In January of 1989, I reported to VAQ-136 onboard USS Midway, CV-41. I spent almost three years aboard her, sailing the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Persian Gulf. In August of 1991 I left Midway and cross-decked to USS Independence, CV-62. After leaving the squadron in 1992, I spent the next six years with two other commands in Japan. Although the next commands were great ones, neither of them could compare to the incredible experience of USS Midway. On January 10, 2004, I was very lucky and honored to be one of the few hundred allowed to ride Midway on her final voyage across San Diego Bay. During the several hours Midway was being towed, I wandered the ship reliving memories and remembering the time I spent aboard her in my younger days. It was a very special day and I am very proud to have been present during Midway's last cruise. I have returned to Midway twice more since she arrived in San Diego. It was my privilege to participate in the USS Midway / San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum's grand opening in June 2004 as part of the Museum's Safety / Security Team. My last visit was in March 2005 and I am eagerly awaiting another chance to return.

In remembrance of USS Midway and all the sailors who served aboard her, I have decided to share her magic with the rest of the world. Within this site I have compiled a series of pages, which include Midway's history and specifications. I have put together lists of her commanding officers, awards, cruises, air wings, and squadrons. There are large galleries of pictures, patches, and memorabilia. The ship's history has been researched in-depth and is drawn from many sources. While I believe it to be the most comprehensive history on USS Midway that is publicly available, I would very much welcome corrections and additions which can be supported and verified.

With this said, I hope you will enjoy my tribute to what I consider the Fleet's Finest Carrier.

~ Troy Prince, Aviation Machinist's Mate, USN

~ VAQ-136 Gauntlets aboard USS Midway & USS Independence (1989 ~ 1992)

~ NAF Atsugi AIMD (1992 ~ 1994)

~ NAF Misawa AIMD (1994 ~ 1998)