USS Midway Museum

San Diego Harbor is the final home port for the USS Midway, built in 1945 and decommissioned in 1992.  I could not pass up the opportunity to tour this grand ship.

This sucker did not look that big from the road as we first passed by it on Friday.  This ship did not look that big from the hotel window.  It did not look that big from the restaurant next door last night.  But believe me, its BIG, coming in only 100 feet short of the current active carriers.

The cost of the tour was a bargain at only $20.  They have two self guided tours, one adult and one family.  For both, they issue you a set of headphones and a hand set.  I took the adult tour.

They have several elevators on sight, but if you cannot climb stairs both up and down, you will be terribly disappointed.  There are volunteer located throughout the ship to give you a narrative, or point you in the right direction.  You start on the hanger deck, work your way to the lower decks and finish up on the flight deck.

Lots of aircraft that served during the time that the USS Midway was on active duty are on board the ship.  The self quided tour includes conversation on all of these aircraft.

While during my visit, I was able to see two aircraft carriers at port.  Having three of these grand ships in the same harbor was an awesome sight.

If you are a history buff, this definitely should be pon your "must visit" list.  I chuckled a bit.  There were a lot of Japanese tourists on board today.  Guessing they don't have anything this grand in their own country since our Navy sunk most of them!

I spent a littler more than 5 hours on board.  If you ever make it this fatr west, definitely put it on your list of attractions to see, even if you aren't a history buff!  You'll be glad you did!