For nearly five decades, high-performance aircraft weighing as much as 80,000 pounds launched from the flight deck of the USS Midway (CV-41). When the carrier was decommissioned in 1992, its flight deck fell silent. Even when the ship opened as a museum, the flight deck was taken over by legs verses landing gear.

Although excitement on Midway is no longer accompanied by the roar of jet engines, a small but mighty museum flyer recently took flight on its hangar deck. This tiny Midway aviator, while fragile and weighing less than an ounce, immediately captured the hearts of staff and volunteers.

It was sheer luck that a baby hummingbird was found thrashing on the hangar deck floor beneath the wing of the F4U Corsair.

“I was on my way to the afternoon volunteer briefing when I noticed something tiny on the deck under the wing,” said Angie Ginn, a volunteer since 2004. “I couldn’t tell what it was but it was moving.  As I looked closer, I saw a little beak and was totally amazed that it was a baby humming bird, and that it was alive.”

Angie quickly scooped up the tiny chick with a piece of paper and placed it on her clipboard.  Working with a few members of the museum’s guest services team, they made a makeshift nest out of a cardboard box and some tissue paper, and set it on a table near the entrance to the information technology office. They placed the bird in the nest with the hope that its mother might return. It was wishful thinking, but they wanted to try.

“It was my hope that the mother would come back,” said Angie, who has more than 39,000 volunteer hours. “I was surprised and delighted when the mother actually returned and started to feed the baby.”

The word was quickly sent out to members of the engineering, guest services and security teams of the chick’s presence with instructions to keep a safe distance from the little bird. Angie made it a point to check up on the bird several times a day.

“I hope the bird has many memories of Midway as it sets off on its own new adventures.”

“I could see that the baby looked healthy and seemed to be getting stronger,” said Angie, who volunteers for multiple departments at the museum. “On the afternoon of the third day, after checking on the baby a few times in the morning, the cardboard nest was finally empty. The fledgling had taken flight.

While the chick was in Midway’s care for only a few days, a personal connection had quickly developed with the staff and volunteers. They decided to name the baby bird Little Pilot.

“In a way, it was hard to have the baby fly away, but I was very happy to have helped give this little bird a second chance at life,” said Angie. “I hope the bird has many memories of Midway as it sets off on its own new adventures.”

For years, San Diego-based Qualcomm has stood as a steadfast partner in advancing the USS Midway Museum’s mission to inspire and educate future generations. As a global leader in wireless technology and innovation, Qualcomm’s commitment to STEM education aligns seamlessly with Midway’s dedication to bringing history, science and discovery to life for students of all ages.

From being the charter corporate partner enabling Midway to launch its virtual field trip programs during the COVID pandemic, to its ongoing annual support of the museum’s education programming, Qualcomm’s impact on student education has helped create a legacy of excellence.

More than 27,000 students in 1,000 classrooms via more than 600 live broadcasts across all 50 states and two Canadian provinces have experienced Midway’s virtual STEM field trips. These students are part of an annual cohort of more than 40,000 students and 1 million visitors who are engaged and inspired, as well as educated, through Midway exhibits, events and experiences supported by Qualcomm’s partnership.

Qualcomm sponsors Midway’s damage control shipboard engineering program, created with the San Diego Unified School District’s College, Career and Technical Education department, aligns with Next Generation Science Standards. In this program, students are inspired to apply critical thinking concepts to real-world scenarios Midway sailors were also trained to manage.

The popular Math-on-the-Midway student tour app is another Qualcomm-supported education initiative, a tool that can be used in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. At locations throughout the ship, including the flight deck, fo’c’sle, galley and berthing, students are required to solve a math problem that specifically relates to the area they’re visiting.

“The scale and scope of Qualcomm’s collaboration can’t be understated,” said Steve Miller, Midway’s director of strategic partnerships and member development. “It’s had such an incredibly positive impact on thousands of students studying STEM all over the country and particularly here in San Diego.”

“More than 40,000 students and 1 million visitors are engaged and inspired, as well as educated, through Midway exhibits, events and experiences supported by Qualcomm’s partnership.”

Qualcomm’s partnership has been instrumental in expanding access to these programs, particularly for underserved schools across the San Diego region through support of Midway’s No Child Left Ashore scholarship fund. By helping to remove financial barriers, Qualcomm ensures that more students can step aboard Midway and engage directly with interactive exhibits, STEM-based workshops and guided learning opportunities led by passionate educators and volunteers.

“At Qualcomm, we understand the importance of hands-on STEM experiences for all students,” says Natalie Taitano, Qualcomm senior manager, corporate responsibility and government affairs. “The magic of the Midway as a museum allows students to explore the ship and gain the skills and knowledge needed to become future technology leaders at companies like Qualcomm.”

The impact of Qualcomm’s support is both immediate and lasting. Each student who walks off the ship, literally or virtually, carries with them a deeper understanding of innovation, resilience and the importance of exploration. For many, a visit to the Midway becomes a pivotal moment, sparking an interest in science, technology, engineering or history that shapes their future path.

As Midway continues to expand its educational reach, partnerships like the one with Qualcomm remain essential. Their shared commitment ensures that the stories of those who served, and the lessons they represent, continue to educate and inspire generations to come.

For more than a decade, Cox Communications and its parent company, Cox Enterprises, and the James M. Cox Foundation have supported legacy USS Midway Museum initiatives, ranging from STEM education to the Freedom Park capital campaign, totaling nearly $5M.

Cox Communications’ financial support of Midway reflects more than a philanthropic contribution, it aligns with the company’s broader commitment to employee volunteerism and meaningful community engagement. By investing in local institutions that preserve history and foster education, Cox empowers its employees to take an active role in strengthening the communities where they live and work.

In San Diego, Cox prioritizes sustainable, long-term impact, collaborating with schools, purpose-driven organizations and civic leaders to address pressing local challenges. Its partnerships and philanthropic efforts reflect a deep understanding of the unique needs in America’s Finest City, ensuring that resources are directed where they can make the greatest difference. This ongoing investment underscores Cox’s role not just as a service provider, but as a committed community partner dedicated to helping San Diego thrive.

During National Volunteer Month in April, nearly 80 Cox employees came aboard Midway as part of a company-sponsored community engagement event, working in groups to refresh the paint along the pathway up to the museum’s entrance on Navy Pier.

Several Cox colleagues also repainted the iconic “41” numbers which stretch more than 60 feet in length on the bow of the four-acre flight deck. A few others found themselves below decks in the education spaces which bear Cox’s name, assembling new classroom chairs.

“Cox shares Midway’s commitment to making an impact on local education,” said Cox communications’ public affairs manager, Adriana Mendoza. “We’re proud of our partnership with this one-of-a-kind museum that provides a unique and hands-on opportunity for students to learn about STEM.”

More than 10 years of support demonstrates a tremendous commitment to Midway, but that is only part of Cox’s history with the museum, dating back to when Barbara Cox as a young Navy widow and daughter of company founder, James Cox, christened the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier in 1945. After 47 years of service and 12 years at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash., the ship arrived in San Diego and opened as a museum in 2004.

“We applaud Cox for fostering a culture where giving back is both supported and celebrated,” said Steve Millier, Midway’s director of strategic partnerships and member development. “Not only does this holistic approach by Cox continue to be a tremendous benefit for Midway, but it helps strengthen community ties and enhances employee morale and purpose.”

Aristotle’s famous quote “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” was the perfect adage to describe an important aircraft restoration conference recently hosted by the USS Midway Museum.

“The goal of our summit was to build a strong network amongst aviation museums,” said Steve Smith, Midway airwing director. “We wanted to share solutions to concerns, new products and restoration techniques with the aircraft restoration teams at other aviation museums. The network has a great source of parts to trade, donate or sell. Creating an historical aircraft co-op can go a long way to reducing the financial burden of fabricating parts or molds by sharing the cost with other museums.”

Twenty five aircraft restoration professionals from eight aviation museums participated in the two-day warbird summit on Midway. The conference combined a series of lectures and roundtable discussions that shared information on restoration processes, best practices and problem solving, and issues management as it relates to restoring historic military aircraft.

“It was great to gather together so many like-minded and enthusiastic restoration specialists, and pick each other’s brains,” said Steve, who joined the Midway team in 2023. “We all have significant experiences in bringing historical aircrafts back to life, and this conference provided an excellent opportunity to share those experiences.”

Along with Midway’s airwing team, museums participating in the summit included the China Lake Museum, Classic Rotors Museum, Fort Worth Aviation Museum, Flying Leathernecks Museum, Aerospace Museum of California, Western Museum of Flight and the Estrella Warbird Museum.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Midway is home to more than 30 restored military aircraft ranging from planes flown during World War II to models that are still in active service with the Navy and Marine Corps today. Working with a diverse collection of aircraft, both in design and age, has been a source of pride for the museum’s airwing.

“We’re very fortunate that the Midway Museum is and remains at the tip of the spear for the restoration and preservation of vintage military aircraft,” said Steve. “We were excited to host this warbird restoration summit. It was a big success and will pay great dividends for all of us in the future.”

Dave and Dee Bristol, Knot Team – January 2026

Dave and Dee Bristol joined the Midway knot team in 2014. Over the past 12 years, Dave has amassed more than 3,400 volunteer hours while Dee has logged nearly 2,200 hours. Both possess unparalleled knot-tying skills having mastered all 20 of the knotted items offered by the knot team.

“Their performance has been nothing short of amazing,” said Emory Bishop, founder of the knot team. “Dave and Dee are instrumental in the continued success of collecting donations for the education’s scholarship fund.”

In the last four years they have produced more than 900 dog leashes which has generated more than $32,000 in donation revenue to the Mac Mclaughlin Scholarship Fund. A dog leash takes up to two hours to complete and it’s one of the more complicated items to produce.

Dave and Dee have not only become experts in constructing dog leashes, but they have also actually designed three new styles of dog leashes that have become extremely popular with Midway guests.

Robert Feliciano, Administration, Outreach and Knot Team – February 2026

Few volunteers are as popular and passionate as Robert Feliciano. A volunteer since 2018, Robert shares his talents with the administration office as well as with the outreach and knot teams. However, he’s is always willing to help Midway in any way possible.

Known for his generous spirit, he is always thinking of others. As the receptionist in the administrative office, he is often the very first interaction people have with the museum. His phone conversations with these potential guests are always handled in a warm, positive way that gives a great first impression of Midway.

“Robert has been an invaluable source of support,” said Paulette Mello, Midway’s community outreach coordinator. “He consistently checks in to see where help is needed. Whether for marketing, events, social media, administration or any other department, he is always a tremendous asset to the Midway.”

Those who he works with all say that Robert is a naturally giving person who is always willing to go the extra mile to help.

Laurie Hyde, Docent – March 2026

Laurie Hyde can do it all, and she always does it with a smile and delightful sense of humor. She has become invaluable to the docent team over the last several years through her dedicated support of the docent training team as an assistant class manager. Often referred to as the “Mini Boss,” she provides tremendous administrative support to the multiple docent training classes held every year.

“Her energy and enthusiasm spreads to the volunteers, staff and guests whenever she is on board,” said Jack Gale, Midway’s docent director. “Lending a hand is her byword.”

During her six years as a volunteer, she has also lent her talent to many of the Midway’s other departments, including membership, exhibits and guest services. Most recently she has joined the curatorial team bringing to them her strengths in documentation and research.

Don’t be surprised if you find her helping guide the Midway float in community parades or distributing holiday necklaces to members during the Parade of Lights.

“The combined efforts of our nearly 800 volunteers are why Midway is the number one thing to do in San Diego.”

For those interested in becoming a USS Midway Museum volunteer, more information along with the volunteer application can be found here.

Forty years ago, the USS Midway entered Drydock Six in Yokosuka, Japan for its third and final rebuild. Like the two prior modernization programs in 1955 and the late 1960s, this Extended Incremental Selected Availability (EISRA) was prompted by advances in carrier aviation and naval warfare, and by an urgent attempt at strengthening Midway’s increasingly over-burdened hull.

Like her previous rebuild 16 years earlier, this makeover was laced with controversy, not just over costs, but over the nature of the ship’s hull improvements. Pulling directly into the drydock from her latest deployment in March 1986, Midway’s metamorphosis stretched to the end of November. Carried out primarily by the artisans of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, the work was so pervasive around the carrier that the Midway’s crew had to be berthed on an old troop transport, the USS General Hugh J. Gaffey (IX-507).

By the mid-1980s carrier aviation had replaced the bridal launching method with aircraft able to use a tow bar on the nose gear assembly. Additionally, the venerable F-4 Phantom II and A-7 Corsair II of the Vietnam era were replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet, which combined the fighter and attack roles. Not only did this new design employ the tow bar, but the Hornet also featured new avionics and composite materials in its airframe. Furthermore, the Hornet’s engines burned much hotter than the older jets flying from Midway which required more robust jet blast deflectors behind the catapults.

A solution to the hull problem involved the installation of some 70 steel modules attached to the sides of the ship. This increased her beam by some 20 feet, and increased buoyancy that restored the ship’s designer’s draft.

Additional modifications were made as well to the rudders and catapults. All told, the upgrades made the Midway a more effective carrier for the late Cold War, but the ship’s movement in a seaway produced sharp rolls that impeded operations in rough seas. This brought about Congressional scrutiny and an admission from the Naval Sea Systems Command that the “blistering” of the hull descended from miscalculations. Completed two days early, and under budget, EISRA ’86 ultimately produced the ship the USS Midway Museum has come to know.

The city of San Diego recognized the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego Veterans Day Parade committee for its effort of continuing the tradition of hosting the West Coast’s largest celebration saluting America’s military veterans.

Midway took the reins of the parade in 2023 after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and the pandemic’s impact on participating units. The museum formed a coalition of representatives from the city and country, active-duty military commands and veteran support organizations to reestablish the veterans tribute parade along San Diego’s bayfront.

“All San Diegans have always been proud of our veterans and active-duty military personnel that help make San Diego Americas finest City,” said Nicole Murray Ramirez, a member of the San Diego Human Relations Commission. “We salute the Midway organization for their leadership and dedication for making sure that our city has an annual parade saluting and honoring our veterans. It is the commission’s sincere privilege and honor to present the Midway with the Keith Thurnman Veterans Leadership Award.”

San Diego County boasts one of the largest veteran populations in the United States with more than 200,000 former and retired military members living and working in the county. The annual parade features more than 80 participants comprised of a variety of bands, floats, ceremonial vehicles and marching units from veterans’ organizations, military commands, local businesses, and community service and civic groups. Each year, past military heroes are honored in the parade.

“It is truly an honor for Midway and the parade to be recognized by the city of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission,” said David Koontz, Midway’s marketing director and the chair of the parade. “San Diego has a long and proud military heritage, and many active-duty personnel decide to stay in Southern California after leaving the military. It’s important, especially in a Navy and Marine Corps town like ours, that the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans are remembered and honored.”

The San Diego Veterans Day Parade began in 1987 and continues to be the largest parade on the West Coast that salutes military veterans.

“This parade is important because San Diego is a military town,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who also marched in the parade as the lead grand marshal each year. “We are America’s Finest City because of the contributions of service members and military families. I look forward to this parade every single year because it gets better every single year. The participation of the Midway has been a game changer in elevating the status of the parade.”

Elmer Harper Graver joined the USS Midway as an original member of the crew in 1945. His daughter, Lynn, joined the volunteer family of the USS Midway Museum in 2021. Even though more than 75 years separated the Gravers tours of duty on Midway, the ship has been part of Lynn’s life since she was a kid.

“The Midway has been in my life, my entire life,” said Lynn, who has amassed more than 1,100 volunteer hours as a member of the museum’s safety team. “I heard stories about the Midway from my dad as a child, probably since I was five years old.”

Lynn’s father was electricians mate during his nearly four years in the Navy during and immediately after World War II. He served on Midway as a “plankowner” until his discharge in 1946. While his time on Midway was measured only in months, it was one of his most memorable periods during his naval service.

“He loved to tell his war stories sitting around the kitchen table,” said Lynn, who also volunteers for Midway’s outreach team. “He told me about the ice cutters making a path for the Midway so it didn’t get stuck in the ice. He also mentioned how cold it was on the flight deck and hearing the planes taking off. He was very proud of his plank owner certificate.”

Although Midway was a vivid portion of Lynn’s upbringing through tales told by her dad, she ultimately crossed paths with the warship decades later on the other side of the world.

“After college, I taught special education in Virginia,” said Lynn, who was born and raised in Philadelphia. “I then had an opportunity to teach school for the Department of Defense in Sagamihara, Japan. I actually taught in Japan while the Midway was homeported in Yokosuka.”

Following her teaching stint in Japan, she returned to the United States in the early 1990s and worked in educational sales and marketing, and taught English as a second language for San Diego Community College. She’s lived in Coronado since returning from overseas.

A little more than 10 years after she returned to the states, Midway was towed into San Diego Bay to become a museum. Once again, she was connected with the ship she had known about for decades. After retiring in 2020, her interest in being closer to Midway began to grow.

“It is now a museum that I see every day on my walks,” remembered Lynn. “After I retired, I was looking for something new and different to do. Volunteering on the Midway was the answer.”

She visited Midway’s library shortly after volunteering to see what records they may have had on her dad in their files. Research done by the library staff provided her more specific information about her dad’s time on Midway, as well as other assignments he had while in the Navy.

As a Midway volunteer, Lynn has developed an even stronger connection to her dad.

“I feel very connected to my father when I’m volunteering on the Midway,” said Lynn. “I think about what it must have been like for him to have been in the Arctic during Operation Frostbite. I do feel that I have a strong emotional connection to the Midway.”

Lynn relishes being able to walk the decks of the ship that her dad once did more than 80 years ago. She also thoroughly enjoys the satisfaction she gets from being part of a passionate team of volunteers.

“I love the comradery with fellow volunteers, the friendships that I have formed and meeting guests from all over this country and world,” said Lynn. “I also enjoy learning something new about the ship or listening to fellow volunteer’s stories about serving our country.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that community service, in all its forms, was imperative. He felt that committing oneself to their neighbors could break down barriers that have historically separated communities and bring people together.

In his 1968 “Drum Major Instinct” speech, Dr. King said “You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

The USS Midway Museum again celebrated the importance of community giving during its 12th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration dinner.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, the museum honored two of San Diego’s quiet heroes for their passionate dedication to community advocacy and commitment to supporting military veterans.

Dee Folse and Joann Fields were both honored with this year’s Outstanding Community Service Award. This award distinguishes those who are deeply involved in a variety of community outreach programs.

“I am truly humbled to receive the Outstanding Community Service Award, especially with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s name attached to it,” said Dee, a board member of Honor Flight San Diego. “It’s so important to give back to our community and to make it better for everyone. Each of us should feel a sense of ownership because every person can play a role. Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year matters because it reminds us that the ideals he stood for, equality, dignity and service to others, are not just historical ideas. They are values that a society and community has to actively practice and renew every generation.”

This year’s Midway Bridge Builder Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that exemplify the core values of the museum, which include community service and working to improve relationships, understanding, cooperation and inclusion among various ethnic communities, honored San Diego civic leader Mark Cafferty.

“To say that I felt honored almost seems inadequate,” said Mark, who is the president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporations. “To be recognized at an event remembering the life and work of Dr. King was a bucket list item I didn’t even know I had. He has been a hero to me since the day I first learned who he was. Those who have inspired me the most in my life were inspired by him. He is the reason we build bridges. Giving back to the communities around us and the communities that nurtured us is the most important way to honor those who supported us the most.”