USS Midway San Diego

How would you like to give your children the chance to relive history? The USS Midway San Diego museum has been open since 2004 and is a fantastic experience for both kids and grownups.

Background

The USS Midway San Diego is one of the United States' longest serving aircraft carriers. Its name originates from the Battle of Midway Island, which occurred in June of 1942. The battle was crucial in shifting momentum to the Allies, and convincingly proved naval aviation's possibilities. The aircraft carrier was launched on March 20, 1945, and commissioned in September of that year. During the ship's first decade of service, it held the title of the world's biggest warship.

Overview

The Midway isn't just a large ship-it's a piece of history. Boarding the aircraft carrier is like boarding a floating city. You can walk where nearly a quarter of a million sailors already have. And you can spend an entire day exploring the 25 restored aircraft and over 60 exhibits. There's also a (self-guided) audio tour, which retells the aircraft carrier's history, through the narrations of Midway sailors. And multiple flight simulators give you a virtual experience of life for aviators on the Midway.

Restored Aircraft

You and your children can enjoy aircraft ranging from the era of World War II, to Operation Desert Storm. Each of the aircraft has been painstakingly restored. The number of aircraft on display is constantly increasing, and currently includes aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and Desert Storm. You and your children can enjoy climbing aboard various aircraft and cockpits at the museum.

Exhibits

Your children will have a ball experiencing the various exhibits that chronicle the 1900s' longest-serving aircraft carrier of the Navy. The exhibits chronicle a wide range of experiences aboard the USS Midway San Diego. From the galley to the engine room, and from the post office to the machine shops, you and your children can have an up-close-and-personal experience about life on the aircraft carrier.

Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you and your family want more freedom when touring the Midway, then this is an excellent choice. You'll hear recorded narrations from sailors who actually lived or worked on the aircraft carrier! That includes stories from people with various roles on the Midway, such as cooks and laundrymen. This will help to make life at sea seem more personal and thrilling.

Flight Simulators These three simulators will literally put you in the aviator's seat, while aboard the USS Midway San Diego. You'll have the opportunity to fly off the Midway's deck, and engage in air-to-air combat.

Museum Docents

This is a fantastic way to tour the museum. It's a more personalized way to see the aircraft carrier, than the self-guided tour. The docent chooses which areas the group will tour based on factors such as the group's size.

While in San Diego, visiting the USS Midway will make the trip extra special for you and your children. Instead of merely learning about life aboard the aircraft carrier, you'll actually get the opportunity to live the life of sailors and aviators!

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