50th Anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind
Legacy of Hope: From Operation Frequent Wind to Vietnamese Refugee Resilience
Tickets for this event are no longer available.
Please join us virtually via our event LIVE stream. Details to follow.
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST
Location: USS Midway Museum, San Diego, CA
Join us as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind and the Fall of the Republic of Vietnam—a defining moment in history that led to the heroic rescue of thousands of Vietnamese refugees during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
This event is a tribute to courage, resilience, and hope and honors those who fled their homeland, the communities that welcomed them, and the lasting contributions of Vietnamese refugees across the United States and the world. Together, we will preserve these powerful legacies, inspire future generations, and celebrate the strength of our shared history.
Event Highlights
Pre-Ceremony | 10:00 a.m. PST
- Traditional dance performances
- Live music showcasing Vietnamese culture
- Vietnamese food & beverages (while supplies last)
Remembrance Ceremony | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST
- Presentation of Colors
- Special Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- Distinguished guest speakers
- Additional live dance and music performances
Ticket Information
Due to the popularity of this event, free admission tickets for Operation Frequent Wind are no longer available. However, general museum admission tickets are still available. General admission tickets can be purchased online here or in person at Midway's Ticket Booth on Navy Pier. You may also tune in to the event's live stream (link coming soon).
- A ticket is required for admission to the event. Guests without an OFW ticket must purchase general admission to enter the museum.
- We encourage early arrival to the OFW event, as entry may take time due to anticipated capacity and security measures.
- Printed tickets only — must be presented at check-in.
- Please note — the USS Midway Museum reserves the right to deny admission or remove any attendee at our discretion.
Join Us Live – Wherever You Are!
Be a part of history from anywhere in the world with our live stream of the 50th Anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind. Tune in for a powerful tribute honoring the courage, resilience, and lasting legacy of those impacted by this historic event.
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST
Where to watch:
- Right here at midway.org
- USS Midway Museum's Facebook LIVE
- USS Midway Museum's YouTube Channel (please click "notify me" to be notified on the start date)
Midway's Operation Frequent Wind Video Library
Remembering Operation Frequent Wind & the Fall of Saigon
Please enjoy this video recap of the USS Midway Museum's 40th Anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind event 10 years ago. The ceremony featured speakers including retired 1975 Midway Captain Larry Chambers, who led Midway’s role in Operation Frequent Wind; Vern Jumper who was Midway’s Air Boss at the time; and Stephanie Dinh, a Vietnamese refugee rescued along with her family and is now a Midway Docent.
The USS Midway Museum Presents Operation Frequent Wind
Considered by many to be the 30 most dangerous hours on board the aircraft carrier USS Midway, Operation Frequent Wind was one of the largest rescue missions in US history. As the communist-led North Vietnamese Army invaded Saigon, the US Navy was called in to rescue thousands of South Vietnamese citizens trapped in the capital city. Waiting for them on the USS Midway was Vern Jumper and then Captain Larry Chambers who worked tirelessly to save thousands of lives.
This is episode 3 in series 2 of The USS Midway Museum: United Stories of America® brought to you by USAA.
Operation Frequent Wind: With Those Who Lived the Legend
Midway played a leading role in the amazing rescue operation that saved thousands of people at the end of the Vietnam War. Navy Captain Lawrence Chambers, the USS Midway’s commanding officer, and those he rescued remember the dramatic day that changed their lives forever.
Get Involved
For sponsorship opportunities or to participate in the event, please contact the Vietnamese Heritage Museum:
(714) 846-8438
info@vietnamesemuseum.org
Don’t miss this historic commemoration as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.