What a summer!
USS Midway Museum members kicked off the summer season with a Steel Beach Party at the end of June. Traditionally, a steel beach picnic on an active duty aircraft carrier is a day of fun in the sun after months of hard work at sea. The carrier and air wing’s crew would flock to the flight deck where steaks, hot dogs and hamburgers were being grilled, two beers (often warm) were allotted per sailor, games played, and even an open-ocean swim call often took place off one of the aircraft elevators. I have no doubt that countless sunburns and good stories were born from the steel beach events on the USS Midway when she was part of the Navy’s active-duty fleet.
Our members kept the age-old Navy tradition alive as they were treated to an exclusive and upscale version of the steel beach picnic with a first-class dinner, beer tastings and cocktails, and a beautiful evening along San Diego Bay. It was also a pleasure to have The Harmony Grove Band on board who kept us dancing until the very end.
Thanks to those of you who joined us for this party. It was a pleasure reconnecting with members and getting to meet some of you for the first time. What makes nights like these even more special is when members decide to celebrate special occasions with us.
We were thrilled to have long-time members and supporters Bill and Isobel Chisum join the flight-deck party on their 63rd wedding anniversary. Bill, a retired Navy captain, and Isobel have been members since 2005 and have participated in many of our member events over the years. Congratulations to Bill and Isobel. We’re so lucky to not only have them as Midway members, but that they celebrated their anniversary with us.
If you’re reading this and haven’t yet joined our membership family, we hope it’s something you’ll consider as there are many reasons to do so.
Why be a member?
There are obvious benefits you get to enjoy throughout the year. Unlimited admission for you and guests. Onboard discounts at Café 41, the Jet Shop and our simulators, as well as exclusive and discounted events for members. This list will continue to grow as we are always looking for ways to improve your member experience and get the surrounding community involved in celebrating everything Midway.
I enjoy asking our members why they became members and continue to renew. I’m overwhelmed by how many of you reflect on a different benefit. The reason many are here is knowing they support our preservation efforts and wanting to play a role in continuing Midway’s legacy. Sustaining Midway and continuing to tell her story is a gift we can give to future generations. We’re so grateful to our members for taking on this mission with us and how lucky are we to have their ongoing support.
I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months. We have a lot to look forward to with the holidays approaching. Thank you again for the important impact you make as members. We look forward to having new members join our Midway family soon.
All the best,
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