Booz Allen Hamilton’s ongoing 13-year collaboration with the USS Midway Museum continues to play a vital role in advancing the Midway’s onboard STEM education field trip programs for elementary and middle school students. Together, the museum and partners like Booz Allen are inspiring young learners by connecting the science, technology, engineering and math principles of shipboard life and naval aviation to real-world problem solving and future careers.

Last year, more than 40,000 students stepped aboard Midway, either in-person or virtually, to participate in immersive, standards-based STEM field trips that transform the historic aircraft carrier into a living classroom. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration led by a passionate team of educators, students learn how physics, engineering, data and teamwork powered the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, and continue to shape innovation today.

Booz Allen’s support helps ensure these programs remain accessible, engaging and impactful for students across the region. Its contribution to Midway’s “No Child Left Ashore” scholarship fund provided the resources for nearly 1,000 students from schools in underserved communities to come aboard the ship and learn “Midway Math” principles. As a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the defense, intelligence and civil sectors, Booz Allen brings deep expertise in engineering, analytics, cyber, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies—making STEM education a natural focus for its community investment.

“STEM education is foundational to the work we do at Booz Allen and to the future of our nation,” said Jenny Brooks, a San Diego-based executive vice president at Booz Allen. “By supporting Midway’s STEM field trip program, we’re helping students see how classroom concepts apply to real-world challenges.”

Booz Allen’s partnership aligns closely with its corporate social responsibility pillars, which emphasize advancing education, strengthening communities and supporting those who serve. With a workforce that includes many veterans and military family members, particularly in a military-centric community like San Diego, Booz Allen recognizes Midway as both a symbol of service and a powerful educational platform that sparks curiosity and builds future-ready skills.

The museum’s STEM field trips are designed to ignite interest at a critical age, encouraging students to explore both education and career pathways in science and technology while developing confidence, critical thinking and collaboration. Corporate support is essential to sustaining and growing these programs, enabling Midway to reach more students and continually enhance curriculum offerings.

“Booz Allen’s investment in our STEM education program directly supports our mission to educate and inspire future generations,” said Steve Miller, director of strategic partnerships for the museum. “Their expertise in technology and innovation makes them an ideal partner as we show students how the lessons of Midway – problem solving, adaptability and teamwork – remain relevant today.”

Beyond funding, the partnership creates meaningful connections between industry, education and history. Booz Allen employees have opportunities to engage with the museum through volunteerism and events, reinforcing the importance of giving back while helping students envision future careers in STEM fields.

As Midway continues to serve as a hub for education and inspiration, partnerships with organizations like Booz Allen ensure that the ship’s legacy extends beyond preservation by empowering young minds to chart bold courses of their own.

John Brongo, Docent – October 2025

Midway docents are almost always seen interacting with museum guests, but coordinating this group of more than 400 volunteers takes tremendous effort. John Brongo, a volunteer since 2015, has been the force behind the curtain quietly managing the docent’s legacy roster database and training new docents to access and operate the docent SharePoint portal.

Starting in 2020, John, a former U.S. Army paratrooper, managed information technology and maintained a web-hosted database project. He worked with a local software engineering firm to assess the requirements, and determined the best method to update and maintain the database. The project was successful, requiring only subsequent minor engineering changes to maintain the database.

John, who has amassed more than 8,300 volunteer hours, also assisted managers in maintaining SharePoint web pages available to the docents. His efforts have improved communications and enhanced the Docent Training and Continuing Education Programs.

While serving as a member of the Museum’s Docent Council, John also managed collaboration at meetings held every two weeks that provided a forum for docents and staff to discuss and resolve issues in a proactive and constructive manner.

“His willingness to donate an extensive amount time, along with his highly developed technical skills and tireless work ethic have greatly assisted both his fellow docents and many other members of the Midway family,” said Jack Gale. “John has made several very important contributions to Midway’s information sharing systems through managing the legacy databases, training new docents on SharePoint, and hosting and maintaining the support necessary for our Continuing Education series.”

Mike Mortellaro, Ship Restoration – November 2025

It’s the smallest details that can sometimes make biggest the difference, and there’s no one that pays more attention to thedetails that Mike Mortellaro, a member of the ship’s restoration team since 2024.

Mike, who has already contributed more than 800 volunteer hours, has had tremendous impact on a variety of preservation programs, and is also helping spearhead an effort to highlight important elements of Midway’s operational history.

Mike Mortellaro, along with fellow restoration volunteer Seppi Sepulveda, has taken great prided and care in a project to restore a series of almost forgotten brass plaques that commemorate milestone landings aboard the carrier.

It is estimated that more than 350,000 successful carrier landings were made on the USS Midway (CV-41). Each of those 1,000th landing records were commemorated with a brass plate engraved with the landing number, the date and the pilot’s name. The plates were then anchored to large brass plaques.

The plaques were part of a small number of artifacts from the Midway’s history that were stored at Naval Air Station North Island following the ship’s decommissioning in 1992. The plaques were given to Midway when it returned to San Diego and opened as a museum in 2004.

Mike, a former U.S. Navy hull technician, was instrumental in restoring an unused engraving machine to make replacement ID tags for the 1,000th-trap landing plaques. Not only did he restore the engraving machine, but also helped prepare a space below decks for exclusive plaques engraving and sign stenciling in the future.

“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.

The USS Midway Museum’s annual Haunted Hangar Deck Halloween Bash once again brought together all of San Diego’s ghost and goblin wannabes.

From tiny tots to great grandmothers, Midway’s hangar deck was oozing with more than 500 costume-clad revelers ranging from Ghostbusters and Star Wars characters to zombies and vampires.

The common merrymaking thread for all those on board was enjoying the spirit of the ghoulish holiday and sharing that fun with family and friends.

Here are some of the voices of Midway’s fright-night fanatics:

Decked out from bow to stern with more than 1 million twinkling and shimmering lights, the USS Midway Museum’s “Jingle Jets” celebrated thex holidays with its third annual festive lighting experience.

“I loved seeing all the lights,” said Angelica Suarez, who was visiting for the first time with her two daughters. “I had no idea that they could do something like this on a Navy ship. It’s actually quite beautiful.”

As San Diego’s most unique holiday tradition, Midway was again transformed from a mighty warship into a winter wonderland, bringing an exceptional holiday spirit, with an aviation twist, to the San Diego Bayfront.

“We really wanted to enhance the visual experience even more than in our first two years of Jingle Jets,” said Mark Berlin, Midway’s director of operations and guest services. “This year we had more than 1 million lights on the ship, the planes and throughout our decks.”

“I found the experience very nostalgic,” said Sean Priestly, who was visiting with his family from Orange County. “We really enjoyed hearing the Christmas carolers. All the lights on the ship and the planes made me feel a bit like a kid again.”

New for 2025 was the museum’s “Holiday Dancing Light Show.” Guests experienced illumination magic as Midway’s flight deck was transformed into a breathtaking stage of synchronized lights and festive music. This dazzling light show took place every evening, every hour on the hour leaving museum visitors in awe.

Midway also introduced its new “Magical Penguin Search” scavenger hunt for the young and the young at heart. Guests were able to obtain a Midway Magic Wand once on board, and following a set of clues, set off to find five holiday penguins hiding around the ship. Waving your magic wand in front of the penguins launched a special personal light show.

“We thought it was very cool lighting up the penguins with our magic wands,” said Jarred Demurest, who enjoyed the scavenger hunt with his brother Jason. “I especially liked lighting up Santa and the fighter jet on the flight deck.”

For some guests, the visit to Midway during Jingle Jets allowed them to reflect on the past service of their family members.

“I’m proud to be the daughter of a Navy man,” said Jeanie Muhlestein, who visited with four generations of her family. “My dad came to this country and then served our country. He joined the Navy and served during World War II until 1945.”

Jingle Jets once again provided the opportunity for guests to send notes of thanks to those currently serving in the military on active duty. More than 3,000 letters written during the holiday event were given to the Navy to deliver to sailors and Marines deployed around the world.

“Thanks for helping to keep us safe,” said the Murray family in a letter written to a Navy sailor. “My family greatly appreciates your sacrifices. We have three little children that greatly respect the USA, the military and all the men and women who keep it going.”

Along with the new experiences, Jingle Jets continued to celebrate the holidays with a Santa Claus meet and greet, holiday music DJ and dance floor, a Christmas-themed virtual reality ride, model train displays, Santa’s Sweethearts Christmas carolers, cookie decorating, holiday treats and seasonal merchandise.

“Jingle Jets is truly a one-of-a-kind holiday extravaganza,” said Cheryl Carlson, Midway’s director of special events. “We were very excited to bring back this new San Diego holiday tradition, and this year was bigger and brighter than ever.”

The USS Midway Museum is proud to announce that Bob Lawrence is the new chair of its board of directors and will serve a two-year term.

“While a privilege to have a seat on the Midway board, the position of chairman is an even greater honor,” said Bob, who spent more than 40 years in radio and television news, primarily as a military affairs reporter, before retiring in 2015 from ABC 10News in San Diego. “I’m joining a list of admirable and dedicated San Diegans who’ve come before me and helped turn Midway into the iconic symbol it is today.”

“I can honestly say that every time I come aboard Midway, I feel the magic.”

Along with sustaining Midway as America’s Living Symbol of Freedom and a beloved icon in San Diego, Bob will be a key participant in the on-going project to build Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier, which is scheduled to open in 2028

“Bob Lawrence has been a key supporter of our military community here in San Diego,” said Terry Kraft, Midway’s president and CEO. “From his time as a television reporter to his volunteer work on Midway, Bob has always been there for our active duty and veterans. As he takes the helm of our Midway board of directors, I could not be more excited to team with him.”

Bob first arrived in San Diego in 1982 after working in broadcast media positions in Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Beginning as a producer for 10News, he eventually became the station’s military reporter, a job he was passionate about for more than 30 years. Bob joined the Midway board in 2017.

“When I was asked to join the board of the USS Midway Museum, I knew I found my new calling,” said Bob, who previously served on the board of Veterans Museum in Balboa Park prior to joining Midway. “Volunteering in this capacity is a unique way to continue to give back to those who have served in the military, and those who currently do.

Bob succeeds John Driscoll as Midway’s board chair.

“I thank my predecessor John Driscoll for demonstrating the way to lead by example,” said Bob. “I am grateful that as past chairman, he will continue to be a key advisor to the board.”

As Midway’s new board chair, Bob is excited to help chart the museum’s future.

“Our exceptional volunteers keep the Midway Magic alive, and with plans during Freedom Park construction to open additional exhibits, our guests will have even more to see and experience than they do now,” said Bob, who served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. “I may have served in a different branch of the armed forces, but I can honestly say that every time I come aboard Midway, I feel the magic.”

After 41 years working as a systems and chief engineer as well as a systems architect in the aerospace and defense industries, Richard Biro was not ready to just grab a beer and retire to the front porch swing. Deep down in his bones, he knew that he still had much more he wanted to contribute. He found Midway, and it was the perfect match.

“While I had retired from my paid professional career, I knew I still had a lot to give and decided to give back to the community, and to the men and women who defend our country,” said Richard, a Chicago native. “I decided then to start my volunteer professional career here at Midway.”

During his farewell event at Northrup Grumman in 2019, colleagues asked Richard the standard retirement question of “what are you going to do with all your free time.” More than once, the USS Midway Museum was mentioned, and when he discovered there was no requirement to have served previously in the military, he decided to take a look.

“My wife, Jean, and I had been to Midway before, but we went again after I retired,” remembered Richard, who earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and his master’s degree in systems engineering from Wright State University. “I looked at it differently and talked to a few docents about volunteering. I came away with a positive impression. With 41 years of aerospace and defense experience, I felt Midway was a natural fit. I know a lot about aircraft and weapon systems. I also have a lot of organizational and leadership skills. All this combined, I felt that these would be applicable to Midway.”

Richard is also a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He decided volunteering for the safety team was the best place to lend his talent and experiences. Richard came out of the box running, and from day one, has committed all his energy to being a red hat.

“My role in the safety department is multifaceted, but first and foremost, I’m a safety officer,” said Richard, who has already amassed more than 8,500 volunteer hours. “We help keep employees, volunteers, guests and contractors safe. We also respond to incidents like medical emergencies as well as handle kids who have become separated from their families.”

It wasn’t long after becoming a volunteer that Richard started taking on additional responsibilities in the safety department.

“I’m also a safety training officer, a role which I relish,” said Richard, whose wife Jean is also a safety volunteer. “This is a job my peers and I take very seriously. We work with safety trainees, walking them through the procedures, demonstrating proper techniques and evaluating and documenting their progress.”

In addition to being a safety training officer, Richard is a safety lead and part of a small team responsible for periodically reviewing and updating critical safety-related documents including the museum’s emergency action plan and safety standard operating procedures. He is also one of Midway’s subject matter experts on the museum’s Evolv scanner technology used at our main entrance.

Richard’s passion and achievements have not gone unnoticed. Although unexpected, he was recently named Midway’s volunteer of the year for 2024.

“Wow, I knew I was among a select group of volunteers to even have been nominated and it was stiff competition to be sure,” said Richard, who moved to San Diego from the Midwest in 2010. “By the time all five of us (nominees) were introduced, I was pretty much convinced I had at least one, if not two more years of being nominated before I would even have a chance. When my name was announced as this year’s awardee, my emotions ran wild, from disbelief, to why are all these people standing up, looking at me, clapping and shaking my hand. At that point I realized that it’s really true.”

Regardless of the accolades, the ultimate satisfaction for Richard comes from being part of Midway’s volunteer family and engaging with those visiting the museum.

Jeff Bacon served 26 years in the U.S. Navy retiring in 2005 as the Deputy Oceanographer of the Navy. He is the creator of the single-panel cartoon “Broadside” that was published for nearly four decades in the bi-monthly newspaper “Navy Times” from 1986 to 2020. The Broadside cartoon is a humorous commentary on Navy life.

Jeff was awarded the Silver T-Square award by the National Cartoonists Society, received a special recognition award from the Surface Navy Association, and was named a distinguished graduate of the Navy Postgraduate School.

“Currents” is thrilled to have Jeff volunteer for the museum and share is wonderful humor with our readers through a Midway-centric version of Broadside in each addition of the magazine.

“I’m happy and honored to be a part of the Midway team,” said Jeff, who was commission into the Navy in 1979 after graduating from the University of New Mexico. “It gives me great pleasure to be counted among the hard working volunteers of this great ship.”