As I enter my fourth year as president and CEO of this iconic museum, I can’t help but get a little nostalgic. I have enjoyed every minute of my time aboard my old ship – especially last year. Two amazing events come to mind.
The Operation Frequent Wind commemoration ceremony we held last April was incredible. To watch more than 3,000 Vietnamese-Americans man our flight deck and listen to former Midway commanding officer, retired Rear Adm. Larry Chambers, and Maj. Bung Lee, the former South Vietnamese Air Force pilot who miraculously landed his “Bird Dog” aircraft on Midway’s flight deck in 1975, was a moment I will never forget.
In June, we opened the new Carrier Intelligence Center exhibit. It was particularly meaningful for me, as I spent hundreds of hours in that top secret space planning my combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. We transformed this space into a state-of-the-art exhibit as a tribute to the incredible intelligence professionals that toiled there throughout Midway’s history. At the same time, we created an engaging and interactive opportunity for all ages to understand the challenges inherent in combat carrier aviation.
I couldn’t be more proud of Mark Berlin, Billy Coleman and the exhibits team, and all our volunteers who helped design and build the exhibit. We are also grateful to the Naval Intelligence Professionals (NIP) organization who generously donated their time and financial support for the project.
As I look back on my third Midway holiday season, I realized that such an important part of that usually hectic time is one we often take for granted. All the parties and events are really about fellowship and taking time to tell our friends and loved ones how important they are to us. There are so many ways that this happens over the holiday season, but the message remains the same – we value each other’s friendship and support.
Aboard Midway, that message is amplified daily. If you are reading this edition of the magazine, you can play a part in our success. Whether a member, volunteer or staff, your efforts are important to our success as a museum. As we continue with the construction of Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier, there are even more opportunities to partner with Midway and establish a legacy in the most beautiful downtown park in San Diego. It is my dream to have as many people as possible, especially our veterans, formally remembered in the park. There will always be a place on Midway for everyone, whether working as a volunteer or putting your name on a bench in our park.
Ages ago, when I had the honor of commanding an aircraft carrier, my message was always the same as above – every single member of the crew is important and every person can be a key to our success as a warship. That remains my north star to this day. As a crewmember on Midway again, I couldn’t be more proud of the team that ensured our success in 2025 and has formed the foundation for a bright future!
It’s a great day on Midway!
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