The USS Midway, an iconic aircraft carrier, has a rich history that spans nearly five decades. Commissioned on September 10, 1945, just days after the end of World War II, the Midway was the largest ship in the world at the time. It was named after the Battle of Midway, a pivotal naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The Midway was the first of a new class of carriers that were designed to handle the larger and heavier aircraft that were being developed during the war. Throughout its service, the Midway played a crucial role in various military operations and was a symbol of American naval power.
During the early years of its service, the USS Midway was involved in several significant operations. In 1947, it was part of Operation Frostbite, which tested the ship's ability to operate in cold weather conditions. The Midway also participated in the Korean War, providing air support for United Nations forces. Notably, it was involved in the famous non-fatal Grumman F9F-5 Panther ramp strike accident during carrier suitability tests in the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1951. In the 1960s, the ship underwent an extensive modernization program, which included the installation of an angled flight deck, steam catapults, and other advanced systems. This modernization allowed the Midway to accommodate newer, faster jets and remain a vital part of the U.S. Navy's fleet.
My coworker and I had some time to spare during our conference in San Diego. As we walked along the waterfront, it was hard not to notice this gargantuan ship. It was harder still to contemplate that there were now larger. We decided we would use the time to explore this monster and immediately got in line for the tour.
Now, as tours go, this was my kind. We were free to wander much of the ship without sticking to groups, etc. and do things in whatever order we chose. It was a beautiful day, and we were surrounded by so much history, it was alomst overwhelming!
The Midway's service continued through the Vietnam War, where it played a key role in several major operations. It first set sail for Vietnam in March 1965, with jets flying from the aircraft carrier to conduct air operations, including F-4 Phantom IIs and A-4 Skyhawks. Two of its Phantom IIs were credited with the first confirmed MiG kills of the conflict. The Midway was involved in Operation Linebacker in 1972, aiding fighting planes and rescuing downed pilots. It was also instrumental in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, one of the most dramatic moments in the war. The ship's crew helped to evacuate thousands of American and South Vietnamese personnel as the city fell to North Vietnamese forces. The Midway also participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the final phase of the evacuation, which involved the largest helicopter evacuation in history.
After the Vietnam War, the USS Midway continued to serve in various capacities. It was stationed in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, where it was involved in several Cold War-era operations. The Midway was the only carrier to serve the entire length of the Cold War and beyond. In 1991, the ship played a significant role in Operation Desert Storm, providing air support for coalition forces during the liberation of Kuwait. The Midway's service came to an end in 1992 when it was decommissioned and placed in the Navy's reserve fleet.
When you walk around on the flight deck, this is where you get a true sense of the size of this ship. Yet I'm sure that as a pilot returning with a damaged aircraft in less-than-ideal weather conditions, the deck rolling, rising and falling, it must look very small indeed.
We listened to retired servicemen talk of their time on this ship, or ones of her class. We walked the length of her catapaults and wondered at the jarring forces they must have inflicted on the flight crews. This was truly and alien world.
In 2003, the U.S. Navy donated the ship to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum organization. The Midway was towed to San Diego, where it underwent extensive restoration and preparation to become a museum. On June 7, 2004, the USS Midway Museum officially opened to the public. Today, the museum is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, drawing over a million visitors annually. It serves as a tribute to the men and women who served aboard the Midway and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about naval aviation and military history.
