USS Midway is the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy and was the flagship of the armada in the West Pacific during World War II. During the Vietnam War, she saw action on three long combat deployments, including the Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. She also helped evacuate thousands of refugees when Saigon fell to communist forces. It is at 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.
A nonprofit group has worked for nearly 12 years to bring the Midway to San Diego. In addition to the vessel, the museum will display dozens of other historic military aircraft at the air station. These include vintage fighter jets. The group hopes to receive corporate support to help with their endeavor.
The museum will open in April. It will be the fifth aircraft carrier museum in the country. It will offer self-guided tours and special events. There will also be interactive activities, like a Top Gun movie night, during Memorial Day and Legacy Week.
There will be more than 60 exhibits on the ship, many donated by retired crew members. Visitors will be able to tour the flight deck, hangar bay, pilot-ready room, galley, sick bay, and bridge. They will also see the interior, which is being restored. The museum will have plasma screens to simulate the motion of the ship at sea and show aircraft taking off and landing. There will also be a high-tech simulator, complete with music videos.
The museum is expected to open with $2 million in working capital. The nonprofit is still working to secure more corporate support. They hope to bring in some refurbished carrier fighter jets to put on display. They also want to get more media coverage. They have a local newspaper that provides coverage.
During the time that the Midway was in service, it served in combat operations for 47 years. Its crew suffered more than 200 deaths. It was also the first ship in the world to be too large to traverse the Panama Canal. Throughout its 47-year history, the carrier saw many firsts.
When it was launched in March 1945, the Midway was the largest warship in the world. It sat at the crossroads of international crises. The vessel was a product of the greatest generation. It was created to protect freedoms for all Americans.
The USS Midway spent more than a decade in storage in Bremerton, Wash., before being towed to Oakland for a $6.5 million renovation. During this time, the vessel underwent a massive facelift. In addition to a new paint job, the ship was fitted with a Fresnel lens, a gangplank system, and other upgrades. A number of former crew members are behind the effort to bring the carrier to San Diego. They hope to bring back the “Midway Magic” that they experienced.
In addition to the vessel, the museum will also display a number of historical artifacts. They include a uniform from the ship’s first command master chief, Brett G. Young, who served as a deck seaman from 1978 to 1979. It also has items from other large naval battles of World War II.
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