San Diegos Uss Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

San Diego's USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in naval history, aviation, and technology. Located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego, the museum is housed on the iconic USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that served for 47 years.

The USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and played a significant role in the Cold War, serving as the flagship for various naval operations and deployments. After its decommissioning in 1992, the ship was donated to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum and has since been converted into a museum, showcasing the history of naval aviation and the significance of aircraft carriers in modern warfare.

Exhibits and Attractions

The USS Midway Museum features over 60 exhibits and displays, including restored aircraft, interactive simulations, and restored shipboard spaces. Visitors can explore the flight deck, hangar deck, and interior spaces, gaining a unique insight into life on board an aircraft carrier.

Some of the notable exhibits include:

The Flight Deck: Featuring restored aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, and A-6 Intruder.
The Hangar Deck: Showcasing a collection of historic aircraft, including a World War II-era SBD Dauntless and a Vietnam-era A-4 Skyhawk.
The Island: The command center of the ship, featuring the bridge, the captain's quarters, and the admiral's quarters.
The Engine Rooms: A display of the ship's massive engines and propulsion systems.

Restoration and Preservation

The USS Midway Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the aircraft carrier. The museum has undergone extensive restoration and preservation efforts to maintain the ship's original condition and ensure its continued operation as a museum.

The museum's restoration team has worked tirelessly to restore the ship's original systems, including the engines, electrical systems, and plumbing. The team has also preserved many of the ship's original artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, and personal belongings of former crew members.

Education and Community Programs

The USS Midway Museum offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. The museum's education team provides interactive and immersive experiences, including:

Guided Tours: Expert-led tours of the ship, providing insight into its history, operations, and significance.
Simulation Experiences: Interactive simulations, including a flight simulator and a ship-handling simulator.
Scout Programs: Special programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, focusing on STEM education and naval history.

Education and Community Programs at the USS Midway Museum

The museum also hosts a range of community events and programs, including reenactments, concerts, and lectures.

Visitor Information

The USS Midway Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the door, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel.

Visitors can plan their visit by checking the museum's website for updates on exhibits, events, and programs.

Getting There

The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 N. Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Visitors can reach the museum by car, bus, or on foot, with parking available on site.