Over its 47 year career, the aircraft carrier USS Midway became one of the most famous ships in the United States Navy. Commissioned just two weeks after the end of World War II, the USS Midway was the ‘tip of the spear’ for the United States, often placed at the center of the most important events of the late 20th century. Over the more than four decades the Midway was in service, the ship adapted to the times… literally changing its shape to accommodate advancements in jet technology. The Midway underwent several major ‘retrofits’ that greatly improved its performance. This is the story of these incredible changes, including its last transformation from active carrier to the interactive museum it is today. Located in San Diego, California the USS Midway Museum welcomes over a million visitors a year and works to preserve the historic USS Midway and the legacy of those who serve, inspire and educate future generations, and entertain museum guests.
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 →
On August 23, 1958 the communist-led Chinese forces launched a massive artillery barrage of two small islands off the coast of Taiwan, where...
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 →