Midway Celebrates 75 Years

On March 20, 1945 the CVB-41 was christened “Midway” by Barbara Cox Ripley, and the building dock was flooded, floating the massive hull into Hampton Roads. A remarkable feature appearing as the Midway lay along the fitting out dock was the heaviest gun armament seen since the 8-inch gun mounts on the old Lexington and Saratoga.

On Sept. 10, just nine days after the surrender ceremony on the deck of the USS Missouri, the new USS Midway was commissioned into active service. Visitors marveled at the large scale of the new carrier, particularly the 924-foot long flight deck, able to operate an unheard of 120 combat aircraft. For the next ten years, the Midway and her two sisters would be the largest warships in the world.

Challenge Coin Give-a-way

To celebrate the USS Midway’s 75th birthday, we have created an exclusive challenge coin representing the core values of Midway’s 75 year odyssey. As an active duty ship from 1945 to 1992, Midway represented service, dedication, and an unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Today, as a ship museum, Midway represents a commitment to the preservation of history through inspiring, educating, and entertaining our communities.

Be one  of the first 75 families that visit the USS Midway Museum on Sept. 10, 2020 and you will receive a exclusive commemorative challenge coin! If you are unable to visit us in person, you may enter to win a challenge coin on our social media channels. Details below!

Enter to Win a Coin

Unable to visit the ship on Sept. 10? We will be giving away a very limited amount of challenge coins through social media. You may enter via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – or all platforms to increase your chances to win.

Click the posts below and follow all steps to be entered. Questions about the challenge coin give-a-way? Email us at social@midway.org

Enter on Facebook Here

Enter on Instagram Here

Enter on Twitter Here

RECHRISTENING MIDWAY: WATCH ON FACEBOOK LIVE

In light of all the challenges we have faced over the last 75 years, and most recently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to “rechristen” the mighty Midway Magic in a special socially distanced ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum on Sept. 10, 2020.

This event is not open to the public, but will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.

WWII Wall of Honor

As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II, join us in creating a Wall of Honor in tribute to America’s Greatest Generation. Click below to submit your WWII hero past or present, or simply type in a message of thanks to the brave men and women who had a role in World War II

Help Us Navigate Dangerous Seas

We are doing all we can to honor and preserve the historic Midway as America’s living symbol of freedom as we continue to navigate through uncharted waters.

Your ship not only embodies the spirit San Diego’s naval history, but is a proud symbol of strength, peace and freedom for the nation. Your support to keep her strong during these challenging times is greatly appreciated.

Your contribution consideration means the world to us.

DONATE NOW

LEARN MORE FROM OUR HISTORIAN

Read selections from Ship Historian, Karl Zingheim’s blog Karl’s Korner. Karl wrote these blogs originally to commemorate our 71st Birthday and we feel that they are important reads to understand the history of this great ship!

BUILDING THE MIDWAY: PART 1

The story of the USS Midway actually dates back to the first international attempt at a naval limitation treaty soon after the First World War. Having spent vast sums fighting the war, nations were loathe to engage in a fresh arms race, particularly as the United States was ramping up its naval construction, and Japan was seeking to modernize its navy, now being built exclusively in her own yards…
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BUILDING THE MIDWAY: PART 2

With some 70 tons of blueprints completed, detailed analysis of the armor on the Illustrious, and hard lessons from the loss of carriers in the Pacific, naval planners called for the construction of four new large carriers, designated “CVB” for fiscal year 1943. However, President Roosevelt opted not to include these ships while otherwise approving the rest of the…
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