America’s Living Symbol of Freedom

By, CJ Machado

Whether you live in San Diego or visiting “America’s Finest City”, the USS Midway Museum is a must see. Ranked #1 among all San Diego attractions on tripadvisor.com, it is the first historic naval ship to reach an attendance level over 1 million per year.
Commissioned only a week after the end of WWII, the USS Midway served from 1945 until 1992, making it the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Although it never served in WWII, it was named after the battle of Midway, the turning point of the war in the Pacific. The Midway was the largest ship in the world until 1955, so big it couldn’t fit through the Panama Canal.

The pride of the 6th fleet first sailed on October 29, 1947 but later sailed into the Pacific to join the 7th fleet in 1958, touring Japan, Philippines, Korea and Taiwan. The flight deck was expanded to an amazing 4 acres to accommodate new aircraft flight operations in 1966. Its aviators scored the first air victories, credited to US fliers in Southeast Asia, when VF-21, Midway’s Attack Wing 2, downed two MIGs on June 17, 1965.

Standing, anchored in San Diego Harbor, this historic ship was donated by the U.S. Navy to the USS Midway Museum, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. The USS Midway Museum opened on June 10, 2004 and now features over 60 exhibits and 29 fully restored aircraft.

The Museum’s success is greatly attributed to its dedicated volunteers. Approximately 800 volunteers contribute more than 225,000 hours annually. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making it easy for visitors to approach them with questions of curiosity.

Ninety year old WWII decorated veteran Robert C. Kemp welcomes the curious. The Smithsonian artist and talented author is an integral part of the USS Midway Living History Volunteer Program. The attentive visitors listen with great delight as animated Robert Kemp entertains them with famous war stories of his adventures during WWII. You can’t help but laugh out loud at his exuberant antics in story-telling.

Hang around to catch him drawing one of his famous soldiers from war times, a fascinating experience you’re not going to want to miss. (Drawing video available online: www.LoveAmazinglyProductions.com/art-gallery.html) His amazing soldier drawings can also be seen in his most recent book ‘Dog Face’, a satire of war that is depicted through his comedic drawings, which can be purchased through amazon.com.
Part of Bob’s charm is his gorgeous side-kick Bonnie Kemp Sheets, whom is his number one supporter and just happens to be his niece. Bonnie often joins her uncle in complete “Rosie the Riveter” attire. Adorable to the core, she wears her costume with great pride as her grandmother did many years ago. Like the original Rosie’s, Bonnie leads the way in implementing the first Rosie re-enactor on the USS Midway honoring the significant contributions many woman made during WWII. Bragging to all the young ladies “Did you know that his ship was mostly built by woman? Yep! During war times while the men were off to war fighting for our country, women were building ships like this to help them…
That’s right ladies, WE CAN DO IT!” as she quickly makes a muscle to back up her statement.

Another notable volunteer, Jim Reily Senior, served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and flew 9 & 1/2 missions over German controlled land until his capture as a POW.

Jim was shot down on April 15, 1944 on his 10th mission during a raid on a German Airfield in Austria. The crew of his B-24 “Liberator” bailed out over Yugoslavia but were captured and sent to German prison camp Stalag Luft III. Over a year later, he was liberated by General Patton and the 3rd Army, April 29, 1945.

Together with his son Jim Reily Junior, retired naval aviation logistics officer, this dynamic duo proudly educate and inspire the interested visitors with their own enticing historical displays and WWII memorabilia.
The volunteers on the USS Midway are the “Living History” that bring this historical vessel to life.

Stepping back in history as you climb aboard, you can see the massive hangar deck and experience what it was like to serve on this floating legend. The over 1 million visitors a year, can see the sleeping quarters, huge galley, the engine rooms and even the jail called the brig. Expect to spend 3-4 hours on board enjoying the flight simulators, the gift shop and relaxing at the Fantail Café.

The newest attraction, “Voices of Midway”, was recently introduced at the Battle of Midway Theatre. A compelling 14-minute documentary Directed by, Scott Levitta, best known for Silk Stalkings (1991) and Renegade (1992). This short film reminds us of the sacrifices many brave men made to ensure our freedom during the Battle of Midway.

The Voices of Midway are portrayed by the young men and their invincible spirits that changed the course of history. Through the real-to-life imagery of holograms, lighting and sound, the audience can live the adventure that took place in the middle of the Pacific many years ago. The thoughts and emotions of the inexperienced Torpedo Squadron 8 are captured while writing letters home on the eve of battle.
Japanese soldiers outnumbered ours almost two to one and yet these young ensigns, led by Lt Cdr Waldron, confronted death courageously. George Gay, the sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8, watched from the waters of the Pacific as the Japanese fleet took their fatal blows from the American Air Squadrons.

On June 4, 1942 heroic, young Americans overcame insurmountable odds and forever changed the course of history.
“Even against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit – a magic blend of skill, faith, and valor that can lift a people from certain defeat, to incredible victory.”
-Walter Lord, National WWII Memorial, Washington D.C.

For more information on the USS Midway Museum, please contact: www.midway.org