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USS Midway San Diego – Tips to Plan Your Visit

March 21, 2024 By: Maria Haase This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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The USS Midway San Diego is one of the top tourist attractions Downtown. It is fascinating to walk around the aircraft carrier and learn about the life of the sailors on board.

If you visit San Diego , I highly recommend you add the USS Midway Museum to your San Diego Itinerary and visit the amazing military museum . Book your tickets here>>

USS Midway San Diego Museum Info

Opening hours.

Daily 10 AM – 5 PM (last admission is at 4 PM) every day. Closed on Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25th).

Location and How To Get There

USS Midway Address: 910 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 +1 (619) 544-9600 Find on Google Maps

The USS Midway is located on the Bay, right between Seaport Village and the Maritime Museum . You can reach it on foot within 20-30 minutes from all downtown hotels.

Parking near the USS Midway is very limited and I would highly recommend either walking or using public transportation/shared rides. If you live or stay in Downtown San Diego, you can easily walk there. You can also download the app RideCircut for a free ride.

If using the trolley, the closest trolley stop is Seaport Village on the Silver and Green line, America Plaza for the Silver and Blue line, and the Courthouse for the Orange line.

There are a few paid parking lots and garages nearby, but they are quite costly. Here is a Groupon for a $10 Parking offer nearby that I would highly recommend if you plan to take your car.

USS Midway San Diego Tickets

I highly recommend getting tickets online before, in order to skip the line. Especially in the summertime and on weekends, this can save you a LOT of time. When it’s busy, the wait time can be easily over 1 hour.

Tickets include a free self-guided audio tour that will tell you interesting stories, fun facts, and fascinating details about the exhibits you are seeing.

USS Midway Museum Ticket Prices:

Adults: $34 (check for deals on Viator and Groupon ) Veterans (with ID / only at Ticket booth): $24 Youth (6-12): $24 Small Children (under 3): FREE Active Duty Military/Law Enforcement/Fire Fighters w/ID: FREE

USS Midway Museum Exhibits & Things to Do

Things to do.

• Flight simulators (additional cost)
• Battle of Midway Theater
• Catapult and Trap Talks
• Free Guided Island Tour
• Junior Pilot Program
• Overnight adventure
• Hanger Exhibits
• Flight Deck Exhibits
• Below Deck Exhibits
• Remembrance Wall

My favorites were the below-deck exhibits, as they gave me a feel for what everyday life on board of the ship must have been like during those long months at sea.

Another super interesting part was the Command Information Center which looked like a movie set. There were quite a few veteran volunteers that shared their stories and explained the equipment. Don’t be shy, ask them questions and talk to them about their service.

Best Time to Visit

If you are flexible, I would recommend visiting during the winter months or if at all possible, at least outside of the summer school holidays. Weekdays are always less crowded as well and the earlier in the day you go, the better.

Get your skip-the-line tickets, so you can walk right in at 10 AM when they open the door. Check for deals on Viator and Groupon here.

Best Tips for Your Visit

• Go in the off-season, during the week, early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• When you get on the ship, they will steer you towards the right. We recommend turning left and heading straight to the Ships Island/Bridge. Take the Guided Island Tour as early as possible. On busy days, last admittance might be as early as 3:30 PM.
• Talk to the volunteers. Many of them are veterans and have incredible stories to share about their time in service. This was by far my favorite about this museum. It was fascinating to hear their personal stories and anecdotes about life as a sailor.

USS Midway History

While the USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the last century. It was commissioned just one week before the end of World War II.

It played an important role during the Cold War but did not see any battle action until 1965 during the Vietnam War, followed by missions in Japan, the Persian Gulf, and the Philippines.

The USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and opened as a museum in San Diego in 2004. San Diego has a long history as the country’s top Navy town and this is the perfect spot for this historic aircraft carrier.

I hope this article helped you plan your visit to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego and provided you with some helpful information.

USS Midway San Diego – Pin for Later:

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Amy Thomas

About Maria Haase

Maria Haase has been a travel writer since 2007, stumbling into this profession during an internship in China. She grew up in Germany, but has lived in San Diego since 2006. Maria is a globetrotter, but also adores to explore her own back yard whenever she is home. She loves to share her favorite spots, help visitors plan their trips and share helpful tips about her chosen hometown San Diego.

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How long does it take to tour the USS Midway? - San Diego Forum

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Thanks in advance!

It depends on your level of interest how long you'd take.

IF you want to be finished by lunch then you CAN be finished.

The same thing goes for any attraction here.

Some people stay at the zoo all day. WE only stay until lunch!

Thanks Riffsmom!

I just did the tour a week or two ago. I really enjoy planes and military stuff, and spent about 3 to 4 hours there.It really depends on how crowded it is. When I went, very few people were there so the lines to get into the control tower were non existant. I hear that can get backed up later in the day. Even with light crowds the very small inner hallways and rooms can get pretty crowded.Be prepared to climb a lot of ladders.

Thanks everyone! I think we'll plan to be there as soon as it opens and make our afternoon plans for later in the day, rather than right after lunch.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Visiting the USS Midway in San Diego

Ana Alarcon

It seems unlikely that a decommissioned aircraft carrier like the USS Midway would be one of the top things to do in a major California city like San Diego, but that's what it is. 

It's more than just the ship's history that draws visitors, even though the Midway served the United States longer than any other aircraft carrier in history. It's not just that it was the largest ship in the world when it was commissioned in 1945, either. 

The Midway appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds as much as it does to history nerds and military buffs. Here's why: the Midway was retired in 1991 and now serves her final tour of duty in San Diego , home to one-third of the Pacific Fleet and many former Midway crew members. They bring the old ship to life as its volunteer docents, giving live talks about what happens on a working aircraft carrier.

How to Get There

The Midway is docked at the Navy Pier, between the cruise ship terminal and Seaport Village at 910 N. Harbor Drive. The San Diego Trolley stops three blocks from USS Midway at the Santa Fe Train Depot.

If you drive, limited parking is available on the pier next to the USS Midway. If you're in an RV that's more than 18 feet long, the nearest parking is in metered spots on Pacific Highway, one block east of Harbor Drive.

Metered parking is also available along N. Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. The meters are cheaper than the lots, but they have a three-hour limit.

When you're in town, you can't miss the Midway, one of San Diego's top attractions. You can even observe it on an iconic San Diego harbor cruise .

Once aboard the USS Midway, you can learn about life on a Navy ship. You'll find out how airplanes land and take off from a ship moving at 60 miles per hour, riding the ocean waves. 

Start by watching the short film about the Battle of Midway in the theater. It's included in the price of admission and is a wonderful way to learn about the ship.

The self-guided USS Midway audio tour, included in the entrance fee, takes you to the mess deck, sleeping quarters, hangar deck, and flight deck. It incorporates the voices of many who served on the USS Midway, who tell the stories of their experiences there.

Volunteer tour guides take you through the bridge, chart room, and primary flight control. It's one of the most fun things to do, and lines can grow long on a busy day. 

You can also live out your dream of flying in one of the ship's flight simulators (for an additional charge).

• There's no air conditioning, so bring water. Otherwise, all those stairs and tight quarters will leave you thirsty in the middle of the tour.
• Allow at least three hours to see everything on the USS Midway. If you're in a hurry, take the Express Tour.
• To avoid getting stuck in line for the guided portions of the tour, get there as soon as the USS Midway opens and go straight upstairs.
• Many doorways have a high threshold, and there are many stairs, some of them quite steep. Comfortable shoes with soles will give you a firm footing. 
• If you don't like confined spaces, be glad you weren't stationed on the Midway. The barracks can feel very claustrophobic, and you might want to bypass that part of the tour.
• Bring a light jacket; it can be windy on the Flight Deck.
• Leave the big bags behind. Only modest-sized diaper bags and camera bags are allowed.
• If you have a child in a stroller, you will either have to take them out and park the stroller at the entrance or skip seeing some parts of the ship.
• The USS Midway is a 100 percent non-smoking ship.
• You might end up staying longer than you expected on the Midway. If you need nourishment to continue, you can get something to eat at the Fantail Cafe.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy .

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USS Midway Museum

Review Highlights

“ I experienced a lot, but I by no means read every information board or went into every plane on the flight deck . ” in 325 reviews

“ I knew they are big but it didn't crystallize just how massive an aircraft carrier is until I visited Midway. ” in 195 reviews

“ Having someone close in the Navy and being able to see what, how and where he is a lot of time was the best! ” in 145 reviews

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Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

910 N Harbor Dr

San Diego, CA 92101

Broadway & Pacific Hwy

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About the Business

The USS Midway Museum is San Diego's #1 visitor attraction, this real naval aircraft carrier offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone. Guests of all ages can enjoy a self-guided audio tour featuring 60 exhibits highlighting this "city at sea" and 29 restored aircraft. Explore galleys, officer's country and sleeping quarters of a 69,000 ton ship, naturally located in Navy Town USA, a visit to the Midway is uniquely San Diego! …

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Ask a question

Do i need to buy tickets in advance for the day self guided tours or can purchase tickets at the gate once i arrive?

It is not necessary, but it is possible to do so, and it certainly might speed things up on the day you go to the US Midway. We recommend purchasing tickets for things in… more

Can we bring foods?

They have a food court there. But as I recall they didn't check for food/drinks items when entering the facility .

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Overall rating

1901 reviews

The tour guides we had were better than great! We had a large family group and they were both very patient and knowledgeable about the Midway. Please give our deepest appreciation to the Twins Mr. Richard Collier, and Mr. Ray Collier.

Our tour guides - Richard and Ray Collier are awesome and shared a lot history; very informational. They gave a great tour of the USS Midway for our big group! Great job Collier Twins!

The place exceeded expectations!! I was here three hours and it wasn't enough time! There is SO much to do that it is worth every penny. I am actually debating getting the annual pass and taking the train down! There's so many aircrafts on the deck that you can actually go into, as well as flight simulators, a short movie, and various volunteers have presentations all around the Midway. The movie was interesting to me because it was about Pearl Harbor getting bombed. My grandparents are from that area; my grandma once told me she and her sisters had seen a Japanese plane flying so low they could see the pilot... before the guy sprayed their plantation house with bullets. Moving on... Below deck is an incredible amount of history and you can see how sailors lived. There's narrow passages, steep stairs and it's definitely not handicap friendly- not to mention, low ceilings. I was the only one in my group who never had to duck to enter anything here. The food was decent too; it's cafeteria-style, where you grab a tray and go. I ordered the grass-fed burger and it was actually very good. Overall, I highly recommend this place to others. Pros: - the volunteers are often vets and have wonderful stories - so many interactive activities - views from deck - the history Cons: - below deck gets hot and stuffy - parking sucks! They took away most of the 7-hour parking - taller/ bigger people may have decreased mobility below deck

Various parts of the ship, various flying objects, and the statue as seen from the deck.

Lunch was a grass-fed burger!

I have been to this aircraft carrier on 2 prior occasions over the past 10 years. Both prior times, I would give a solid 5 stars. Be advised that at the moment, a tour of the bridge is closed due to extensive renovation. My 3 stars is based on the huge disappointment that whoever manages this great tourist attraction has succomed to tourist gimmicks widely found at other tourist destinations around the world. You would think when it opens each day, you can buy a ticket and walk on the ship, right? Nope. What happens once you purchase your ticket is you stand in a line. You stand in a long line. 15 minutes later, you are still standing in the line and have made very slow progress toward actually boarding the carrier. What's the cause of this long line? Crass commercialism. Some geniuses have decided that every guest must participate in a photo op to board the carrier. Maybe they could have a separate line for those who want their pics taken and then charged a ridiculous fee to purchase them? Oops....nope that wouldn't generate near as much money. Note to Midway: If you need more money, Jack up your admission price. Stop creating unnecessary lines for everyone who boards the ship. Oh, and yes, when we got close to the front of the line, we told them no pics, not interested, and walked away.

I've been to San Diego a few times and have always seen this museum but never stopped bye. I made a trip to SD with my son and it eas the perfect opportunity to go. This is an aircraft carrier so it is huge. Eat advice I got from a docent was to start on the flight deck then work your way down. The flight deck has tons of cool jets and helicopters, some of which you can get in, when we were there a few retirement ceremonies were occurring so that was cool to see. The hangar area has pro planes and copters, simulators, gift shop, cafe, restroom and a theater. The theater was surprisingly good, a film about the battle of midway. There are some cool effects that made things very lifelike. The other part of the museum is the "loop" which takes you through various parts of the ship: bunks, CIC, store, briefing room, officers quarters, etc. this can get a little claustrophobic but it's worth it. One last thing is there there's a free audio tour device that you point at. Various signs. It filled in the museum very well. Took us about two hours to get through the whole place.

Very cool "museum" that is this entire ship! When you get inside the ship entrance, you can get an audio headset that tells you about the history ot the ship and people who were on it. You have options of English, Spanish, Chinese, and a few other languages. You can then go to the flight deck and see over 15 different jets that had a history of landing on this ship and what each jet was used for, or you can go below deck and see the living quarters, sick bay, kitchens, and more. The flight deck is wheelchair accessible, but I dont think the living spaces and things below are (see photos). I would call ahead to ask more about accessibility. Overall, this is an amazing look into the real lives of Navy members and how intricate our Navy ships and jets are. I highly recommend checking the USS Midway out!

See all photos from Alex D. for USS Midway Museum

After countless years of never quite getting here, I finally visited this amazing, historical aircraft carrier which has been converted into a museum. It was a Monday morning at around 11am and there was no line at the ticket booth. Walking through the museum was very nice without a crowd (at times I found myself alone in certain rooms) although there was an uptick of people by the time I left at 2. While there are docent tours given as well as an audio tour, I decided to do a self tour as there are plenty of placards, photos, and videos to explain the various areas of the ship as well as a good number of docents positioned throughout the ship who are very knowledgable and can answer any question you can come up with. It is obvious that they love to be asked! I walked through most of the ship; engine room, galley, chapel, laundry, sick bay, bunk area, etc. One realizes this is a small, efficient city below deck. I nimbly maneuvered up and down various stairs, some steep and ladder-like, exploring the various areas. I read in the brochure there are elevators at a few locations for folks that can't do the stairs. The flight deck was cool to see various aircraft and get a better visual idea of the precision pilots must have to take off and land. I appreciated the use of mannequins to enhance how everything was staffed in the various areas. There was a lot to see and the nearly three hours I spent here was just glossing over many sections as I realized if I read every plaque and watched every video I'd need a full day. This is a fascinating, educational place for history buffs or students of any age.

See all photos from Timmy S. for USS Midway Museum

What an amazing museum! We parked in the dock and walked right in (we pre-bought tickets at our hotel). Plan lots of time if you want to explore the whole place. There are so many routes through the ship before you even get to the flight deck. The collection is in great shape! We got to see it all lit up for the holidays. While it was fun to see at night, the lights draped over the planes during the day was a bit of an eyesore. Great museum! Well worth a trip!

The USS Midway is a must see while in San Diego. This is such a great experience with so much history. We loved all areas that are open to visitors. The volunteers were all so knowledgeable and friendly. We spent about 3.5 hours looking around. Plan for lots of walking - wear comfy shoes! Lots of stair climbing and tight spaces. The flight deck is awesome with so many different planes and some you can even walk into. The coolest part for us, was seeing a US Navy retirement ceremony on the flight deck.

See all photos from Kimberly G. for USS Midway Museum

This is an excellent museum. I've been on a few ship museums over the years, and they are always informative. The last I saw was the USS Intrepid (also a carrier). The exhibits in the Midway were interesting, informative, and their audio tour was also useful (unlike some that are boring). You can use your own headphones with the audiotour which is very nice. There is a bookstore in the hangar near the entrance that is filled with donated materials you can buy, and there is a separate Museum shop for the ship with lots of different types of goods. I spent a few hours here and did not complete the entire museum. I have to come back with my dad who flew in the Navy, but was on a different carrier. You can buy a ticket online and save some money -- $2 savings. I bought a ticket when I got there because I wanted the physical ticket.

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USS Midway: A look at the history of the iconic Navy ship

S AN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — More than a million visitors a year learn the story of the impressive USS Midway ship that sits in the San Diego Bay, but there was a time when the city was without a true tribute to the Navy or Naval history in the city.

“San Diego is the birthplace of Naval aviation, the original home of Top Gun, Navy Town USA,” said Scott McGaugh, one of the co-founders of The USS Midway Museum.

Before the Midway ever became a salute to San Diego’s Naval history, its story began when it was commissioned in 1945.

“It was the only Navy ship to serve from the end of World War II all the way through the Cold War. More than 100,000 sailors served and sacrificed on the ship,” McGaugh said.

A pioneer throughout its years in service, the aircraft carrier was the largest warship in the world for a decade. It was also the first ship too large for the Panama Canal.

After 47 years, it came time to retire the USS Midway. According to McGaugh, ships were being built nuclear-powered and he Midway was consuming 100,000 gallons of fuel a day.

In 1992, the Midway made a stop in San Diego to be decommissioned, but it would be more than a decade until it came back as a museum.

“We thought it would just take two or three years to go through the process. To put it in perspective, America fought World War II and won in four years. It took us three times as long,” McGaugh said.

While still waiting for the ship, people like Rudy Shappee were hard at work inside Hangar 805 at NAS North Island for two years, restoring aircraft to eventually show on the flight deck.

When the Midway docked in its new home January 2004, there was still a lot of work to do.

“We needed to restore this giant chunk of metal and then make it ready for an audience,” Shappee said.

In just six months, the floating museum was ready for visitors, opening in June. 

Co-founders like McGaugh say even the Navy had its doubts, but the ship has continued to trailblaze.

“We were profitable the first month, we had our first year attendance goal in three months, we became the most visited ship museum in the world in three years,” McGaugh said.

As the 20th anniversary nears, there is ongoing restoration and dozens of exhibits, constantly being reimagined.

Those who were there for the many chapters of the Midway can confidently say it has a proud past as a warship and a lasting future as a museum.

“I think about what footprints have you left in this world when you departed. This is one of my major accomplishments, this is our gift to the nation,” Shappee said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.

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• The Private USS Midway Tour

Enjoy a private tour guide at the USS Midway Museum, a true naval aircraft carrier offering a unique experience for all. With 60 exhibits, 29 restored aircraft, and exploration of galleys, officer’s quarters, and sleeping areas of this 69,000-ton warship, it's a deep dive into naval life. Located in Navy Town USA, the Midway brings history to life. Positioned majestically in San Diego's harbor, the USS Midway Museum is more than just a ship; it's a living, breathing monument to naval history, inviting you to step back in time and experience the magic and legacy of one of America's most storied vessels. Join us on this VIP Tour and immerse yourself in the unparalleled history of The USS Midway, where every exhibit and aircraft sparks a new sense of wonder and respect for the naval forces that protect our seas.

Approx. 1 Hour. Admission is included and is good all day.

Tour Description

We invite you to be our VIP guests on an exclusive, private guided tour of the USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego's premier attractions, with Another Side Tours. The USS Midway stands as a testament to American naval history, having been the Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992. At one time, it was also the largest ship in the world, a floating city at sea. During your personalized tour, led by a knowledgeable local docent, you'll explore over 60 interactive exhibits and 25 meticulously restored historic aircraft. From the depths of the engine room to the heights of the flight deck, each corner of the Midway offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the sailors who served on this iconic vessel. This exclusive package not only includes your private guided tour but also offers the flexibility to continue your exploration at your own pace after the tour concludes. Delve into the heart of naval aviation, experience firsthand the tight quarters of crew living spaces, and marvel at the complexity of the ship's engineering. Your visit becomes even more immersive with stories and anecdotes shared by your guide, bringing to life the extraordinary contributions of the Midway and its crew to global military history. Stand on the bridge and gaze out at the San Diego skyline, imagining the decisions made from that very spot during critical moments in history. But the experience doesn't end there. Another Side Tours ensures your VIP visit is unforgettable, providing insights into San Diego's broader military heritage. Climb inside the history of the Midway for an intimate understanding of not just the ship, but also the city that has been its home. Whether you're a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to experience San Diego, this private tour of the USS Midway Museum promises an engaging, educational, and memorable journey through America's rich naval past, all brought to you by Another Side Tours.

Tour Details

$ 149.00 per guest.

TOUR LOCATION:

USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.

Offered Daily and Hourly, Upon request.

This experience takes place in most weather conditions.

MEETING LOCATION:

USS Midway Museum 910 N Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Please contact us for any additional information at 1-619-848-0348 .

TOUR DURATION:

Private Tour.

# OF GUESTS:

Any group size can be accommodated. 2 guest minimum.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Comfortable clothing.

WHAT TO BRING:

Please bring yourself ready for an awesome time!

CANCELLATION POLICY:

No cancellations or refunds within 7 days of your tour date.

The Private USS Midway Tour Includes:

• Admission to explore the USS Midway Museum, the Navy’s longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (1945-1992).
• A friendly and knowledgable docent to lead your 1-Hour guided tour.
• Explore a floating city at sea, the USS Midway Museum.
• Access to the largest ship in the world for a decade, offering a unique historical perspective.
• Self-guided exploration of 60 exhibits and viewing of 25 meticulously restored historic aircraft.
• Comprehensive tour from the engine room to the bridge, unraveling the military history of San Diego.
• Exclusive 1-hour private guided tour with a knowledgeable local docent.
• Insider insights and stories shared by the docent, providing a deeper understanding of the USS Midway's history.
• An unforgettable VIP visit, offering an enhanced and personalized experience.
• An opportunity to climb inside the history of the Midway, gaining a unique and immersive perspective.
• Enjoy military history firsthand with the expertise of Another Side Tours, ensuring a memorable visit.

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Explore the Midway from the Comfort of Home

Let’s be clear: there is no substitute for a real, in-person, all hands on board visit to the Midway. But, for now, here are a few ways to see all the spectacular experiences in store for you.

Midway 360 Virtual Tour

Select an area to explore.

• Flight Deck
• Hangar Deck
• Jet Airplanes
• Helicopters
• Battle of Midway Theater
• Visitor Center
• Helicopter Cockpit

Audio Tours

Listen to what it was like to live aboard a floating city at sea..

Choose from two engaging audio experiences for the entire family to enjoy! Midway’s award-winning Audio Tour & Family Audio Tour bring the ship’s history to life.

Our Family Audio Tour is perfect for our Little Skippers! Families can follow Airman Sam Rodriguez as he leads youngsters on an eye-opening and entertaining audio tour to more than 30 locations throughout the aircraft carrier.

Our Audio Tour is great to listen to Midway pilots describe their incredible experiences flying more than 20 different aircraft from the flight deck off of this floating airport. Learn what it was like to drop anchor, sleep in an enlisted sailor’s bunk or fly a WWII aircraft. From the Sick Bay, Galley, Laundry and Engine room hear Midway sailors describe their daily shipboard life in their own words!

Turn your speakers up and click on the numbered sound bites to begin your tour of the USS Midway! Tours are available in 6 languages, simply click on the flag to access your desired language.

More Midway Fun From Home

Midway’s Aircraft Gallery

Explore a unique collection of more than 30 Navy aircraft including jets, propeller planes, and helicopters!

Karl’s Korner: History Blog

Meet Karl Zingheim, USS Midway’s ship historian and a San Diego State University military professor and specialist in naval history. Karl shares slices of naval history in his blogs that are family friendly and compelling reads for the military history or curious buff.

Little Skippers: Activities 
for Kids

Learn naval history and all about the USS Midway Museum from Airman Sam Rodriguez. Download activity sheets, recipes, and enjoy the Family Audio Tour for some family fun in the comfort of your home.

UNITED STORIES OF AMERICA

Restoring one of the u.s.’s biggest aircraft carriers.

The son of a fisherman, he was an enlisted man who “came up the hawsepipe” to become Chief Warrant Officer aboard Midway. Today, he will tell you to go the engine room — because that’s where the values of responsibility and respect can be found.

Fall of Saigon Survivor Recounts U.S. Navy’s Rescue in Vietnam

As Saigon collapsed around her, Stephanie and her family ran to a rescue helicopter destined for the USS Midway. Stephanie experienced firsthand the chaos and heartbreak of the U.S. evacuation in Vietnam. But what stayed with her to this day is a perspective of how precious freedom truly is. It’s a tale she’s still sharing from the Midway.

U.S. Navy Aviator and Former P.O.W. Tells His Story

The combat missions seemed endless. First, Jack and his co-pilot shot down two North Vietnamese fighter jets only minutes apart. But on his 285th combat mission, he was shot down by the enemy. This former USS Midway aviator’s journey carried him through the depths of pain and humiliation at the “Hanoi Hilton” — and ultimately to triumph, honor, and personal peace.

How 40,000 Dozen U.S. Eggs Saved a Philippine Village

Jim was responsible for all the supplies aboard a floating city of 4,500 voracious young men. From eggs to pens to equipment weighing tons, there isn’t anything that USS Midway supply officer Jim Reily hasn’t seen, ordered, inventoried, and reordered. Rescuing families threatened by a massive volcano eruption in the Philippines reminded him why it mattered.

An Aerial Reconnaissance Chief Talks Operation Linebacker

Ed Murray defied the odds to make sure that Navy aircrews could rely on their 75 planes during combat missions. He regularly worked two 12-hour shifts back to back, prepping jets with parts from half a world away for each day's missions: a life of "eat, sleep, work, repeat." To date, Ed Murray has even logged 7,500 hours as a docent on the Midway. Dedication doesn’t run any deeper.

How A Former U.S. Navy Captain Helped Avoid A Nuclear War

The shortest flight of his career was over in “10 or 15 seconds” — when a botched catapult launch dumped Herb Zoehrer's aircraft into the ocean where he was rescued by Midway crewmembers. His longest flights? Going low and slow, chasing enemy submarines. In the Cuban Missile Crisis, Herb and his fellow airmen stepped up to maintain a fragile peace.

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