U.S.S. Midway Museum

By piglet990

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The U.S.S. Midway (taken from www.hnsa.org)

Although once a fully functioning aircraft carrier for the United States Navy, the U.S.S. Midway now serves as a museum and visitor attraction in San Diego, California. The Midway was commissioned at the end of World War II, and eventually became a museum in the 90s, although not until after serving in the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Storm, and many other missions.

Now that the massive ship has been decommissioned, visitors may walk through a variety of spaces, including the flight deck, the engine room, the captain and admiral's quarters, enlisted and junior officer quarters, primary flight control, and many additional rooms of interest. Visitors have fun squeezing through the tiny doors, laying in the narrow bunk beds, listening to the self-guided tour, and taking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of what would have been daily life for those who served on the ship.

Yet another feature of the vessel lies in the extensive collection of World War II and post-war naval aircrafts that are now on display, some even allowing visitors to walk inside and tour the interiors of these planes or helicopters. One really gets a sense that the museum tries its best to engage with its visitors, not only by displaying an accurate representation of the vessel and daily life on it, but also through a few different simulators that visitors can try (these are especially popular with younger visitors and children). These simulators toss, turn, and jolt you as you rush over the deserts of Kuwait where the Midway was stationed in Operation Desert Storm, or allow you to experience other flight excursions. The authenticity, effort, and educational value provided by the Midway Museum makes this a destination not to be missed.


The U.S.S. Midway is located at:
910 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(alongside Navy Pier)

If traveling by train, get off at The Santa Fe Train Depot which is just a few blocks away. By car, take the I-5 and then exit at Front St toward Civic Center.

References: USS Midway Homepage




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