Celebrate USS Midway's 80th Birthday!
Join us this September as the USS Midway Museum proudly celebrates USS Midway's 80th anniversary!
Commissioned in 1945, the legendary USS Midway (CV-41) has served as a symbol of American strength, innovation, education, and service for eight decades. Experience the history, explore the stories of those who served aboard, and be part of this milestone celebration with special events, exhibits, and offers all month long.
USS Midway 80th Birthday & 4th Annual Multi-Cultural Celebration
September 6th
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (last admission is at 2:00 p.m.)
Free Admission (no pre-registration required)
Celebrate the USS Midway’s 80th birthday with a vibrant community event filled with music, dance, history, and birthday cake! This annual multi-cultural celebration will showcase live performances representing countries from Midway’s historic ports of call, ending with a tribute to her final home — San Diego.
Event Details
- Live dance performances
- Birthday Cake available (while supplies last)
- Multi-ethnic menu items for purchase at Café 41
- Prizes and giveaways
Presented by: the Midway Community Engagement Committee
Celebrate Midway’s 80th with Free Admission for Our 80+ Guests!
In honor of the USS Midway’s 80th birthday, we’re welcoming our most seasoned visitors with free admission all September long!
If you’re 80 years young or older, enjoy complimentary same-day admission to the museum. Simply present your valid photo ID at our ticket booth to receive your ticket (offer not valid online).
Offer valid: September 1–30, 2025
Who qualifies: Guests 80 years of age or older (valid photo ID required)
Follow 80th Celebrations on Social Media!
From giveaways and trivia to historical photos and more, follow Midway’s social media channels all month long for special 80th anniversary content.
Meet Midway’s Lovable Mascot, Middy!
Throughout September, USS Midway Museum's sailor mascot, Middy, will make special appearances, and kids who say the magic phrase 'Happy Birthday, Midway!' will receive a commemorative sticker (while supplies last).
History of the USS Midway (CV-41)
The USS Midway (CV-41) was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, Midway was built in only 17 months but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on September 10, 1945.
Midway was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes. In 1946, it became the first American carrier to operate in the midwinter sub-Arctic, developing new flight deck procedures. Midway became the only ship to launch a captured German V-2 rocket the following year.
On April 11, 1992, the Midway was decommissioned in San Diego. It remained in the inactive ship fleet in Bremerton, Washington, until 2003, when it was donated to the 501(c)3 nonprofit San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum organization. It opened as the USS Midway Museum in June 2004.
