The USS Midway Museum’s educational programs are renowned, not just in San Diego, but around the country and with our international neighbors. Since the department’s inception in 2005, it’s estimated that nearly a quarter of a million students have visited Midway as part of immersive onboard field trips, while tens of thousands of others have participated in the museum’s far-reaching distance learning program, unique overnight adventures and the highly respected Midway Institute for Teachers.

It’s robust STEM, history and leadership curricula have become the standard bearer for all naval ship museums.

Midway’s award-winning program has just added another feather to its cap with the inclusion of a chapter in a prestigious and internationally available math book that features the museum’s distance learning program.

“Mathematics Outreach: Examples and Impact from Across the Globe” showcases diverse, international mathematics outreach programs featuring math circles, museum activities and math walks. The book, published in summer 2026 by Emerald Publishing Limited, focuses on broadening access and engagement in mathematics through hands-on, community-based and technology-enhanced experiences.

“I think having this Midway program highlighted in this publication is amazing,” said Wayne Nuzzulo, Midway’s assistant education director who was the book chapter’s primary author. “It greatly expands Midway’s presence on an international stage and to an audience that is probably not aware of the depth of the programs created here on the Midway for students from around the San Diego area and now the country.”

The chapter is titled “Math on the Midway Museum: From Both Near and Far” and takes an in-depth look at the museum’s distance learning program. Started during the COVID pandemic, the program was seen as a way to stay engaged with students who were no longer able to attend in-person school classes. Since its establishment, the program has reached nearly 25,000 students in more than 800 classrooms, visiting students virtually in all 50 states and two Canadian provinces.

Midway’s inclusion in the book owes its thanks to a serendipitous meeting with a mathematics professor from Cornell University on a cruise through the Panama Canal.

Rudy Shappee, Midway volunteer special projects manager, and his wife were on a 10-day Norwegian Cruise Line trip from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego when they met Professor Mary Ann Huntley at dinner on the ship. Mary Ann mentioned that she and her colleagues were publishing a book featuring a collection of innovative ways to teach mathematics by authors on a worldwide stage.

“As soon as I heard her talking about the project, I jumped right in and told her about the Midway’s innovative distance learning program,” said Rudy, who partnered with Wayne on Midway’s book chapter. “She responded by asking me if we would be willing to submit a proposal for inclusion in the volume.”

When Rudy returned to Midway, he immediately connected with Wayne and gears for the book chapter project started turning.

“After my return to San Diego, I told Wayne about the opportunity,” said Rudy, who has been with the museum’s organization since 2001. “As Wayne was the lead in the development of the distance learning program, I offered to be editor for the project if he was willing to write the bones of the chapter.”

Once Midway’s inclusion in the book was confirmed, Wayne began the lengthy process of writing the chapter.

“It did take quite a while to create the chapter,” said Wayne, who has been with Midway’s education department since 2007. “The chapter went through several edits by the professors. They provided peer reviewed comments requiring supporting information and expanding explanations, as well as shortening some segments while expanding others. The professors were very supportive and thoughtful.”

The entire project took more than two years to complete.

“It took dozens of hours just to create the body of information needed to tell the story,” recalled Wayne regarding the time involved in writing the chapter. “Rudy and I did at least 10 edits of the chapter as it moved through all the phases leading to final submission.”

Midway’s chapter is just one of 18 in the book that features topics supporting mathematics outreach around the world.

“They had dozens of authors from around the world that they brought together to create something meaningful,” said Wayne. “The Midway being included in this volume puts us in good company.”

“This book includes contributions from colleagues in six countries including Canada, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and the United States,” said Mary Ann, a senior lecturer of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics at Cornell University. “They have provided rich descriptions of a wide variety of mathematics outreach. We expect these chapters will be especially relevant to organizers of mathematics outreach who may be interested in learning new strategies for encouraging people to engage in mathematical thinking outside of formal school contexts.”

Midway’s inclusion in this volume not only shines a positive light on the museum’s education program, but also provides exposure on a global level.

“The chapter on the Midway is a valuable contribution to the volume on mathematics outreach,” said Mary Ann, who was also one of the book’s editors. “Your outreach location, a retired aircraft carrier, is unique. We appreciate finding ways to exploit mathematics in everyday life aboard the ship. Your candid reflections and sharing of struggles, together with successes in scaling your work to reach more children, has the potential to influence other outreach providers wrestling with similar issues.”

Since opening to the public in 2004, the USS Midway Museum has remained steadfast in its commitment to honoring and supporting military veterans and their families. Through direct financial contributions, discounted and complimentary admission programs, commemorative ceremonies and special events, Midway proudly recognizes the service, sacrifice and dedication of those who have worn the uniform of our nation and the families who have stood beside them.

This commitment was again vividly demonstrated when the museum again teamed up with the Home Depot Foundation to support five local veteran-support organizations through a massive volunteer event on the flight deck. Home Depot brought together hundreds of volunteers to complete a series of projects benefiting the Armed Services YMCA, Horse of the Sun Ranch, Humble Design, Warrior Foundation Freedom Stations, YMCA Camp Surf, as well as Midway.

We’re here with about 300 volunteers and we do projects like this across the United States every day,” said Erin Izen, the Home Depot Foundation’s executive director. “At the Home Depot Foundation, we’re on a mission to make sure that every veteran has a safe place to call home.”

“Home Depot and Midway are perfectly aligned on our mutual commitment to supporting veterans,” said Steve Miller, Midway’s director of strategic partnerships and member development. “Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than knowing that there are organizations that feel as strongly as we do in helping our active-duty military, veterans and their families.”

In slightly more than three hours, and with military-like precision, the volunteers assembled custom outdoor and indoor furniture, including picnic tables, raised garden beds, benches, dressers, tables and nightstands, in support of the therapeutic and housing programming of the participating veteran-support organizations. Volunteers also assembled bicycles and playhouses to enhance the everyday lives of local veterans and their families.

“Giving back to veterans is at the core of what we do at the Home Depot Foundation,” said Danny Watson, a senior project specialist at the Home Depot Foundation. “We have quite a few projects that we’re doing and our volunteers have come from all around the country to help us. We’re working through our local stores who are leading the effort through Team Depot.”

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $650 million in veteran causes and improved more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities, ensuring more of the nation’s heroes have a safe and comfortable place to call home that fits their individual needs.

Home Depot has approximately 475,000 employees and 2,300 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Each store has its own set of non-profit organizations they work with. Home Depot is engaged with more than 15,000 local organizations around the country and also has 26 national non-profit partners, many of whom directly support veterans.

“Serving veterans is something that’s really important to us,” said Heather Prill, director of Team Depot and strategic partnerships. “It’s at the core of what we do, and more than 35,000 of our own associates are veterans, active military or military spouses.”

The receiving organizations of the Home Depot Foundation’s efforts have tremendous gratitude for the support they get from volunteer projects like the one on Midway.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Home Depot Foundation for their continued commitment to the warriors we serve,” said Andy Gasper, CEO of the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. “It’s amazing for our residents and the warriors we serve at the hospital. They look at these events and are able to really see how much America still cares about them. We are honored to have partners who continue to invest in the well-being of our nation’s warriors.”

The opportunity to conduct this community outreach project for veterans on Midway is especially impactful for the volunteers.

“We love being up here on the Midway,” said Erin. “It gives our volunteers a chance to see what the veterans have done and what they are connected to. It’s extra special for us to do some of this work alongside some of the military. We’re all gathered here to make sure we’re making a difference.”

America’s 250th birthday comes only once, and USS Midway Museum celebrated this historic occasion in grand fashion.

More than 2,500 Independence Day revelers, clad in various shades of red, white and blue, packed Midway’s flight deck for an old-fashion rock ‘n’ roll concert and to view one of the most impressive fireworks extravaganzas on the West Coast.

“It’s a tradition for us,” said Carlos Chavez, who has been enjoying the Fourth of July on Midway with his family for the past five years. “It’s a hard ticket to get a hold of, but it you’re persistent, it’s totally worth it. It’s the best seat in the entire county. You’re not going to get any better than this. The experience is the best.”

While the museum has always had a concert on board as entertainment for guests waiting for the Big Bay Boom fireworks display, this year the concert was as much a reason to celebrate on Midway as the pyrotechnics. Headlining the flight deck party was the renowned supergroup, World Classic Rockers.

“I think the fireworks are great, but I came for the band,” said Carol Hammond, who was on board with friends. “They played the songs I loved so much growing up. Hearing them in person made me feel young again.”

World Classic Rockers is a classic rock group founded in 1995. The band features a rotating lineup of musicians and singers who originally played in a variety of legendary rock and pop groups like Steppenwolf, Journey, Boston, Toto, Santana and Lynyrd Skynyrd. This is not the first time World Classic Rockers have performed on Midway.

“It’s amazing to be here as I love playing on the Midway,” said Aynsley Dunbar, the band’s drummer who was with Journey from 1974-1978. “It brings back great memories. It’s so fun being here. I hope on our 250th, the whole world can come together and be better all around.”

The concert was more than just incredible entertainment, it was also a fundraiser for Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier. Net proceeds from the event will go to the ongoing development of the largest public park on the West Coast that, when completed in 2028, will be a tribute to veterans and their families.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us aboard Midway to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Christina Case, Midway’s capital campaign director for Freedom Park. “It was a wonderful evening that honored our nation while helping build Freedom Park. I’m thrilled that the proceeds from the event will help transform a historic Navy Pier into a place where future generations can gather to reflect, remember and better understand the sacrifices that protect our freedoms.”

The high energy of the World Classic Rockers’ concert was accentuated by the massive 18-minute fireworks display over San Diego Bay celebrating 250 years of the ongoing experiment known as the American democracy.

“This is our 250th, that’s a big deal” said Jean Brackton, who was on board with three generation of her family. “Being on Midway for the Fourth this year made our country’s birthday even more special.”

For more than two and a half centuries, even before the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence, American patriots have been fighting for and, unfortunately, paying the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The battles of Lexington and Concord, where the first shots of the War of Independence were volleyed, took place more than a year before the Continental Congress officially severed political ties with Great Britain’s monarchy and announced to the world that they were forming a new and independent nation.

Since 1775, it’s estimated that more than 1.2 million Americans have laid down their lives for the United States, defending freedom and democracy both at home and around the world.

Annually, on Memorial Day, the USS Midway Museum pays tribute to the men and women who have perished in the line of duty with a solemn ceremony on the flight deck.

“For more than 20 years, this ceremony has been a very important tradition on Midway where we salute all those who have given their lives wearing the uniform of our nation,” said David Koontz, Midway’s marketing director and emcee for the ceremony. “Not only are we extraordinarily in the debt of these heroes, but we also honor them by ensuring that the freedoms all Americans enjoy today are never taken for granted.”

Memorial Day takes on a greater importance in San Diego as it’s home to the largest Navy and Marine Corps complex in the world.

“San Diego’s connection to military service and sacrifice runs deep,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “Memorial Day asks us to remember those who ran toward danger when others needed them most, and it reminds us that kind of courage still lives among us today.”

While the ceremony on Midway, as it does every year, honors all who have sacrificed for their country, 2026 had a unique focus. This year’s commemoration was a special tribute to Operation Desert Storm veterans on the 35th anniversary of the U.S.-led coalition that liberated Kuwait in 1991.

“During Operation Desert Storm, tens of thousands of San Diego-based sailors and Marines deployed from our region’s naval and Marine installations,” said Mayor Gloria. “The success of that mission depended heavily on Navy and Marine forces based right here in San Diego.”

The Gulf War, as it was also known, was the battle to liberate Kuwait after it was invaded, unprovoked, by Iraq in 1990. After exhausting all diplomatic efforts over several months, the U.S.-led coalition of 35 nations not only decisively expelled the invading forces from Kuwait during the 43-day conflict, but also virtually decimated the Iraqi military machine.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Midway’s president and CEO, Terry Kraft. Terry was a naval aviator with Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) and flew 40 combat missions over Iraq from the USS Midway (CV-41).  Midway was the flagship for all naval aviation operations flown from the Persian Gulf during the war.

“We faced a formidable fighting force featuring a huge, entrenched land army, modern fighter aircraft and a sophisticated air defense,” remembered Terry, who was a bomber/navigator in the A-6E Intruder attack aircraft. “The A-6 was designed for night or bad weather attack missions. Our job on nights one and two was to fly against a heavily defended airfield in southern Iraq.”

Operation Desert Storm was consider by many military historians as the largest and most concentrated air campaign in U.S. history.

“We were told by the intelligence officers before the first night’s missions that they expected one third of us not to return, which got our attention,” said Terry, who is celebrating his third year as Midway’s CEO. “The first two nights were the worst as we were shot at extensively. The first night, we were at low altitude and shot at by anti-aircraft fire. The second night, flying at high altitude, we were targeted by surface-to-air missiles. However, as each night went by, we got better and the enemy got worse.”

During the conflict, Midway’s airwing flew 3,339 combat missions without losing a single aircraft.  Sadly, however, nearly 800 U.S. military personnel were killed or wounded during the war.

“On Midway, we have small memorials everywhere to those who did not come back,” said Terry. “I promise that here we will never forget them, their service or their families.”

The ceremony, attended by nearly 500 military veterans and members of the San Diego community, included a wreath laying and a missing-man flyover.

“Remembrance is not passive, it asks something of us,” said Mayor Gloria. “It asks us to build a country worthy of those we honor and a community worthy of their sacrifice. We must remember the fallen, honor their families and teach the next generation their names. We must leave here more committed to service, unity and one another.”

When the USS Midway (CV-41) was an active-duty ship with the U.S. Navy, it was not required to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When Midway became a museum, however, it was a different story.

Opening to visitors in 2004, the ship immediately became classified as a public accommodation. To ensure equitable access to cultural, historical and educational programming, Midway was required to provide equal access to facilities, exhibits and employment, regardless of a person’s physical, sensory or cognitive abilities.

To ensure ADA compliance and provide visitors the highest degree of accessibility to the museum, two passenger elevators were installed to raise guests from Navy Pier to the hangar deck, and from hangar deck to the flight deck.

“Guests have a lot of ground to cover when visiting Midway,” said Mark Berlin, Midway’s director of operations. “Our elevators allow them to easily travel between decks even if they are able to use any of our custom stairways. We have also become a very popular family destination and have seen many more strollers come aboard over the years.”

With both elevators approaching the end of their service lives, a new elevator was installed, and it’s now known as the Brow 4 Elevator.

“Midway began investigating a replacement elevator on the pier several years ago,” said Len Santiago, Midway’s chief engineer. “Following our assessment, we submitted our request for a coastal development permit to the California Coastal Commission in 2018. After receiving approval, the project then required extensive coordination with various local, state and federal regulatory agencies, accessibility specialists and waterfront officials to ensure the project complied with the necessary building, accessibility, environmental and historic codes and requirements.”

The project was far from simple, as it involved extensive engineering, planning and coordination to integrate a modern, ADA-compliant lifting system into a historic 81-year-old aircraft carrier. Engineering investigations and analyses determined how a new tower could be safely connected to both the pier and Midway without adversely affecting the ship. Structural engineers also had to account for tidal currents, waterfront environmental conditions and ongoing public operations.

“One of the critical challenges identified during the design and construction planning was the constant movement of the ship itself,” said Len. “Because the new elevator and brow connection require precise alignment between the pier and the ship, we recognized that the vessel’s lateral and vertical movement during daily tidal shifts could be a potential risk to long-term operations. To address this, we installed additional bollards on Navy Pier to increase the number of mooring lines holding the ship to the pier. This has already significantly reduced how much the ship moves, especially during strong tidal swings.”

When construction finally began in August 2025, the project included cutting a massive hole into the pier to ensure the elevator would be flush with the pier surface, relocating utilities, electrical and communication system upgrades, fire-life-safety enhancements, and the fabrication and erection of the elevator tower and stairwell.

The elevator was manufactured by the elevator and escalator division of Mitsubishi Electric as the company met Midway’s stringent requirement for consistent reliability in a demanding, high-use environment, as well as possessing a very responsive maintenance and support service programs.

“It was critical that our engineering partner was capable of delivering a highly specialized solution that could meet the operational, environmental and regulatory demands of our floating museum,” said Len. “Mitsubishi demonstrated their ability to engineer around our constraints rather than giving us a basic off-the-shelf solution.”

The new elevator opened just in time for the museum’s Fourth of July celebration.

“I’ve waited a long time to see this elevator be installed,” said Mark. “With only one elevator serving as both the way onto and off the ship, we often experience bottlenecks on our entry brow on busy days as guests had to cross each other to access the elevator. Now with two pier elevators, we eliminate the cross-traffic issue and have a backup to use if one goes down.”

“The new pier-to-hangar deck passenger elevator significantly improves both guest accessibility and operational capability for Midway,” said Len. “For visitors, the elevator provides more reliable and expanded ADA access. Operationally, the elevator gives us major improvement in event logistics, enabling materials, supplies and event equipment to be transported between pier and ship.”

Midway’s existing passenger elevators will also be replaced in the near future.

The A-1 Skyraider is a legendary aircraft. A workhorse attack plane for the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, it was famous for its durability, massive payloads and unmatched slow-speed maneuverability during close-air support missions in combat.

Affectionately known as the “Spad” by those who flew and maintained this armored combat vehicle with wings, the Skyraider is revered as one of the most extraordinary and versatile aircraft in U.S. naval aviation history.

Although it’s been nearly 60 years since the last Navy Spad took flight, the USS Midway Museum keeps this celebrated aircraft front and center on the flight deck, and after more than two years of detailed restoration by the museum’s airwing volunteers, it looks almost brand new.

“The Skyraider is a very historical airframe,” said Steve Smith, Midway’s airwing director. “It tells an incredible story about these great flying machines and the men who flew them. The tales of its close-air  and search and rescue support missions in Korea and Vietnam are renowned.”

Skyraider squadrons flew from Midway’s flight deck in the late 1940s shortly after becoming operational and again in the mid-1960s during the early stages of the Vietnam War.

Midway’s Spad has a long and well-traveled history. It joined Fleet Composite Squadron Twelve (VC-12) at Naval Air Station Quonset Point in Rhode Island in 1952.  In 1955, the aircraft was transferred to the British Royal Navy and eight years later it was reassigned to the Royal Swedish Air Force where it flew gun and missile target training missions until 1976.

The aircraft returned to the United States in 1984, where it was later displayed in the National Warplane Museum in New York for several years before finally landing at Midway’s restoration hangar at Naval Air Station North Island in 2006. It was first displayed on Midway in 2007.

“This aircraft has literally been around the world and back,” said Mark Berlin, Midway’s operation director. “In the nearly 20 years it’s been on Midway, it’s been one of the most popular aircraft.  I’m glad it’s restored and back on the flight deck for our guests to see.”

The primary reason for being taken back to Hangar 805 at North Island for a second restoration was due to the long-term negative impact of San Diego Bay’s saltwater environment on its metal airframe.

“The major issue was corrosion,” said Steve. “The airwing team treated the corrosion on the wings and fuselage. We also had to reskin several areas of the Skyraider to bring it back to the proper condition to be exhibited on Midway.”

This latest restoration effort, also done by Midway volunteers, was started in 2003. More than 8,000 hours were spent refurbishing the 74-year-old aircraft. The Skyraider returned to Midway in May, where the airwing team completed painting the markings and emblems of Attack Squadron 25 (VA-25) on the fuselage. VA-25 flew hundreds of combat missions from Midway over North Vietnam in 1965.

“The airwing volunteers worked their magic again,” said Steve. “They did a great job removing all the corrosion and rust, and with the tremendous focus our team had on its preservation and maintenance, the Skyraider will last a very long time.”

It is rare that a motion picture captivates audiences across decades, earning the admiration of generation after generation of moviegoers. “The Wizard of Oz,” “Star Wars,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and even Disney’s animated “The Beauty and the Beast,” are among a select few classic films whose popularity has endured, remaining just as beloved today as when they first hit the silver screen.

“Top Gun,” without question, has proven itself to also be one of those few films that has stood the test of time, capturing viewers’ imagination and keeping them on the edge of their seats for 40 years.

For nearly two decades, “Top Gun” Movie Night on the USS Midway Museum has been a center-of-the-universe event in San Diego. Each year, thousands of “need for speed” fanatics pack Midway’s flight deck to watch this salute to naval aviation under the stars.

“There’s a reason people come back year after year,” said Vanessa Pineda, one of the movie night coordinators. “Midway’s “Top Gun” party and movie night is more than a movie, it’s part of San Diego’s story. Watching it aboard Midway, surrounded by the sights and sounds of naval aviation and thousands of fellow fans, creates an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

“Nobody doesn’t like “Top Gun,” even after 40 years,” said John Merritt, a “Top Gun” super fan who goes by the call sign Skidvoodoo and displays movie-related memorabilia during the event on Midway. “It has hit so many generations and inspired so many people.  A lot of former naval aviators were inspired to join the Navy because of the film. There’s not many things that hit on that level. It’s not just entertainment, it changed a lot of lives.”

“There’s a reason people come back year after year,” said Vanessa Pineda, Midway’s assistant marketing director and one of the movie night coordinators. “Midway’s “Top Gun” party and movie night is more than a movie, it’s part of San Diego’s story. Watching it aboard Midway, surrounded by the sights and sounds of naval aviation and thousands of fellow fans, creates an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

“Nobody doesn’t like ‘Top Gun,’ even after 40 years,” said John Merritt, a “Top Gun” super fan who goes by the call sign Skidvoodoo and displays movie-related memorabilia during the event on Midway. “It has hit so many generations and inspired so many people.  A lot of former naval aviators were inspired to join the Navy because of the film. There’s not many things that hit on that level. It’s not just entertainment, it changed a lot of lives.”

In 2026, on the 40th anniversary of the original film, Midway decided to take the event to a higher level of flight by showing “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” as a double feature on consecutive nights.

While the movies were the main attraction, one of the biggest thrills for movie night attendees was the chance to meet and get photographs with one of the world’s most renowned Maverick impersonators.

“Performing at “Top Gun” Movie Night aboard the Midway was honestly a surreal experience,” said Jerome LeBlanc, who goes by the stage name of California Tom Cruise. “What really stood out to me was seeing families, veterans, aviation enthusiasts and longtime “Top Gun” fans all sharing the same excitement together. Taking photos with everyone and hearing their stories reminded me how deeply this movie connects people emotionally. Being able to interact with guests in that environment felt less like a performance and more like being part of a shared celebration.”

Joining Jerome were several former F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet naval aviators who actually supported the production of both films. Interacting with “Top Gun” fans at the flight-deck Danger Zone display, they too could feel the energy the movies create.

“The movie nights were amazing,” said Marco Cromartie, a former F-14 radar intercept officer who was an extra in the original film. “It was great to see ‘Top Gun’ fans from around the world and from every generation. Their passion, energy and excitement was special. It really added to the Midway Magic.”

“What is so amazing about being involved with this movie is the fan base,” said Aaron Vernallis, a former F/A-18 pilot who flew in scenes in “Top Gun: Maverick.” “They truly love aviation and everything about the film. On movie night, we met fans from Australia, Korea, Japan and many other distant locations. It truly is an internationally loved film. It was really cool to see the younger fans in their flight suits, walking amongst the aircraft on the flight deck. You could really see how magical a night it was for them.”

Whether it’s the spectacular aerial flight scenes, the flawed but heroic nature of the main characters, or the coming-of-age theme woven through the films, “Top Gun” has evolved from simply being a high-pulse-rate action film to achieving true cultural and theatrical immortality. There’s a lethally attractive combination of elements in the movie that keeps generations enthralled by these cinematic phenomena.

“It’s become a Memorial Day weekend tradition that people look forward to every year,” said Vanessa, who joined the Midway family in 2006. “There’s simply nowhere else you can celebrate the legacy of “Top Gun” than in its hometown aboard a historic aircraft carrier. It’s the reason this event is a sellout every year.”

“I wasn’t even born when the first “Top Gun” came out, but I’ve loved the movie since as far back as I can remember,” said Karen Blanchard, who attended movie night with friends. “I’ve seen it more times than I can count and this is my second time watching it on Midway. The movie is even more exhilarating to watch here on the flight deck with all the other crazy ‘Top Gun’ fans. I’ll be back again next year.”

For most museum educators, summer means running camps. It always has for me. After two decades spent with young learners, first at the San Diego Zoo and later at La Jolla Playhouse, I naturally associate the season with children eager to learn. Then I came to the USS Midway Museum and discovered that our summer students look a little different. Here, the summer belongs to teachers.

When I joined the education department last year, my first day coincided with the opening of the Midway Institute for Teachers (MIT). Dozens of middle and high school teachers from across the country had just arrived for a week of intensive study. What struck me immediately wasn’t simply the quality of the program, but the museum’s commitment to the teachers. It was a powerful reminder that one of the most meaningful ways to educate and inspire future generations is to invest in the people who teach them.

Since 2009, MIT has welcomed educators for immersive professional development exploring pivotal moments in 20th-century history. This year’s participants represented communities across the United States, with educators also joining us from Ukraine and Australia—a reflection of the program’s growing reputation and reach. Some were first-time participants; others returned for our newest seminar, Breaking the Cold War: From Détente to Desert Storm, developed in response to teacher feedback.

The week begins with a Sunday evening welcome aboard Midway. By Monday morning, participants are exploring the ship before the Museum opens. Over five days, they complete more than 40 hours of learning, roughly equivalent to a university course, yet intentionally designed to be much more than a lecture series. Historical scholarship, experiential learning and curriculum integration are woven together into a single professional learning experience.

“The goal is to teach history in ways that encourage critical thinking about evidence, perspective and historical inquiry.”

Midway becomes the classroom.

The ship isn’t simply a backdrop; it’s one of the program’s primary teaching tools. Teachers move between classrooms and the spaces where history unfolded, connecting scholarship to place. Whether exploring the Battle of Midway or the ship’s service from the Vietnam War through Operation Desert Storm, they encounter history where it happened rather than studying it from a book.

Throughout the week, nationally recognized historians, curriculum specialists, veterans and Midway educators guide participants through topics ranging from the Pacific War to the Cold War and the Gulf War. Many scholars join us through our partnership with San Diego State University’s Center for War & Society, while others travel from universities nationwide. The conversations continue long after each lecture.

That’s one of my favorite parts of MIT. Around lunch tables overlooking San Diego Bay, historians, Midway staff and classroom teachers continue to talk not only about scholarship but also about students, teaching and how to make difficult history meaningful. By Friday, it’s hard to remember who arrived as strangers, because everyone has become a colleague.

Every lecture is paired with curriculum integration. Teachers immediately begin translating new scholarship into classroom-ready lessons, examining standards, sharing ideas and developing activities for their own students. The goal isn’t simply to learn more history. It’s to teach history in ways that encourage critical thinking about evidence, perspective and historical inquiry.

By week’s end, the impact is already visible. Teachers consistently describe the experience as transformative. One participant called the expanded discussion of China, Japan and the Philippines a game changer for her World War II curriculum. Others reflected that the week reminded them what it felt like to be students again—challenged, curious and energized by learning alongside colleagues who shared their passion for history.

The learning doesn’t end when the seminars conclude. This year, we launched
MIT: In Focus, a series of one-day professional learning experiences and a quarterly alumni newsletter to sustain the community formed aboard Midway. Continuous engagement and collaboration have become hallmarks of the program’s growth.

I’ve come to believe that MIT’s greatest measure of success isn’t the number of teachers who attend or even the 40 hours they spend aboard the ship. It’s what happens after they leave. Every conversation, lesson and new perspective developed aboard Midway eventually reaches another classroom. One week here can influence hundreds—sometimes thousands—of students over the course of a teacher’s career.

By investing in teachers, Midway extends its reach far beyond the flight deck. Every educator who returns home carries new scholarship, renewed curiosity and a deeper understanding of the human stories behind history. In doing so, the stories, scholarship and spirit of service found aboard Midway continue to educate and inspire future generations.

It’s hard to believe we’re more than halfway through 2026. Summers in San Diego never disappoint, especially when your office floats on San Diego Bay and you are surrounded by thousands of guests vacationing in America’s Finest City. This summer on board Midway, we celebrated America’s 250th with a special Fourth of July concert and fireworks viewing party with the event’s proceeds benefiting Freedom Park. We also gathered Midway Members together for a Steel Beach Party, celebrating a longtime Navy tradition with tropical flare, food and fun. 

Perhaps the greatest joy of summer for me is seeing our members share Midway with friends and family. There are many ways you can choose to spend your time with your loved ones in our city, and I genuinely enjoy hearing that your Midway experience is at the top of the list. 

Recently, a beloved member, Gina, shared some of her reflections about why she’s a member and why she keeps coming back.

“My grandfather was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines for 28 years and I grew up at the back gate of Camp Pendleton. I majored in history and live in museums, as do my children. I have visited the USS Yorktown and the USS Iowa museums and nothing compares to the USS Midway Museum in regard to maintaining the history of the ship. I board the Midway and the work done to keep it preserved, the exhibits and the continuous opening of new areas makes me a kid again every time. I have been going to the Midway for over 15 years and have been a member for three or four years now, and I must say, I see something new every time. To listen to the stories of the docents and those who are veterans, and to be aboard the Midway is not just educational but awe inspiring of all they did to keep Americans safe. We are losing the older generations who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and pretty soon their voices will be silent. By going aboard the Midway and being a member, I will always walk around and hear their stories. This is a living, breathing museum with more memories than we will ever know. I enjoy creating memories every time I’m on board.”

Thank you, Gina, and all of our members who visit again and again. We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you.

As summer draws to a close, Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier continues to make steady progress behind the scenes. While much of the work isn’t always visible to visitors, every improvement is an important step toward creating a park that will serve our community for generations.

I’m excited to share that one of our biggest construction milestones is now complete. The structural reinforcement around the area once occupied by Building 11, known as the “Mole,” has been completed. With this work behind us, another critical piece of the historic pier is ready for the next phase of construction.

Construction crews are also making excellent progress installing nearly 2,000 feet of new water pipe beneath the pier, with completion expected by the end of summer. These improvements will support both museum operations and the future needs of Freedom Park. Planning also continues for the park’s electrical infrastructure, with electrical upgrades expected to begin later this year. At the same time, final design work is wrapping up for the park’s visible features, including landscaping, lighting, walls and other visitor amenities. Those elements are expected to begin taking shape in spring 2027.

Each completed phase brings us one step closer to transforming Navy Pier into a welcoming public space that honors service, sacrifice and our shared history.

That spirit of community was on full display during our July Fourth benefit concert celebrating America’s 250th birthday. As thousands gathered to enjoy an evening of music and fireworks aboard Midway, they also helped advance the future of Freedom Park. It was a wonderful reminder that there are many ways to support this project, whether by attending a special event, sharing its story or making a charitable gift.

It may seem early to think about year-end giving, but August is the perfect time to begin those conversations. If you’re age 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support Freedom Park while potentially reducing your taxable income. Planning ahead gives you and your financial advisor time to determine a giving strategy that best meets your philanthropic and financial goals.

Every time I walk the pier, I’m reminded that none of this happens without you. Every milestone we celebrate, every utility installed and every future garden, pathway and commemorative brick begins with the generosity of people who believe this project matters.

Thank you for being part of Freedom Park’s story. Your support is creating far more than a beautiful waterfront park. You’re helping build a place where veterans are honored, families gather, stories are preserved and future generations can better understand the sacrifices that protect our freedoms. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and for the trust you place in us to bring this vision to life.