Midway Magic Shines Brightly in 2024 It’s been an incredible year in 2024 with the USS Midway Museum celebrating its 20th anniversary, along with welcoming it’s 20 million visitor. While there was tremendous excitement when Midway was towed in to San Diego Bay in 2004, there were also many who weren’t sure that a having naval aircraft carrier museum in the middle of the Embarcadero was a great idea. “There wasn’t a lot of support to bringing Midway here to San Diego,” recalled Mac McLaughlin, who was the museum’s president from 2003 to 2023. “The city wasn’t sure it was a good idea, the Port of San Diego wasn’t so sure either, and the San Diego Union-Tribune thought it was a horrible idea.” Mac knew that the odds weren’t in his favor, but he possessed an unyielding vision that Midway could provide all visitors one of the finest and most unique museum experiences possible. He quickly assembled and empowered a team who transformed Midway into a modern-day Cinderella story. “What I love about the story of Midway was the fact that people didn’t think this could happen,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “As mayor of this city, we are often underestimated. People think that we’re just that sleepy little city or just Los Angeles’ little sister. But when you bet against San Diego, that’s a bad, bad bet, and we prove it time and time again.” Over the last two decades, Midway has become both a San Diego and American icon. Combining the best offerings of a museum and an attraction, Midway is an exceptional hybrid experience that helps museum visitors imagine what it was like to be a sailor serving on a massive aircraft carrier. “I definitely recommend everyone visit the Midway,” said San Diego native Ashley Walters, who was celebrated as Midway’s 20 millionth visitor in July.
Ashely Walters (left) was Midway's 20 millionth visitor.
“You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the ship and what it did during the time it was in service. Being on the ship is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Midway transports you through time and gives you a true appreciation for our military service men and women, past and present.” Midway’s volunteers, the life’s blood of the museum, bring the ship to life with gripping stories of adventures on high-seas. The more than 700 active volunteers lend their talents and time to every department on the ship ranging from docents and safety to ship and aircraft restoration. A small group of museum volunteers are actually former USS Midway crewmen who share their personal stories of serving on the carrier with millions of visitors every year. For them, it’s an honor to serve their Navy ship twice – once in uniform and again as a veteran volunteers.
8 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / December 2024