On August 23, 1958 the communist-led Chinese forces launched a massive artillery barrage of two small islands off the coast of Taiwan, where thousands of Chinese Nationalist troops were stationed. This act of aggression would set in motion a series of events that would bring the world to the brink of nuclear war. The USS Midway, fresh off of receiving three years’ worth of major upgrades making it a nuclear force sailed to the Taiwan Strait to deter further aggression by the Chinese Communists. On board the USS Midway was Richard Setlowe, a junior officer responsible for giving the nuclear bombers their targets should it be necessary. A reality that still haunts him today. The Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1958 brought the USS Midway and her crew to the brink of nuclear war.
After 47 years of legendary service in the United States Navy, it was time for the USS Midway to face its final challenge… retirement.
Hear This Story →
While the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an ‘Invisible War’ regional players took advantage of the vacuum this created. Enter Saddam Hussein.
Hear This Story →
Over the 47 years serving in the United States Navy, the USS Midway was active for the entire length of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
Hear This Story →
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...
Hear This Story →
Over its 47 year career, the aircraft carrier USS Midway became one of the most famous ships in the United States Navy. Commissioned just...
Hear This Story →
The combat missions seemed endless. First, he and his co-pilot shot down two North Vietnamese fighter jets only minutes apart...
Hear His Story →
He was responsible for all the supplies aboard a floating city of 4,500 voracious young men. From eggs to pens to equipment weighing tons...
Hear His Story →
As Saigon collapsed around her, she and her family ran to a rescue helicopter destined for the USS Midway. Stephanie experienced firsthand...
Hear Her Story →
The shortest flight of his career was over in “10 or 15 seconds” — when a botched catapult launch dumped Herb Zoehrer's aircraft...
Hear His Story →
He defied the odds to make sure that Navy aircrews could rely on their 75 planes during combat missions...
Hear His Story →
The son of a fisherman, he was an enlisted man who “came up the hawsepipe” to become Chief Warrant Officer aboard Midway...
Hear His Story →