Opening Reception: Come Aboard!
- Opening Reception
- Saturday, October 22, 2011
- 7:30pm–9:30pm
- USS Midway
Welcome aboard USS Midway for an evening to remember! Your adventure begins as you cross Midway's bow and step into Navy history, following in the footsteps of the 220,000 sailors who served aboard this storied warship. From pilot house to engine room, the Midway is yours to explore!
Head up to the Flight Deck – aka "Steel Beach" – and take in the sights and sounds South Pacific style! Enjoy a tropical beverage or listening to top hits performed by our energetic live band! Sit in the cockpits of the jets, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft Naval Aviators flew during deployments from the Cold War era to Desert Storm. Veteran docents, many of whom served aboard Midway, will mesmerize you with the art and science that is Naval Aviation. You may even hear some salty sea stories that will keep things interesting and make you chuckle!
Don your captain's hat and head topside, where Ship's Company safely navigated Midway throughout her 47 years of naval service. And just how does the Chief Engineer produce Midway's 212,000 horsepower? Find out below decks in the engineering spaces, docents will explain the complexities of operating Midway's 12 boilers.
Next, visit the Hangar Deck where Americana awaits you in all of its red, white and blue glory! Enjoy a USO show in the grand tradition of Bob Hope. Midway also offers flight simulators for some white-knuckled excitement safely enjoyed within the confines of her hangar bay. There's something for everyone here, and your private adventure aboard USS Midway will set the stage for NECA 2011 San Diego!
