transform  Midway  into a museum, and the ship was moved to San Diego Bay. The USS  Midway  Museum opened its doors in 2004, and millions of visitors have passed across its decks ever since.

What’s at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

There are four primary exhibit areas at the USS  Midway  Museum: Hangar Deck, Flight Deck, Below Decks, and the Aircraft Gallery. Each one of the deck exhibits contains a plethora of hands-on experiences that share the story of life on the  Midway , details about its lengthy career, and historical artifacts pertaining to some of its many missions. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Gallery is home to over 30 historic aircrafts and helicopters. All of these aircrafts have been meticulously restored, and each one represents an important part of the  Midway ’s service.

The Battle of Midway Theater is a 90-seat facility that shows a 15-minute film called “Voices of Midway.” This riveting movie tells the story of the famous World War II battle that gave its name to the aircraft carrier, and is part of your general admission ticket. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra, you won’t want to miss going for a ride on one of the  Midway ’s flight simulators, Air Combat 360 and Virtual Reality Flight Experience: Screaming Eagles.

The USS  Midway  Museum has its own dedicated, on-site gift shop. Known as the Jet Shop, it occupies a prominent spot on the ship’s hangar deck, in the same location where jet engines were serviced by crew members when the vessel was on active duty. There you’ll have your pick of Navy-related apparel, souvenirs, books, and USS  Midway -themed memorabilia.

Not too far from the Jet Shop is Café 41, USS  Midway ’s in-house restaurant. Café 41 has been recently renovated and now features an all-new menu. Favorites here include staples like sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. There’s usually a daily special or two available as well. If you’re hungry but in a hurry, Jet Express is a “grab-n-go” option that might work best for you and your needs.

Tips for Visiting the USS Midway

• If you are planning to visit many tourist attractions while in Sand Diego, think about buying a Go San Diego Pass . It includes admission to the Midway Aircraft Carrier as well as lot of other popular tourist attractions for one price.
• The USS  Midway  Museum is a large site, where there’s a lot to see and do. Therefore, it’s recommended you budget three to four hours when planning to visit, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet plenty!
• Unlike most museums, the USS  Midway  Museum actually permits same-day re-entry. All you have to do is swing by the Visitors Information Center for more details.
• All visitors are provided a self-guided audio tour with their admission. This terrific resource is divided into three parts covering the flight deck, hangar deck, and below-deck, and since it’s self-guided, you can customize your listening experience to suit your interests. If you were to listen to the entire tour, it could take you upwards of four hours to complete. The museum recommends bringing your own headphones or earbuds. 
• There are plenty of museum docents situated throughout the museum just waiting to answer any of your questions. Many of these individuals have personal experience as navy veterans, and they can easily be identified by the yellow hats they wear. 
• Air Combat 360 is a two-person flight simulator. Both spots must be occupied by participants, each participant must be at least 48” tall, and it costs less than $10 per person. Virtual Reality Flight Experience: Screaming Eagles is similarly priced, and each participant must be at least 38” tall. 
• Traveling exhibitions and special events routinely stop at the USS  Midway  Museum. Make sure you consult the museum’s calendar of events prior to your visit in order to be aware of any exciting, upcoming happenings that might be taking place around the time of your trip.

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USS Midway Tickets & Tours

Explore a historic aircraft carrier spectacular flight deck views you are cleared for takeoff, the private uss midway tour.

Enjoy a private tour guide at the USS Midway Museum, a true naval aircraft carrier offering a unique experience for all. With 60 exhibits, 29 restored aircraft, and exploration of galleys, officer’s quarters, and sleeping areas of this 69,000-ton warship, it’s a deep dive into naval life. Located in Navy Town USA, the Midway brings history to life. Positioned majestically in San Diego’s harbor, the USS Midway Museum is more than just a ship; it’s a living, breathing monument to naval history, inviting you to step back in time and experience the magic and legacy of one of America’s most storied vessels. Join us on this VIP Tour and immerse yourself in the unparalleled history of The USS Midway, where every exhibit and aircraft sparks a new sense of wonder and respect for the naval forces that protect our seas.

Ahoy there, history buffs and adventure seekers! Get ready to set sail on the most epic journey of your life aboard the USS Midway Museum. This isn’t just a boat – it’s a time machine that’ll transport you through nearly 50 years of world history, all while giving you a front-row seat to the most jaw-dropping views of San Diego.

First things first, let’s talk about the ship itself. The USS Midway isn’t just any old aircraft carrier – it’s a floating city that’s longer than three football fields and taller than a 20-story building. And trust us, every inch of this bad boy is packed with stories, surprises, and seriously cool stuff to explore.

But here’s the best part – your admission ticket is like a VIP pass to the most immersive history lesson you’ve ever had. We’re talking about 60 different exhibits scattered throughout the ship, each one more fascinating than the last. You’ll get to peek into the crew’s sleeping quarters, chow down in the galley, and even take a trip to the ship’s jail (don’t worry, it’s just for show). And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can climb all the way up to the bridge and take in the most breathtaking views of the city.

But wait, there’s more! The USS Midway isn’t just a museum – it’s an experience. And the best part of that experience? The people. The museum docents are like walking, talking encyclopedias of naval history, and they’re all too happy to share their stories and mind-blowing facts with you. Trust us, you haven’t really experienced the USS Midway until you’ve heard a firsthand account of what it was like to land a plane on its flight deck.

And if you’re worried about keeping the kids entertained, fear not – the USS Midway has got you covered. We’re talking flight simulators, music videos, interactive exhibits, and even an “Ejection Seat Theater” that’ll make you feel like you’re blasting off into space. It’s like a theme park and a history lesson all rolled into one.

So what are you waiting for, sailors? Come aboard the USS Midway and get ready to have your mind blown. Whether you choose a self-guided adventure or a private tour with one of our expert guides, we promise you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the incredible history and bravery of our naval heroes.

And who knows – you might even learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Because when you’re standing on the deck of the USS Midway, looking out at the vast expanse of the ocean, anything feels possible.

So come on, let’s set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. The USS Midway is waiting for you!

Ahoy there, history buffs and adventure seekers! Get ready to set sail on the most epic journey of your life aboard the USS Midway Museum. This isn't just a boat – it's a time machine that'll transport you through nearly 50 years of world history, all while giving you a front-row seat to the most jaw-dropping views of San Diego. First things first, let's talk about the ship itself. The USS Midway isn't just any old aircraft carrier – it's a floating city that's longer than three football fields and taller than a 20-story building. And trust us, every inch of this bad boy is packed with stories, surprises, and seriously cool stuff to explore. But here's the best part – your admission ticket is like a VIP pass to the most immersive history lesson you've ever had. We're talking about 60 different exhibits scattered throughout the ship, each one more fascinating than the last. You'll get to peek into the crew's sleeping quarters, chow down in the galley, and even take a trip to the ship's jail (don't worry, it's just for show). And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can climb all the way up to the bridge and take in the most breathtaking views of the city. But wait, there's more! The USS Midway isn't just a museum – it's an experience. And the best part of that experience? The people. The museum docents are like walking, talking encyclopedias of naval history, and they're all too happy to share their stories and mind-blowing facts with you. Trust us, you haven't really experienced the USS Midway until you've heard a firsthand account of what it was like to land a plane on its flight deck. And if you're worried about keeping the kids entertained, fear not – the USS Midway has got you covered. We're talking flight simulators, music videos, interactive exhibits, and even an "Ejection Seat Theater" that'll make you feel like you're blasting off into space. It's like a theme park and a history lesson all rolled into one. So what are you waiting for, sailors? Come aboard the USS Midway and get ready to have your mind blown. Whether you choose a self-guided adventure or a private tour with one of our expert guides, we promise you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the incredible history and bravery of our naval heroes. And who knows – you might even learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Because when you're standing on the deck of the USS Midway, looking out at the vast expanse of the ocean, anything feels possible. So come on, let's set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. The USS Midway is waiting for you!

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For the past 16+ years we have gone way beyond the typical tours in San Diego for our guests! With our specialty experiences, custom itinerary options, and with the best Professional Tour Guides in the city, you will explore San Diego in style and class! Join us to make new friends and create lifelong memories on our wide range of tours including our E-Bike Tours, Segway Tours, Walking Tours, and Private Tours & City Tours and so much more. From our stunning beaches, to our dramatic ocean views, to the most epic photo stops, and delicious food…our tours are filled with incredible experiences that will leave you inspired and wanting more. Come explore the hidden gems in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado, and La Jolla. We simply love San Diego and we love our guests. We are committed to and delivering daily the most fun experiences in San Diego. Book a tour with us today and we will host you on the best experiences possible in San Diego!

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Find Out More About MVA

View MVA Documents

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Click Here For An Important Note From Our Treasurer

2024 Reunion Update

Planning for the 3 Sisters Reunion has been completed. The reunion will be held September21-26, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Veterans and their guests from the three carriers -- USSMidway, USS Coral Sea, and USS FDR -- are invited to attend. Our reunion hotel, the SanDiego Wyndham Bayside (Wyndham), is within easy walking distance of the USS Midway Museum. We also held our very successful 2019 3 Sisters Reunion at the Wyndham.

At the link below, you’ll find all the information you need (including prices) to register for the reunion, book your hotel room, view the reunion T-shirt, and learn about the events and tours offered. Undoubtedly, the premiere event of this reunion will be the Grand Banquet on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. In 2019, the last time (and the only other time) this reunion was held, we had over 420 people present at the banquet. Truly a Grand Event!

To book the hotel: https://book.passkey.com/event/50526472/owner/55596/home?mobile

To register for the reunion: https://www.events.afr-reg.com/e/MidwaySisters2024

So, look in your old cruise books, track down old shipmates, and let’s get the word out!

Hope to see you all at the 3 Sisters Reunion in San Diego this September!

Questions? Call or email MVA’s VP of Reunions, Steve DeCata, at ph: 410-713-0647; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hello to All USS Midway Veterans Wherever You May Be!

We have some good news to announce. The Midway Veterans Association is now accepting applications from not only Midway Veterans but their family members 21 years and older. Relatives are also subject to paying dues and will be considered members in good standing, including voting rights and the right to run for office. The membership believes this will help support Midway’s wonderful history now and in the future. Membership and dues information can be found within the Bylaws tab under MVA documents at www.ussmidway.net.

The Midway’s service life spanned nearly five decades (1945 – 1992). Midway proved to be one of the most heroic, mightiest, and longest-operating naval warships of the twentieth century. This spirit lives on today embodied by the concept of “Midway Magic.” The Midway Museum draws well over 1 million visitors each year, making her one of the most visited military museums in the country. If you are one of the estimated 225,000 Midway Veterans who served aboard Midway and would like to join ranks with your fellow shipmates, you too can share in the pride, tell your stories, and enjoy the fellowship that we all experienced as part of Midway’s glorious history.

For more details and information, visit the “Member’s” tab at www.ussmidway.net. You will be able to read about Midway’s history, find dues information, locate a membership application, and learn more about our organization.

You can also contact one of the four Membership Committee Members at:

Phil Zuniga – Membership Chair    Tel: 352.209.6613    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Marty Fitzgerald    Tel: 206-799-5563    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Steve Martin    Tel: 520.360.1311    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Steve Palka    Tel: 206.799.5568    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We welcome your inquiries and hope to see you on board Midway or at one of our annual reunions in the very near future!

Pay Dues Online

Also visit our Facebook page for additional information: https://www.facebook.com/USSMidwayVeteransAssociation

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Take a tour of the USS Midway (pictures)

Once the largest ship in the world, the first of a new generation of supercarriers, the USS Midway is now a museum ship in San Diego. Here's a full tour.

The USS Midway is the largest aircraft carrier you can tour in the world. Nearly 1,000 feet long and home for over 4,100 sailors at a time, the floating city is impressive inside and out.

For the full story behind this tour, check out Behold the USS Midway .

Hangar deck, aft

You enter the Midway on the hangar deck, about halfway (midway, if you will) down the wall on the right in this image. At the end you can see an F4F Wildcat and SBD Dauntless .

Hangar deck, forward

Looking toward the bow from roughly the same spot, you can get a sense of how cavernous this space is. Now imagine it filled with between 65 and 100 aircraft.

TBM Avenger

This immaculate TBM Avenger is one of several dozen aircraft from the many eras the Midway was in service.

Adjacent to the hangar on the same deck is the SINS room, or Ship's Inertial Navigation System . In the era before GPS, SINS helped the carrier's navigators figure out where it was in the world, crucial info for them, and the for pilots trying to find targets (and eventually, back to the carrier itself). In the middle is a fascinating display of the early computer parts this system used, showing the UNIVAC CP-642B computer from 1963, and its incredible 32 kilobytes of memory. That's less than this webpage.

Engineering

There are multiple ways to go about your tour of the Midway, and most of the lower decks aren't connected (i.e., you can't walk from engineering to the mess without going back up to the hangar deck).

Engineering itself is really the only part of the whole tour that isn't impressive. It's still cool, but compared to the access you get elsewhere on the ship, you don't get to explore or see that much: a control room, this control panel, and one of the boilers and turbines.

Like most modern Navy ships, the Midway runs on steam. In addition to powering turbines for propulsion, it's also used to launch aircraft via steam-powered catapults.

The Midway , commissioned in 1945, is prenuclear. On the left is one of 12 boilers that burned fuel oil.

Heading forward up the ship, you can make your way through the brig. What's ironic is how spacious this is compared to the actual crew living space, which you'll see next.

Through a passage cut in the bulkhead, this area of the crew's quarters is only a few steps from the brig. There's even less space here! Granted, you're not in the brig, so that's a good thing. I wonder how many times someone in the middle or lower bunk sat up quickly?

Every sailor you ask will tell you the food on Navy ships was quite good. The Midway won several awards along those lines. Doubly impressive when you consider they have to make 4,100-plus meals across the whole ship three times a day.

One of several huge galleys on the Midway . Other, smaller, galleys would make food for specific ranks, like just the senior officers, or just the CPO s (which we'll see later).

Looking more like a school cafeteria, the mess deck also gave access to ordinance storage, and is the central intersection of many passageways. Given the hard walls, floors, and ceiling, I imagine it was incredibly loud in here during meal times.

One of the most amazing things about the Midway tour is going down a narrow ladder, and finding another huge open space. In this case, the chief petty officer's mess. Only CPOs could enter the chiefs' mess; even officers had to get permission first.

The wardroom was for officers, and is more elegant than the CPO or crew mess. An adjacent room is the senior officers's wardroom, which was one long table in a narrow room called "the bowling alley," but is even nicer.

The "dirty shirt" wardroom

In order to eat in the wardroom you had to be in proper dress. Work uniforms or flight suits were not allowed. If you were so attired, you ate here instead. It was a popular spot to unwind after missions.

Like any city, there are dentists and barbers. Here, one of the latter, and a reflection showing how little I would have need to visit here.

Nearly every space on the ship has photos and stories from people who worked in that area. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of the stories from the laundry crew were about how bad it was working on the laundry crew.

Faster than ironing, which is vital considering how many uniforms they'd have to press each day.

Command master chief

The command master chief petty officer 's quarters are quite large for an enlisted sailor, not surprising since they're the most senior.

It's hard to see in this photo, but in the stall in the middle, there are actually shoes and pants, as if someone is in there (there wasn't). An amusing touch typical of the detail the museum and restoration staff put into the Midway. Another is dummies of doctors...

One of several operating rooms in sick bay, along with smaller rooms for check-ups, an X-ray room, and everything else you'd expect in a small hospital. "I can't feel a pulse!"

The Marines manning the access to the nuclear weapons were instructed to shoot anyone trying to access the area unauthorized.

XO's office

Is it me or does the executive officer's office have an extreme "vice-principal" vibe to it? Like, if you were here, you were in trouble.

XO's cabin

Being the second-in-command on a ship this size certainly has its perks, like this lovely cabin. Adjacent to it was a comm center that likely created noise at all hours, but gave fast access for the XO.

Flag cfficer's cabin

On the Midway, the flag officer was usually a two-star rear admiral in command of the entire carrier task force.

Like a hotel

I've been in high-end hotel rooms that weren't this nice. It's, perhaps not surprisingly, even nicer than the captain's main "bunk" (though he gets two...).

Captain's in-port cabin

The capain's in-port cabin is the most impressive I've ever seen on a ship. While at sea, he slept in a small room off the bridge (we'll see that later). This reception area is just part of his series of rooms, including a bedroom, bath, studio and his own galley with his own cook.

Captain's in-port "bunk"

Adjacent to the huge room in the previous slide. His private head is to the right.

Captain's head

Spacious, sure, but still definitely a ship's head, which is interesting. Anyone know how the more modern carriers look in this regard? Just curious.

Ready rooms

The ready rooms are accessible from the flight deck, but I've added them in the story here so we'll end with the flight deck. Each wing on the Midway had their own ready room, and each had a different color and decorations. This room had the wing that flew F4 s and other earlier aircraft.

Carrier airborne early-warning

This ready room was for the pilots of the E-2 Hawkeye early-warning aircraft.

During the Midway's operations during Desert Storm, this was Rear Admiral Dan March's war room. The charts on the wall show some of those missions.

The operations room made me feel like I was on a movie set, a testament to the realism of many movies.

The radar system incorporated IFF transponder codes, allowing fast identification of friends, and marking potential foes (though the latter weren't identified as such without other, usually visual, corroboration).

Radio facilities control room

This room allowed patching and routing of radio signals to, from, and around the ship.

This transfer switchboard (SB-973/SRR) connected incoming audio signals to gear around the ship. Also, it makes for a cool photo.

Into the superstructure - primary flight control

All flight operations were monitored from here, primary flight control. The air boss and his team would keep track of every aircraft. The glass board on the left swung out so the air boss and his assistant could see it, where an enlisted sailor would keep all the data updated. He wrote this backward so the air boss could read it.

Air boss and miniboss

The air boss and his assistant (and air boss-in-training), the miniboss, sat here, overlooking the flight deck.

Boss's view

Looking out aft from primary flight control, just behind the air boss's chair, toward San Diego.

The other end of primary flight control, looking at the two launch catapults. The ship on the other side of the bay, in the center of the image, is the USS Carl Vinson .

Even though late in its career the Midway did get an early form of GPS, it used charts (not maps) to plot courses and location. The SINS we saw earlier aided this considerably, but a sextant was on display here as an example of backup tech.

Captain's view

The view forward from the captain's chair. From here he could see just about everything.

All officers up here. The captain would issue an order, and it would trickle down the chain of command until whatever it was was done.

No, you drive

It's surprising to a lot of people that the sailor in charge of actually driving the boat can't really see where it's going. Their job isn't to look, but to follow the orders of the people who can. They don't control the speed either; that's a different sailor, positioned at the brass console on the middle-left of the image, who turns dials to relay commands down to the engine room.

Distance gauge

This is a really clever device. What looks like a clothes drying rack is actually a distance gauge. Standing at the other window (this was a better angle for a photo), you can judge the distance to nearby ships (such as a refueling tanker) just by matching up its waterline to one of the bars.

This is also the first time my car has made it into one of my CNET slideshows, a fact amusing to literally one person.

Location, location, location

This is the captain's sea cabin, adjacent to the bridge. How's that for convenient?

Superstructure and A-6

A good look at the Midway ' s island superstructure. In the foreground, an A-6 Intruder (as in, " Flight of... ").

Presentations

One of the coolest things I saw during my tour of the Midway was this former aviator giving lectures to crowds of varying sizes about carrier landings and take-offs.

This is the largest plane to regularly launch from a carrier, the EKA-3 Skywarrior . It was designed to be a bomber, but was used for electronic warfare and even as a midair refueling platform. They were in service for almost 40 years.

The legendary, and surprisingly large, F-14 Tomcat . There's a " Top Gun " exhibit near the ready rooms, which made this plane famous. F-14s didn't fly from the Midway, as even though it's huge, it was too small.

The SH-3 Sea King was an antisubmarine helicopter, though it has been replaced in that role by the Seahawk (a picture of that is coming up). It was also used for rescue and mine sweeping, and some were modified to be Marine One .

A CH-46 Sea Knight . I love tandem rotor helicopters. The Sea Knight was used for cargo and passengers.

Is there a meal on this flight?

This version of the CH-46 could carry 17 passengers, or 4,000 pounds of cargo. Later versions could carry more.

An H-60 Seahawk , one of the Navy's workhorses, and closely related to the Army's Blackhawk. The biggest difference is a hinged tail that allows it to take up less space when on ship. Behind is a Huey Gunship .

Ready to go

Pretty sure they had a real guy doing this during the Midway's service. An A-7 is behind him, ready for launch.

End of the landing zone

A look back down the landing zone, at the superstructure and San Diego beyond.

The sun sets on my tour. If you're in San Diego, I highly recommend checking out the Midway . It's an amazing step back into nearly half a century of Navy history, and an incredible ship unlike any other you can tour in the world.

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USS Midway: A look at the history of the iconic Navy ship

S AN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — More than a million visitors a year learn the story of the impressive USS Midway ship that sits in the San Diego Bay, but there was a time when the city was without a true tribute to the Navy or Naval history in the city.

“San Diego is the birthplace of Naval aviation, the original home of Top Gun, Navy Town USA,” said Scott McGaugh, one of the co-founders of The USS Midway Museum.

Before the Midway ever became a salute to San Diego’s Naval history, its story began when it was commissioned in 1945.

“It was the only Navy ship to serve from the end of World War II all the way through the Cold War. More than 100,000 sailors served and sacrificed on the ship,” McGaugh said.

A pioneer throughout its years in service, the aircraft carrier was the largest warship in the world for a decade. It was also the first ship too large for the Panama Canal.

After 47 years, it came time to retire the USS Midway. According to McGaugh, ships were being built nuclear-powered and he Midway was consuming 100,000 gallons of fuel a day.

In 1992, the Midway made a stop in San Diego to be decommissioned, but it would be more than a decade until it came back as a museum.

“We thought it would just take two or three years to go through the process. To put it in perspective, America fought World War II and won in four years. It took us three times as long,” McGaugh said.

While still waiting for the ship, people like Rudy Shappee were hard at work inside Hangar 805 at NAS North Island for two years, restoring aircraft to eventually show on the flight deck.

When the Midway docked in its new home January 2004, there was still a lot of work to do.

“We needed to restore this giant chunk of metal and then make it ready for an audience,” Shappee said.

In just six months, the floating museum was ready for visitors, opening in June. 

Co-founders like McGaugh say even the Navy had its doubts, but the ship has continued to trailblaze.

“We were profitable the first month, we had our first year attendance goal in three months, we became the most visited ship museum in the world in three years,” McGaugh said.

As the 20th anniversary nears, there is ongoing restoration and dozens of exhibits, constantly being reimagined.

Those who were there for the many chapters of the Midway can confidently say it has a proud past as a warship and a lasting future as a museum.

“I think about what footprints have you left in this world when you departed. This is one of my major accomplishments, this is our gift to the nation,” Shappee said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.

USS Midway Museum's 20th Anniversary Series: Volunteer Department

Welcome back to Midway's 20th-anniversary blog series, where we highlight a specific Museum department every month, looking back at the department’s early days and the developments it has experienced over the last 20 years.

Today, our second article in this series dives into the creation of Midway's Volunteer Department.

The USS Midway Museum concept had been developed by volunteers for nearly a dozen years before the U.S. Navy granted the fledgling San Diego Aircraft Carrier Association with Midway.  Their faith and dedicated efforts were handsomely rewarded when the museum debuted in June 2004.

Since the public opening, the Midway volunteer tradition expanded enormously under the visionary leadership of former museum president and CEO Mac McLaughlin, who made it an institutional priority to make volunteers welcome and a key component in all aspects of the museum’s operations.

This reality makes the volunteer department unique in that its members work within every other department on the ship, not merely as auxiliaries but as advisors, leaders, and contributors who each bring decades of collective life experience from a remarkably wide swathe of professions.  This extensive fusion of volunteers with the museum’s paid staff has produced a mighty alloy that has propelled Midway to the top of public attractions over the past 20 years.

The active volunteer roster exceeds 800 men and women who devote more than 21,000 hours each month to a variety of activities on board, including safety and security, aircraft and ship restoration, administration and library services, community outreach, speakers’ bureau, exhibit fabrication, education, guest services, and Midway’s world-famous docent corps.

Volunteers represent the museum to our community with outreach programs and contribute financially with the proceeds from the lucrative knot-tying project.  Such a sprawling operation requires constant attention and care, and the museum volunteers have been graced by the steadfast leadership of Laurie Switzer, Midway’s longest-continuously serving department head, who joined the Midway team in July 2004.

Coming from an extensive background in museums and historic sites, Laurie and her husband Robert decided to shift to San Diego from the Northeast for a change of pace and climate in 2004.  Just weeks into her new work in Balboa Park, Laurie learned of an opportunity with the newly-opened USS Midway Museum. Upon reporting aboard, she found her work was cut out for her as the museum was an instant success with the public, and the demand for more support staffing was urgent.

Thanks to Mac’s supportive policy, recruiting and retaining volunteers was critical; however, systematizing and bringing orderliness to the program was challenging. An important element was implementing a method to recognize individual achievement, particularly in the amassing of volunteer hours.  Laurie soon enacted a formalized routine of having hours logged and a steady accounting of who was active and who needed to be dropped from the roster.

Additionally, a reward and recognition program to celebrate volunteer achievement became the central feature of the end-of-month “All Hands” meetings on the hangar deck, where individuals who attained specific hourly milestones are honored.  An annual volunteer recognition dinner is also held on the flight deck to honor all the volunteers for their combined efforts.  Beginning as a simple hot dogs and potato chips affair in 2004, it is now a major soiree with hundreds in attendance, highlighted by the announcement of the Volunteer of the Year Award honoree.

Not long after volunteerism made its mark on the Midway, ventures with outside organizations took shape.  A Cultural Volunteer Managers Council arose in 2005 to provide an association for the volunteer programs found among local museums. Today, a robust group projects program as well as partnerships with the San Diego Community College District, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and local schools for Project S.A.V.E. enhance Midway’s relationships throughout the San Diego community. Midway’s all-volunteer speaker’s bureau presents at more than 100 community organizations, schools, and corporate entities in San Diego County annually and speaks virtually with associations as far away as Hawaii and Minnesota.

A sterling reputation for appreciating and caring for its volunteers ensures that the museum will continue to be enriched by the gifts of new volunteers.  As Midway embarks on her third decade as a top public attraction under the new leadership of retired Navy Rear Adm. Terry Kraft, the continuity of Laurie Switzer, and the dedicated team of volunteers, volunteers will keep the solid tradition of service and success alive as they perform their unique roles while “living the adventure, and honoring the legend.”

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