Greetings from the flight deck of the USS Midway, where we are once again hearing the excited voices of school children as they move about the ship. We are also getting very busy booking after-hour events as America emerges from its COVID coma and begins to return to normal. 

Additionally, we’re seeing our museum visitors return in larger numbers, and our hangar and flight decks are coming back to life for all of our San Diego residents and tourists alike. Midway Magic is alive and well, and we’re recovering and building towards the future.

In my last column, I talked about how fortunate we were to have survived the pandemic and still be on a solid financial footing, while maintaining a strong staff and seeing the return of most of our volunteers. 

As we begin to rebuild our programs to support the increase in demand, we are also beginning a very exciting future as we work to expand Midway’s footprint beyond the ship. I am very pleased to announce to our members and supporters, that we have begun work to build a park to honor veterans on Navy Pier which will extend around to the Bob Hope Memorial next to the Fish Market restaurant on the G Street Mole.

The Port of San Diego has begun work to finalize the shoring up of all of the pylons beneath the pier. When the Port is finished, hopefully within the next year, we will be ready to demolish Building 11 at the foot of the pier and begin building Freedom Park at Navy Pier. 

We will keep you all apprised as we begin our project, but I wanted you to know that we have finally achieved the consensus between the Port, the California Coastal Commission and Midway on the footprint for the future park. In fact, I just recently signed a memorandum of understand (MOU) with the Port to collaborate on the park’s construction. Once built, it will be the largest veterans park on the West Coast, and serve as an anchoring piece of San Diego for future generations. 

We have set an ambitious goal to schedule the ground-breaking ceremony to begin construction of the park in 2024, the 20th anniversary of the arrival of USS Midway to San Diego. It will be a great celebration for our entire city and a tribute to our veterans for centuries to come. 

Thank you all for your constant support.

Onward and upward,

Mac

What a wonderful welcome so many have extended me in my nearly first year – thank you! As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and a San Diego native, it is an honor to be a member of the USS Midway Museum family. 

The spirit of giving that I’ve experienced in my first year at Midway has been phenomenal. Your membership and generosity support Midway’s exceptional education programs, restoration projects, and new exhibits. Thank you for your on-going, unconditional commitment to Midway.

Yet mine isn’t the only new face in the department. Katie Andersen, who spent the last six years as Midway’s guest services manager, joins our team as the new membership manager. Previously with the San Diego Padres and New Children’s Museum, Katie is excited to begin building relationships with our members. We are truly thrilled to have her on board.

Karen Garst recently completed her 13th year as our membership coordinator – as a full-time volunteer. Yes, you read that correctly, a full-time volunteer. Karen is the heart and soul of this department and regales us with stories from Midway sailors, whom she loves connecting with every day. She is also the office baker and is adding to our waistlines with her amazing homemade goodies.

When my Foundation president predecessor, Dan Beintema, retired last year, he shared some insights with me that I’m seeing ring true every day – you won’t find a better culture of kindness, teamwork and selflessness among the staff, volunteers and members. 

What Dan did not share with me was our museum CEO’s affinity for the classic Disney song “Heigh Hi, Heigh Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go,” every time our world-famous docents head off on their daily shifts. And I mean every time. While that song may no longer be a “classic” here in our offices, it still motivates us to ensure the finest guest experience for all our visitors.

There’s no question that the pandemic has made the last two years on Midway more challenging, but it has also brought us new opportunities. We’ve had the chance to evaluate our resources, reimagine guest experiences, and take a fresh look at our fundraising priorities. One thing, however, that has remained constant during this time has been the incredible loyalty from our Midway Members. We can’t thank you enough.

I’m delighted to be part of the Midway Magic and I look forward to getting to know you.

Laura