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News from the USS
Midway Museum
Date : Thursday, August 12, 2004
From : Theresa Randall <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Magic August Update
www.midway.org
Midway is welcoming visitors from across the country and around the
world. Folks young and old alike sharing the experience of "a city at sea,"
taking in the view of San Diego Bay from the flight deck, and coming away with a
new appreciation of devotion and dedication to serving one's country.
Planning a trip to the San Diego waterfront to visit Midway? Why not make
a day of it? Ship tours take approximately 2-3 hours. While you are here you can
enjoy a morning snack or lunch at our Fantail Cafe, fly a jet simulator with
Mach Combat, and take a stroll along the North Embarcadero to the San Diego
Maritime Museum featuring the Star of India.
Parking is available on Navy Pier. Our ticket booth hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
each day. The museum closes at 5 p.m.
Memberships are also available online and at the museum. Our membership program
continues to grow. With over 6,000 members we are amongst the largest museums in
the region. If you are not already a member you can join today at
www.midway.org.
619-544-9600 fax: 619-544-9188
910 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Date : Thursday, August 05, 2004
U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum Cruises with Kintera Technology
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)
"Midway Magic" is how the military and the press refer to the tremendous
attention generated by the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which
opened in San Diego a little over a month ago. To expand its public reach and
better manage a large membership base, the museum selected San Diego-based
Kintera(R) Inc. (NASDAQ:KNTA) to provide powerful online technology to build
their community.
A leading provider of software as a service to nonprofit organizations, Kintera
helped build and launch the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum content
managed (CMS) Web site at
www.midway.org to assist the
membership-based organization in generating awareness, finding volunteers and
collecting online donations nationwide. Media across the country have covered
the museum's grand-opening with live broadcasts, behind-the-scenes tours and a
myriad of interviews -- all helping to drive traffic to the nonprofit's Web
site, and encourage thousands of supporters to join the organization.
For nearly three years, the Midway Museum has been using Kintera's
Friends Asking Friends(R) solicitation system to sell commemorative tickets and
generate donations in preparation for the museum's opening. Part of the
award-winning Kintera Sphere(TM) unified software platform, Friends Asking
Friends has helped the organization raise donations online over that time.
Kintera's Web-based technology also provides a powerful back-end database to
house contact records so that the museum can better understand and communicate
with Web site visitors. The museum originally had 5,000 contact records and now
has over 30,000, thanks to seamless support of the Web site with a unified
database.
The U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum Web site also enables the
organization to provide up-to-date information about the museum, such as various
programs and exhibits, hours of operation and links to other sites featuring the
U.S.S Midway, allowing visitors to plan their day at the floating museum
in advance. Web visitors can register online for memberships and volunteer
opportunities, pay registration dues and securely donate online. A crew bulletin
board on the Web site even allows museum-goers to post messages detailing their
experience.
"Before the museum was open, we used Kintera's easy-to-use online tools to raise
funds and build awareness for the arrival of the Midway," said Scott McGaugh,
the marketing director at the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. "We
selected Kintera to overhaul our Web site to create a key marketing tool and
resource that not only supported our grand opening activities, but also became
the foundation of ongoing marketing strategies."
"We are extremely proud to be the technology provider for the U.S.S. Midway
Aircraft Carrier Museum," said Kintera co-founder and CEO, Harry Gruber. "This
museum is a great example of how powerful the Internet can be in generating
awareness, members and dollars for a nonprofit organization."
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2004
From : Theresa Randall <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : USS Midway Opens in San Diego
www.midway.org
Midway has been open for over 30 days and we are beginning to get our sea
legs. Our visitors especially enjoy the audio tours of the ship's main exhibits
and the collection of eight aircraft gracing our flight deck and hangar bays.
Museum designers are hard at work to get new exhibits ready for public access
later this fall including additional spaces on the mess decks and exhibits in
the island superstructure.
Our exhibits manager is seeking former Midway medical personnel as the displays
in Sick Bay and the Dental offices are developed. You can contact Karl Zingheim
at
karlzingheim@msn.com
Midway Magic continues to spread across the region. News agencies from
across the country have covered our grand-opening with live broadcast,
behind-the-scenes tours, and a myriad of interviews. All that excitement has
been rewarding for the fledgling museum with over 4,000 annual members joining
the museum.
www.midway.org Members-only events are
planned for this coming Fall, join now to receive our quarterly newsletter,
admission for you and a guest, along with discounts at our museum store.
Our volunteer program continues to grow. You can volunteer online at
www.midway.org. Our safety team is
seeking additional volunteers as are many of our other programs. Contact Vic
Vydra (Safety) at 619-544-9600 x225.
Theresa Randall
Membership Director
619-544-9600 x229
Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
From: Jim Redfield
To: Restoration Hangar Volunteers
Subject: Hangargram #20 (my last)
To All A/C restoration volunteers & associates:
This is my swan song for my tenure at Hangar 805; the new boss is Aubrey
Brittain, LT, USN (Ret) effective immediately. Please accord him the loyalty all
of you have shown me over the years - - he's a good man & will pick up the reins
quickly, I am sure.
The task ahead is a formidable one as you all, not only now have to restore
aircraft, but also maintain them on board as well. The boss has lined up some
more interesting A/C including the T-2 Buckeye just received, the F-9-F Panther
enroute & potential S3B, an H-3 & possibly an H-46. These are additive to the
C-1A, SH-2 & F-4#2 now in work.
My reason for leaving, since some of you have asked, is because I really don't
want a full time job & I didn't feel I could continue to handle it on a part
time volunteer basis which was evolving toward full time! I'll be around for
consulting as needed and will continue to support the SD Aerospace Museum
restoration effort from whence I came, originally.
Our three+ years together have netted us some phenomenal achievements in a/c &
selected GSE exhibits. We started with an empty hangar, a handful of people & a
few corroded hulks & junk & now have eight a/c on board plus some GSE in
pristine shape (including Theresa's tug) & a fairly complete facility including
a great staff of volunteers with a variety of talents.
As I mentioned in our good-bye session yesterday at the hangar, we owe a lot to
a bunch of people including, firstly, the volunteers who make it happen! We also
have been supported by our volunteer boss & prior boss who have given much of
their time, expert direction & some very creative financing to keep our
operation afloat.
Additionally we need to recognize all of the functions aboard NORIS without
whose assistance & support we would be nowhere. They include the CO & staff,
paint shop, tool control, transportation, security, AirPac, AIMD and PWC.
We have also had a lot of support from the Reserve unit CVSW0194 & help from
HC-85 folks, the latter of whom are on active duty in Hawaii now but who pitched
in on our SH-2 restoration significantly.
Beside the foregoing, we got tremendous support from the San Diego business
community whose names are too numerous to mention though their contributions
have been sent forwarded to our management staff & will hopefully be recognized.
We got thousands of dollars worth of equipment, services & supplies at no or
reduced cost which allowed us to facilitize & stock our hangar. We have been
recognized as a major contributor to the successful opening of the Midway to the
public with our a/c exhibits by our COO and will hopefully receive favorable
reception to funding requests to perpetuate the restoration operation.
Thank you all again, and especially to those that attended the session
yesterday; it was a small gathering which is what I requested. Thanks also to
the a/c maintenance guys aboard who gave me a unique Midway ball cap & shirt - I
really appreciate it.
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Jim Redfield
|
Jim Redfield
(Robert Anderson Photo) |
Date : Monday, May 3, 2004
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Ticket Packages Available Online
www.midway.org
The Navy's most pioneering aircraft carrier, USS Midway, will soon become
the flagship of naval aviation museums. You can be a part of this momentous
occasion and help us create a remarkable museum by purchasing your limited
edition Commemorative Ticket online today.
The Commemorative Ticket package includes a Commemorative Ticket suitable for
framing, a booklet chronicling Midway's rich history, a one-time
admission pass good for up to four people for free admission to the museum. (The
admission pass is good for museum entrance during normal operating hours and is
not valid for special events.)
All this can be yours for $50!!!
Order your ticket package online today at
www.midwaycommtixs.kintera.org
Or mail a check payable to SDACM, to San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum (SDACM),
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Please note on the memo line that
you're requesting a Commemorative Ticket package.
If you have already purchased your packet, thank you for your support. The
museum opens June 7, 2004, and will be open from 10 AM - 5 PM each day.
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Volunteer today, email
midwayvols@san.rr.com to request an
application.
Date : Friday, April 16, 2004
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Opens June 7, 2004
www.midwaymember.kintera.org
Pre-Orders of First Book on Midway's History Benefit Museum
After two years of research and 308 Midway sailor interviews, Scott
McGaugh's Midway Magic - An Oral History of America's Legendary Aircraft
Carrier will be on bookshelves across the nation in late June!
But you can order now and get your copies autographed! Proceeds benefit the
museum and quantity discounts are available! Go to:
www.midwaymagic.com and click on "Advance
Orders" And spread the word to employees, friends and colleagues. It's a great
way to capture a piece of history and benefit the museum and quantity discounts
are available!
Sign Up for Midway Magic Membership
SDACM now offers a variety of memberships with a host of great benefits and
values. Become a member today! Memberships start at $35 for seniors, $50 for
individuals and $75 for families. Sign up online at
www.midwaymember.kintera.org and become
a charter member of Midway Magic!
Midway Welcomes Local Business Leaders
Midway hosted the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for the first event
aboard Midway . Chief Operating Officer Mac McLaughlin spoke at the
breakfast and asked for the community's support. He called on area business
leaders to sponsor exhibits aboard Midway . McLaughlin previewed the
museum's education program set for launch in September 2004. To request
information on corporate sponsorship, please reply to sdacm@aol.com.
Artifacts Needed
Our collection of naval memorabilia continues to grow, but we still need
your support! We are seeking the following items that will permit us to properly
depict the F-4 and A-7 in a flying status for their respective exhibits:
Three flight helmets (HGU-33 type preferred)
Three oxygen masks
Three Nomex flight suits
Three flight suit harnesses
If you would like to donate one of these items email our curator at
USSMidwayCurator@cox.net
Kudos to Our Volunteers
A project like this does not enjoy the level of success we have reached
without the dedication of a great group of volunteers. We have hundreds of
individuals who have offered their time and talents to this project.
For those of you who have made the trek down to Harbor Drive to view the
Midway , you have come into contact with many of these great volunteers.
Each day a dozen or so volunteers greet pedestrians along the waterfront as
visitors stroll the Embarcadero between Seaport Village and the Star of India.
During their sojourn visitors inquiry about the size of the ship and details on
her crew. These volunteers are helping us build our initial base of members and
educate folks from across the country on the grandeur of this modern marvel, the
aircraft carrier.
The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit
organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Donations can be mailed to:
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Date : Sunday, April 04, 2004 11:14 PM
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Opening Slated for June 2004
www.midway.org
The countdown has begun to the opening of Midway Magic. After many years
of planning, the museum will open June 7, 2004, at 10:00 AM. Museum admissions
will be $13 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+) /military with ID, and $7 for
children (6-12). Kids under 6 and active duty military in uniform will be
admitted free. Commemorative tickets are available at
www.midway.org.
Museum exhibits are under development. Aboard will be 4 aircraft -- the Corsair
A-7B, Phantom F-4S, Intruder A-6E, and Hawkeye E-2C. Visitors will be able to
tour the Island Superstructure, Flight Deck, Hangar Deck and portions of the
Second Deck.
More adventurous patrons can also purchase tickets to ride our motion simulator
and be a part of an air mission. Still looking for a bigger thrill? Then our
virtual reality experience may be just the thing to get your heart pounding. Be
a part of the action, jump into a cockpit, and fly your own jet into the action.
And of course you'll be able to take home a piece of it all from the Museum
store called The Jet Shop. Light refreshments will be available in the Fantail
Cafe.
Membership is now available. To request a brochure, email sdacm@aol.com.
Thank you for your continued support of the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard this summer.
Sincerely,
Riley D. Mixson
RADM, USN (Ret.)
Executive Director
PS: Volunteers are needed Friday, April 16th to assist with cleaning the hangar
bay and mess decks. Please reply to sdacm@aol.com
if you can help Friday, April 16th or Friday, April 23rd between 9 AM & 3 PM.
Mailing Address: 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone 619-702-7700 Fax: 619-234-3497
Email: sdacm@aol.com
Web site:
www.midway.org
Date : Saturday, March 20, 2004 5:55 PM
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Project Moves Forward Thanks to Volunteer Efforts
www.midway.org
Midway Project Moves Forward Thanks to Volunteer Efforts
Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers the Midway project continues
to move forward. Our docent training program has begun and volunteer work crews
are onboard preparing exhibit spaces. Office volunteers are now working Mondays,
Thursdays and Saturdays.
We've come far, but we still need your help. If you live in the San Diego area
and would like to volunteer, please email us at
midwayvols@san.rr.com.
Midway's audio tour is currently being planned. Do you know any carrier
aviation heroes? Are you one? Please reply to sdacm@aol.com
with your story and our editorial panel will review the content of your story
for applicability. Please include your name, address, and phone number.
Commemorative tickets are selling fast. Make your plans to be a part of
Midway's inaugural season. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.midwaycommtixs.kintera.org or by mailing
your check for $50 to the address below. To plan your visit to San Diego, visit
www.sdcvb.org.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks on our museum membership
program!
Regards,
Riley D. Mixson
RADM (Ret.) USN
Executive Director
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
www.midway.org
Date : Friday, March 5, 2004 1:42 AM
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Welcomes New Docents
www.midway.org
www.midway.kintera.org
After a bit of rainy weather, Midway's crew is back at work restoring the
flight deck and staging exhibits for the Museum's opening in June 2004. For
example, the flight deck will include exhibits focusing on the steam catapult,
the mission preparation area, landing signal officers. Our Board of Directors is
busy contacting local companies seeking underwriters for these and a variety of
other exhibits. If your company is interested in sponsoring an exhibit onboard,
please reply and I will send you a packet of exhibit sponsorship information.
Our volunteer docent program is expanding by the day. Our first class of docent
tour guides is studying the ship's layout and her history. Classes are scheduled
over the next few months. Docent training involves over 20 hours of classroom
instruction on the ship and the museum. If you are interested in participating,
please email our Director of Volunteers, Lynda Newton, at
midwayvols@san.rr.com.
Intruder, Phantom, Hawkeye, Corsair, Tomcat, and more... Midway's
collection of aircraft continues to grow. Our team of volunteers at our aircraft
restoration hangar is hard at work on an E-2C Hawkeye cockpit for our
educational program, an SNJ, and our second F-4S Phantom. We currently await the
delivery of a C-1A Trader and other historic aircraft. Have you flown one of
these war birds? If so, our historian and exhibits director, Karl Zingheim,
would love to hear your firsthand stories of adventure and peril. Email Karl at
karlzingheim@msn.com with a brief description
of your story and the above listed aircraft that you flew.
As always, I am ever grateful to all the people who have had a hand in our
ever-growing success. It is truly what Midway Magic is all about. We look
forward to welcoming you aboard in June 2004.
Sincerely,
Riley D. Mixson
RADM, USN (Ret.)
Executive Director
Date : Tuesday, February 24, 2004 10:43 PM
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : The Phantom is Coming to Midway
www.midway.org
Is Midway haunted? No, it's just our newly restored F-4S Phantom! One of
the most versatile aircraft in the history of the Navy, the Phantom will be the
fourth restored aircraft on board Midway and will join the flight deck
ballet at the trap.
Volunteers have begun restoration of the ship's mess decks and island
superstructure. If you are available to volunteer, please contact Lynda Newton
at
midwayvols@san.rr.com for more information.
Our Board of Directors is planning a limited number of opening celebrations on
board Midway. If you have not already joined our Circle of Friends and
are interested in being a part of grand-opening events, please visit our Circle
of Friends web site at
www.midway.org/help/help.htm for additional
information on the benefits of joining our Circle of Friends (including
invitations to an opening celebration). Your donation will go towards the
restoration of the vessel. Membership programs will be available on our web site
later this spring.
We appreciate the time and effort each of our board members and volunteers have
devoted to developing what will become the American flagship of floating naval
aviation museums. We look forward to welcoming the public aboard Midway in June
2004.
Sincerely,
Riley D. Mixson
RADM, USN (Ret.)
Date : Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:44 PM
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Volunteers Needed
We are making progress!
A team of plumbers and electricians are hard at work installing plumbing for
restrooms and improving electrical infrastructure. We hope to bring a group of
volunteers aboard in late February to assist with general cleaning. So save up
those rags and dig out those pails and buckets.
We are heartened by the broad support of our efforts. Our new Director of
Volunteers, Lynda Newton, is sifting through the hundreds of volunteer
applications from our enthusiastic group of supporters. For a list of our
immediate volunteer needs visit the web site at
www.midway.org.
Another way you can assist is by helping us spread the word regarding the sale
of our Commemorative Tickets. (www.midwaycommtixs.kintera.org)
Flyers are available, contact Theresa Randall at
sdacm@aol.com if you would like to distribute
ticket information at your place of business.
Reservations for special event space is still our #1 request. To learn more
about our special events rental fees and policies, please email our Director of
Special Events, Patricia Payne at
midwayevents@aol.com. She can also check
availability for dates after June 7, 2004.
One final note, Team Midway will begin recruiting staff in May 2004.
Positions will be posted this spring. For consideration, please mail your resume
to:
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Attn.: Human Resources
Date : Friday, January 30, 2004
From : Riley Mixson <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Magic Update
www.midway.org
Work is underway onboard Midway! Plumbers and electricians are working to
build civilian-style restrooms and install necessary utilities for the museum's
offices. Thanks go out to all of our contributors. Donations from $25 to $25,000
have been critical to our ability to make the first phase of necessary capital
improvements before we outfit Midway as a naval aviation museum.
Exhibit planners have surveyed Midway and are determining appropriate
areas for exhibits and aircraft displays. Midway's outfitting will evolve
over the coming years, giving you a chance to watch and even participate in
Midway's transformation into the flagship of naval aviation museums.
If you would like to be a part of Midway's inaugural season you may
purchase Commemorative Tickets online. For $50 you will receive a
limited-edition booklet on Midway's history, a commemorative ticket
suitable for framing, and a single-visit pass good for up to 4 family members.
www.midwaycommtixs.kintera.org
If you want to bring a few more friends, you can book a special event on board
Midway. Send details on your event (for 50 or more) to
midwayevents@aol.com.
Thanks for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Date : Monday, January 12, 2004
From : Riley Mixson <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Berthed at Navy Pier
www.midway.org
Midway is Home!!!!
Midway arrived at her new berth along historic Navy Pier on North Harbor
Drive at 11:35 AM, Saturday, Jan 10, 2004. Thousands watched as tugs pushed the
historic carrier into her mooring platforms. Now the next phase begins as
engineers and contractors work to install fire suppression systems and safety
railings so that Midway can open as a museum in late spring.
We will welcome our Circle of Friends members and major donors aboard in the
spring for guided behind the scenes tours of the museum in the making. Guided
tours will include a visit to the hangar bays and flight deck along with a hike
up through the island superstructure and a very special preview of our exhibits
under construction.
If you are not already a member of our Circle of Friends, visit our web site at
www.midway.org and click on "how can you
help" to join. If you are interested in visiting the museum once it opens,
purchase one of our commemorative ticket packages, to be delivered after January
15, 2004 available online at
www.midway.org.
Our staff of five will be growing soon. If you are interested in museum
employment, please mail your resume to the address below. Positions to be filled
this spring include: Curator, Exhibits Director, Education Director, Volunteer
Coordinator, and Executive Assistant. Hourly positions for admissions,
bookkeeping, exhibit development, and general maintenance will be opening in
May.
We appreciate the support of all our donors and volunteers over the past twelve
years. We look forward to building the American flagship of carrier aviation
museums in the coming years.
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
www.midway.org
Date : Monday, January 05, 2004
From : Riley Mixson <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : USS Midway Arrival Information
www.midway.org
Watched by thousands across the county, live & via satellite, Midway
arrived in San Diego Bay this afternoon. With the backdrop of a picture perfect
sunset over NAS North Island, San Diegans looked on as an important piece of
naval history entered their great harbor to take her place.
Midway will on-load aircraft and equipment, then prepare for her final
journey across the Big Bay on Saturday, January 10th. For additional information
on the event visit
www.thebigbay.com.
--------------------------------
Excerpt from
www.thebigbay.com:
Midway Crosses the Big Bay
Location: Embarcadero
Date/Time: 1/10/2004 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
Event Details
Watch as the historic Midway aircraft carrier makes it momentous final
voyage to its docking berth at Navy Pier. The Port of San Diego is proud to
sponsor a welcoming event that will include music, kids activities, nautical
exhibits and food booths. At approximately 1 p.m. there will be an official
plaque exchange ceremony. This event is free, for more information, call
619.702.7700 or visit
www.midway.org.
Date : Monday, January 05, 2004
www.midway.org
BREAKING NEWS - -
Midway Less than 100 Miles from San Diego
The captain of the tug towing Midway to San Diego estimates a 3 p.m. ETA
(possibly an hour earlier) at the San Diego Buoy on Monday, January 5. Engine
problems on the tug prompted the delay. We are working with harbor officials to
reschedule Midway's transit through San Diego Bay.
Call the Midway Arrival Hotline for recorded updates: (619) 234-3497
Date : Wednesday, December 31, 2003
From : USS Midway <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Departs Oakland
www.midway.kintera.org
The Midway vision is becoming a reality ... amongst much media "buzz,"
Midway passed under the Golden Gate bridge this afternoon on its way to her
future home port in San Diego. The historic carrier is expected to pass Point
Loma and turn into San Diego Bay on Monday, January 5, 2004, at about 8:30 AM
(weather permitting). For regular updates on the tow call our arrival hotline at
619-234-3496.
Festivities are planned for Midway's arrival at Navy Pier on January 10,
2004, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The public is welcome to join the celebration on
Navy Pier near the foot of Broadway in downtown San Diego. For additional
information visit
www.thebigbay.com.
We look forward to welcoming you all aboard in late Spring 2004,
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-3496
www.midway.org
Date : Wednesday, December 31, 2003
www.midway.org
BREAKING NEWS - -
Midway left Oakland on Dec. 31 at 12 noon! Tentative plans call for
Midway arriving at Ballast Point off San Diego on Monday, January 5 at about
8:00 a.m. and arriving at NAS North Island at 9:30 a.m.
Call the Midway Arrival Hotline for recorded updates: (619) 234-3497
Date: Monday, December 29, 2003
From : Riley Mixson <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : USS Midway Arrival Information
www.midway.org
Midway remains berthed in Oakland, California--but hopefully only for a
day or two longer. Severe weather in parts of Northern California has closed
parts of I-5 and brought heavy rain fall to the Bay Area, thereby delaying our
departure. Hopes are to get Midway underway on Wednesday for an arrival
at NAS North Island either this weekend or on Monday. Keep a bookmark on our
website and check back for regular updates on Midway's voyage home. We'll
announce a more specific arrival date as soon as we get the word.
During her brief stay at North Island we'll load aboard our A-7B, A-6E, and
E-2C. She'll also be ballasted for berthing at Navy Pier.
A welcoming festival on Navy Pier is scheduled for January 10, 2004, from 11:00
AM- 3:00 PM. The pier side event will include displays, music, food & fun for
all ages. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the arrival of Midway.
(For more information on San Diego's Embarcadero:
www.thebigbay.com )
We thank you for your ongoing support of our effort to bring Midway home
to San Diego and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the months ahead.
Happy New Year!
Riley Mixson
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
sdacm@aol.com
(619) 702-7700
www.midway.org
Date : Monday, December 29, 2003
www.midway.org
BREAKING NEWS - -
A major storm has delayed Midway's departure from Oakland. Latest
information indicates a Wednesday, Dec. 31 departure. We will be working on the
specifics of Midway's anticipated arrival in San Diego, probably Sunday
or Monday. We expect to have more information about arrival in the next couple
of days and will post it at:
www.midway.org
Date : Wednesday, December 10, 2003
From : "Riley Mixson" <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : Plans for Midway Arrival in San Diego
www.midway.kintera.org
After 11 years of yeoman effort, we are in the final stages of bringing
Midway to downtown San Diego. We appreciate the help of our volunteers and
all of our donors. If you are interested in volunteering, please join us
December 13, 2003, at the Holiday Inn on the Bay, Porthole Room, at 9:00 AM or
10:15 AM for an orientation and additional information.
Midway is completing her "port call" for exterior painting in Oakland and
will be departing for San Diego the last week of December. Once plans have been
finalized we will update you via email. And you can follow our progress on our
Web site at
www.midway.org.
We've taken our first senior staffing step. Mac McLaughlin has been hired as
Chief Operating Officer. A retired admiral with extraordinary administrative and
management skills, Mac will oversee the outfitting of Midway into what
will become the flagship of naval aviation museums!
Meanwhile, resumes are being accepted in advance of staff hiring later in the
spring. Send resumes to: Theresa Randall, SDACM, 1355 North Harbor Drive, San
Diego, CA 92101.
www.midway.org
Date : Monday, 24 Nov 2003
From : "Riley Mixson" <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : USS Midway Project Update
www.midway.org
We are closer than ever to bringing Midway to San Diego. Our mooring
platforms are complete at historic Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. Meanwhile
the exterior painting of Midway continues in Oakland, CA. Other crews are
cleaning spaces and completing necessary safety and sanitation work before
Midway departs Oakland.
We working on a number of community events celebrating Midway's arrival
and opening in 2004. Once dates are a bit more certain, you will receive
detailed information on the events via e-mail with a website address to confirm
final details. Some aspects will remain tentative as variables such as weather
could affect our timetable.
Volunteers are needed for ship restoration and exhibit construction. Work will
begin sometime in January. If you have already submitted an application, thank
you. If not, please reply to this email and request a volunteer application.
The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is a registered 501(c)3 charity. Your
contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. You can donate
online at
www.midway.kintera.org.
More information about Midway is available at
www.midway.org.
Date: Thursday, 06 Nov 2003
From: "Riley Mixson" <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject: USS Midway in Restoration at Oakland
www.midway.org
Project Update
After a dozen years of being mothballed in Bremerton, WA, USS Midway has
been "reactivated" and is being restored as a museum, tribute, education center
and visitor destination. She's arrived in Oakland, CA where she is being
cleaned, painted and restored in preparation for her next tour of duty in San
Diego, CA.
Artifacts Being Sought
Our thanks go out to the many Midway crew members who have donated their
mementos from their time aboard Midway. Our Curator is also seeking items
for our exhibit on Naval Aviation Elite -- this includes memorabilia from Top
Gun, Blue Angels and NASA programs. If you have artifacts you would like to
donate, please email
ussmidwaycurator@cox.net with point of contact information
and a general description of the items.
Special Events Being Planned Aboard
Midway's excellent location near downtown hotels and the San Diego
Convention Center will make it an excellent special event venue. Details on
venue rental fees and preferred caterers are being finalized. If your group is
interested in booking an event onboard Midway, please email
sdacm@aol.com with the point of contact
information, date, type of event, and number of attendees. We can then get back
in touch when group event rates, policies and procedures are finalized.
Donations can be made online at
www.midway.kintera.org.
Monday, November 03, 2003
From
www.midway.org
CORRECTION !
USS Midway will NOT be open for tours!
Midway unfortunately will not be open to the public during its
two-month stay in Oakland while it is painted. We've learned the insurance alone
would cost more than $1,000 daily for even limited public access. Midway
remains on track for a December arrival in San Diego and a grand opening in late
spring, 2004.
Friday, October
31, 2003
From
www.midway.org
USS Midway now open Sundays in Oakland !!!!
Midway is open to the public on Sundays for the month of November! The
flight deck and hanger deck will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no
admission charge and a $5 donation is suggested. Midway is located at the
Charles P. Howard Terminal.
Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2003 13:39:29 -0700
From : "John Hawkins" <midwayinsd@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Restoration Underway
You are looking at the USS Midway as
she began her historic journey back to San Diego, For 10 years we we have been waiting to tell you the news, USS
Midway has weighed anchor in Bremerton, Washington and
begun the journey
to her old home in San Diego!!!! Don't you love it!
She will stopover briefly in Oakland for a fresh coat of paint and some restoration
work - then it's straight to San Diego ~ planned arrival
is December. WOW!
We estimate that each mile will cost about
$1,500 to begin restoration and
bring Midway
home. Now, more than ever, we need your help to make this
final voyage and mission successful. If you have already joined the
effort, thank you! The picture that you are looking at is proof that your
donation is going towards the restoration of our beautiful ship. In addition, aircraft and other refurbishments are also underway on our
Midway project. If you have yet to be a part of the Magic, I invite
you to come onboard today.
CATCH THE SPIRIT! HELP BRING MIDWAY HOME!
You can underwrite an entire mile for her journey or pieces of it:
A full mile of the journey $1500
A Landmark Coordinate along the way $ 150
A Maritime Coordinate $ 100
For your help in Bringing Midway Home, we will send you a special t-shirt
and your name will be inscribed in a special Log on board Midway when she
opens to the public in the Spring of next year.
To read more about our plans to bring Midway to San Diego and how you can
play an important role in making it happen, visit
www.bringmidwayhome.kintera.org and be a part of this historic journey.
Thank you,
John Hawkins, Chair
Bring Midway Home
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
From
www.midway.org :
USS Midway Arrives in Oakland !!!!
Midway is now at the Charles P. Howard Terminal until early December.
She'll be painted down to the waterline. Plans call for towing Midway to
San Diego around mid-December. We hope to allow limited public access to
Midway in Oakland (probably on weekends) before she leaves the Bay Area.
We'll announce the details right here as soon as we have them!
Release Date: 9/12/2003 4:00:00 PM
Story Number: NNS030911-17
Navy Newsstand
Navy Signs Over Historic Pier, Paves the Road for Midway Museum
By Journalist 2nd Class David Van Scoy, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- In a historic ceremony Sept. 8, Rear Adm. Jose Betancourt,
commander, Navy Region Southwest, signed an agreement conveying the more than
60-year-old Navy Pier 11A here to the Port of San Diego.
The deal brings a sigh of relief to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, which
has been diligently trying for more than 11-years to procure the pier as the
future home of USS Midway (CV 41). The 1,001-foot-long Midway is
expected to arrive from Bremerton, Wash., later this year. The ship will be
transformed into a public museum, and is expected to open some time in the
spring.
"The pier has served the Navy for many, many years in tremendous ways," said
Betancourt in his remarks. "But now [the pier] can be put to much better use, in
what I think is a marvelous partnership between the Port of San Diego, the Navy
and the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum."
The Navy hasn’t operationally used the pier for some time, and it has become in
need of repairs. Betancourt said that with the expenditure of port and state
funds, the repair process could begin almost immediately in order to make it
suitable for Midway.
Although the conveyance of the pier includes the building in which the Navy’s
Mussels Gym and Naval Reserves Readiness Command Southwest are housed, the two
entities are to remain there for at least four years due to a no-cost lease
between the port and Navy.
"This is a culmination of 11 years work," said retired Cmdr. John Leach of the
museum’s board of directors. "I think the public is really excited about it. Our
active-duty Navy folks will be very, very proud of what is going to happen
here."
Leach said Midway, named for the role-reversing World War II battle in
which the outnumbered American Navy crushed the Imperial Japanese forces, isn’t
going to be just another tourist attraction.
"It [will serve as] a memorial to the fighting men and women of our country,"
said Leach. "It will also be a major education center, where we will have
on-board classes, training and youth activities," Leach said.
Leach also said the museum, a non-profit organization, will play a role in
funding the rebuilding and reinforcement of the pier in preparation for the
ship’s arrival.
Date : Fri, 12 Sep 2003
From : Theresa Randall <Midwayinsd@aol.com>
www.midway.org
Subject : Restoration of MIDWAY Underway!
The Secretary of the Navy has formally awarded the ex-USS Midway to the
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum! It marks the culmination of a decade-long
campaign to bring the Midway to San Diego as a museum, tribute, education
center and visitor attraction. It is also a reflection of the extraordinary
community support of the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.
The final donation papers were signed in late August and we've already begun
initial painting as well as some interior safety and sanitation work on the
Midway. We are working on alternate plans for bringing Midway to San
Diego--hopefully later this year--and continue to plan for a grand opening in
the first half of 2004!
In addition, the official transfer of Navy Pier 11A to the Port District also
has been completed. SDACM has leased the south side of the pier for the
Midway and we expect mooring platform construction to begin in the first two
weeks of September.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Construction on mooring platforms at Navy Pier 11A has gotten underway. Other
improvements on the pier will be made to accommodate the museum entrance,
parking, special events access, and a Museum store. Restoration of the pier is
planned to begin in October of 2003.
In addition, we are proceeding with the development of new wildlife habitat in
the South Bay which is part of the overall plan.
The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is a
registered nonprofit 501(c)3. To make a donation to the project send a check
payable to SDACM to 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Or donate
online at
www.midway.kintera.org.
Date : Sat, 30 Aug 2003
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : USS Midway Donation Approved
Just another great Navy Day. Late Thursday afternoon the Secretary of the Navy
signed his approval to donate ex-USS Midway to the San Diego Aircraft
Carrier Museum. Press release out of Washington, DC follows below.
Additionally:
--The Navy has turned Pier 11A over to the Port Commission.
--The proposed lease from the Port is in our hands and we are fine tuning it.
--The mooring platforms start construction Tuesday 2 September.
--Three aircraft have been completely restored to display status and two more
are getting close with a third awaiting pickup at Davis Monthan AFB (yes it is a
Navy aircraft).
--Your Executive Committee in coordination with Pete Clayton on scene in
Bremerton is working all the issues of ship painting, towing, and arrival date .
While the exact date of the Midway arrival is not yet known, we expect
early December just after mooring platform construction is completed.
WELL DONE to all of you and enjoy your weekend. Press release follows.
Best,
Riley Mixson, RADM, USN (Ret.)
Executive Director, San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-7700
www.midway.org
United States Department of Defense
IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Donation Contract Signed Transferring Historic Aircraft Carrier
Today, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hansford T. Johnson signed the donation
contract officially transferring the historic aircraft carrier Midway to
the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum in San Diego. Before the ship opens to the
public next year, SDACM plans to perform work necessary to transform the ship
into a museum and memorial.
"I’m pleased to approve the transfer of the Midway , which is a
significant step in the effort to bring this historic vessel to one of America’s
finest cities," said Johnson. "San Diego is a natural location for a naval
museum, and the historic aircraft carrier Midway will make an outstanding
centerpiece."
Built at Newport News, the USS Midway was commissioned on Sept. 10, 1945,
and has the distinction of being the first fleet carrier to be named after a
World War II battle. It is the third ship to bear the name "Midway."
During 47 years of service, the USS Midway operated high performance
aircraft and received many awards for the actions of its crew, including the
Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding service during the Vietnam War.
The Navy donates ships as a way of preserving naval history and tradition,
educating the public and commemorating the men and women who built and sailed
these vessels. There are currently 46 museum ships displayed in 21 states across
the country.
Further questions can be referred to the Naval Sea Systems Command Public
Affairs at (202) 781-2975.
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2003/nr20030829-0418.html
Date : Mon, 14 Jul 2003
From : Riley Mixson <sdacm@aol.com>
Subject : SECNAV
Announces Midway Donation
Great News!
In case you haven't heard, on July 8, 2003, acting Secretary of the Navy
Hansford T. Johnson announced his intent to award Midway to the San
Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. While a great deal of work remains, this is
the capstone of an 11-year campaign to bring Midway to San Diego
for its final tour of duty.
The announcement enables us to proceed on many fronts. The following is a
brief overview of what lies off Midway's bow:
July: Continue working collaboratively with the Navy to complete necessary
paperwork on Midway donation; complete contracts; and prepare
Midway for departure from Bremerton.
August: Tow Midway to Astoria, Oregon for painting and internal
safety and sanitation work. While in Astoria, we hope to be able to offer
guided tours to visitors. Work with Navy and Port to complete transfer of
Pier 11A. Build mooring platforms on south side of pier.
October: Late in the month, bring Midway to San Diego, hopefully in
time for at least a portion of Fleet Week activities.
After a celebration for the long-awaited arrival, we will spend the next
three months getting Midway prepared for the public - renovating
areas open to visitors, installing exhibits, restoring and setting up
aircraft and support gear, and much, much more. Also during this period,
although we won't be open for major tours, we'll do some restricted
fundraising events aboard ship.
Spring, 2004: Midway "deploys" as naval aviation museum, memorial,
education center and visitor destination, via one of the most memorial
grand opening "launches" ever seen in San Diego!
Clearly we have our work cut out for us. Fundraising is paramount so that
we can outfit and market the museum leading up to grand opening. We're
getting prepared to tow and paint Midway , build mooring platforms
and other infrastructure, and exhibit planning is accelerating, all costly
items.
The support of hundreds of community leaders and thousands of contributors
has brought us this far. Now comes the final leg of Midway's
58-year odyssey, an unparalleled journey that began only a week after the
end of WWII.
Thank you for your support as Midway prepares to head south toward San
Diego Bay. And visit
www.midway.orgregularly for updates.
Sincerely,
Riley Mixson, RADM, USN (Ret.)
Executive Director, San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-7700
www.midway.org
July 9, 2003
Carrier museum approved by Navy
Midway to be moored on San Diego bay front
By James W. Crawley and Jeanette Steele
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS
For 11 years, Alan Uke has led a group of San Diegans who dreamed of mooring the retired aircraft carrier Midway on the downtown bay
front and opening it as a museum.
Yesterday, their effort got final approval from the Navy and, if the weather holds, the 978-foot long flattop could be docking at the Navy Pier in
October or November. By spring, tourists should be walking its decks and
examining vintage aircraft on display.
"We're all very, very happy," Uke said. "We've been working on this a long
time."
Acting Navy Secretary Hansford Johnson announced the Navy would donate the
Midway, commissioned in 1945, to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier
Museum.
With the Midway's arrival, San Diego will join an exclusive club of
cities with a carrier museum. Alameda, New York City, Charleston, S.C.,
and Corpus Christi, Texas, have retired carriers as tourist attractions.
"San Diego, with its maritime heritage, is a natural location for a naval
museum and this historic aircraft carrier, Midway, with its long
and distinguished service, is a natural centerpiece," said Capt. Kevin
Wensing, Johnson's spokesman.
Johnson's approval was the last snip of red tape binding the carrier's
move to San Diego.
Besides the Navy's approval, Congress had to pass a law transferring the
Navy Pier to the museum, which in turn passed it to the San Diego Unified
Port District.
The effort also had to garner California Coastal Commission permission,
win support from downtown organizations and develop environmental and
earthquake preparedness plans.
"The business of getting a ship donated is very complicated," said John
DeBlanc, who heads the museum group's government relations committee.
Making sure the carrier museum is financially stable was a major
requirement from the Navy, said Uke, the carrier museum's founder and
president.
The group has raised nearly $8 million in cash, pledges and loans for the
museum's startup.
About $1.5 million was spent to develop the carrier proposal and to
conduct engineering, environmental and marketing studies, Uke said. The
Navy required several hundred pages of information before approving the
donation.
The rest of the money will be used to tow the hulk from its Washington
state resting place to Astoria, Ore., where it will be painted and
electrical, sanitation and safety equipment installed.
Meanwhile, workers here will be installing a mooring system that can hold
the ship in an earthquake and preparing Navy Pier for the carrier.
Museum officials hope the Midway can arrive in time for the annual
Fleet Week festivities in October. But repairs and storms in the Northern
Pacific could delay the ship's tow to San Diego until November or
December.
The ship should be ready for visitors in early spring with flight and
hangar decks, bridge and some compartments open to the public, along with
at least two fully restored vintage Navy aircraft. The museum has 18
aircraft in various states of restoration.
An estimated 440,000 people will visit the Midway during the first
year, museum spokesman Scott McGaugh said.
Besides attracting tourists, the ship will educate schoolchildren and
adults about the Navy's history and life aboard a warship, Uke said.
The group isn't finished raising funds.
Money is needed for more exhibits and further improvements on the carrier,
Uke said. Corporate and individual sponsorships will be sought.
One group has voiced concern about the Midway's arrival here.
"I think it will be an environmental and visual blight on the San Diego
bay front," Environmental Health Coalition spokeswoman Laura Hunter said.
The group, which protested the project to the Coastal Commission, worries
the ship's large gray hull and superstructure will block shoreline views
along the North Embarcadero. They also are concerned that Uke's group
won't be able to keep the museum properly funded and that the ship might
increase pollution, Hunter said.
Uke disagreed, saying the ship doesn't harm bay-front vistas or the
environment and the attraction should be financially successful because of
its location – close to downtown convention hotels, the cruise ship
terminal, Seaport Village, the San Diego Maritime Museum and other tourist
magnets.
The Midway will become the 47th Navy-donated museum ship, joining a
flotilla of retired carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and
submarines, mostly from World War II.
Before the ship is released, the two sides must draw up a formal donation
contract and negotiate an agreement with the Environmental Protection
Agency about continued handling of contaminants that may be present on the
ship, said Capt. Lawrence Jones, manager of the Navy inactive ships
program.
Jones said he couldn't estimate when the transfer would be made. Uke
expected the contract could be signed within a month.
The Midway, named after the 1942 battle of Midway, which was the
turning point in the Pacific Theater, was commissioned Sept. 10, 1945,
eight days after the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II.
It was retired here in 1992 and towed to Bremerton, Wash., where the ship
remains.
The carrier, which was modernized several times during its career,
participated in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm and was based in Norfolk,
Va., Alameda and Japan during its service.
The carrier was never based here during its 46-year career except for its
final months when the ship was being stripped of equipment before
decommissioning.
"I think years from now, people will be thinking (the Midway) was
always here," Uke said.
James W. Crawley:
(619) 542-4559;
jim.crawley@uniontrib.com
Union-Tribune file
The USS Midway, above, arrives in San Diego Harbor on
Sept. 14, 1991. For 11 years, Alan Uke has led a group of
San Diegans who dreamed of mooring the retired aircraft
carrier Midway on the downtown bay front and opening it
as a museum.
Date : Tue, 01 Jul 2003
From : John
Hawkins <MIDWAYinSD@aol.com>
Subject : Midway Magic Progress Report
We continue to work with the Navy and the Port of San Diego to finalize
official donation of Midway and use of Navy Pier. Following that,
we begin ship restoration in Astoria, Oregon before bringing Midway
to San Diego late this year. If this challenging schedule can be met, we
will hold our grand opening in Spring 2004. Click here to view the
location
www.midway.kintera.org
We have a wonderful vision for Midway as a museum and educational
center. Exhibits will showcase carrier operations, the days of fighting
sail, San Diego's Naval heritage and the best of the best in Naval
Aviation -- NASA, Top Gun and the Blue Angels. Our five restored aircraft
will be placed along with yellow gear and colored shirts to tell the story
how an aircraft carrier works.
After final donation from the Navy, we will kick off a major fundraising
program to cover everything from curriculum development for youth programs
to building the first phase of exhibits which will be located on the
hangar deck, flight deck and within the island superstructure. Guided
tours will be available to living spaces elsewhere in the ship as those
areas are fitted out with life safety equipment.
We have already raised over $6 million to cover the initial steps of
painting and refurbishing Midway . To view the list of companies
and individuals who have contributed to our efforts thus far go to
www.midway.org/help/members.htm
For additional information on the project or to inquire about business
opportunities contact our Director of Business Development, Theresa
Randall, at
sdacm@aol.com or send your
information to her attention to: 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
92101
We look forward to welcoming you aboard in Spring 2004.
John Hawkins
Chairman, Fund Development
Date : Wed, 8 Jan 2003
From : Scott
McGaugh <ussmidwaybook@yahoo.com>
Subject : USS Midway History Book in Works
For 7 years I've volunteered my time to help bring the ex-USS Midway
to San Diego as a permanent museum/education center (www.midway.org).
I'm also writing the first-ever book on its 47-year history, called
Midway Magic. I'm working on the 1980s' chapter and saved an email or
Internet posting from you indicating you were aboard.
I'd really appreciate any thoughts, stories, anecdotes, etc. on any of
these sub-topics of the chapter:
~ F-14s landing from "E" in 1982
~ Captains McGrail & Mixson, why so popular/respected?
~ Green Flash?
~ 111 days at sea in '84
~ The blister experiment
~ Midway rolls, storms and instability
~ Losing a crew of 4 from VAQ-136 in '87/LCDR Dan Shanower
~ James Wilmoth/Russell Brown in '89
~ Stories about Russian contacts
~ WHAT ELSE?
Please include
your phone number in case I need to follow up. Thanks for contributing to
the preservation of Midway Magic. And feel free to pass this email
along to any of your Midway buddies.
Scott McGaugh
USS Midway Museum
4064 Tambor Road, San Diego, CA 92124
Email:
ussmidwaybook@yahoo.com
Book Website:
Midway Magic, CV-41
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