It’s hard to believe that we’re nearly halfway through 2023. Time flies when you are having fun.
An exciting energy has taken over Midway the last few months. In February, more than 150 Midway Members gathered together on the hangar deck for our annual “State of the Ship” address. We hope those who attended got an in-depth understanding of our engineering and restoration efforts, milestone events in the coming months, and the vision for Freedom Park at Navy Pier. We loved the opportunity to update you in person and look forward to getting back hosting this traditional and popular event each year.
March started with one of our popular behind-the-scenes events and ended with a flight-deck commemoration ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. There continues to be no better setting in San Diego to remember the sacrifice our service members make for our everyday freedoms.
We also bid a fond farewell to our founding president and CEO, Mac McLaughlin, who retired this spring and welcomed Mac’s successor, Terry Kraft, who takes the helm and will lead Midway into the museum’s next exciting chapter.
We’ve seen seasons of change surrounding Midway as new construction and development continues at breakneck pace across the street. And I think we could all agree the grass has never been greener in San Diego after months of steady rain.
There’s one constant that remains on Midway, no matter what the season. It creates the positive experience you have on board. It works tirelessly behind the scenes to preserve Midway’s legacy. And
it quietly is a huge boost to our ship’s bottom line. It is, of course, our proud and dedicated volunteer corps of more than 700 men and women who continue to be the driving force behind Midway Magic.
Our volunteers use their diverse skillsets to impact Midway and you, as Midway Members, get to see firsthand the fruits of their labor. You may have called with a question and a volunteer got you the answer. You may have taken a behind-the-scenes tour with a docent at our events or have been welcomed on board by a member of our safety team. You may have a favorite aircraft or exhibit on board that has been carefully restored and maintained by a volunteer.
Next time you visit Midway, I encourage you to take some extra time to talk with these dynamic individuals and to experience firsthand how they enjoy their experience on the ship.
I hope to see some of you next month on Saturday, June 24, at our Member’s Steel Beach Party. It will be a great opportunity to kick off our summer season on the flight deck and celebrate YOU and your continued, and greatly appreciated, support of Midway.
Thank you for being part of our membership family. I look forward to seeing you back on Midway soon.
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