Life aboard the Midway
Welcome to the Queen of the Seven Seas
Welcome aboard the USS Midway, the "Queen of the Seven Seas"! Named after the historic Battle of Midway, a turning point in World War II, this magnificent vessel was commissioned in 1945 and served the United States Navy for an incredible 47 years.
From the Cold War to the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, the Midway played a crucial role in maintaining American naval superiority. Her innovative design, featuring an angled flight deck, set the standard for modern aircraft carriers.
During the Vietnam War, the Midway's aircraft flew over 11,900 combat missions, showcasing her vital role in the conflict.
Operation Frequent Wind on the USS Midway. Credit manhhai.
A City at Sea: Life Aboard the Floating Fortress
Vietnam War 1965. Credit mahhai.
Step onto the Midway and you'll find yourself in a floating city, home to over 4,500 crew members at the height of her service. This city never sleeps, with sailors and Marines working around the clock to keep the ship running smoothly. Officers, enlisted personnel, and specialized roles like aviators, mechanics, and cooks all play vital parts in this complex operation.
The Midway was a self-sufficient vessel, equipped with medical facilities, including an operating room, to handle emergencies at sea. This self-sufficiency was made possible by the dedication and hard work of crew members like Airman Apprentice Scott Segroves, who served aboard the Midway from 1985 to 1989. As a plane captain in the Air Department, Segroves was responsible for maintaining and preparing aircraft for flight operations, ensuring the Midway was always ready for action.
Home Away from Home: Living Quarters and Amenities
Operation Frequent Wind in the USS Midway. Credit Manhhai
Life aboard the Midway was a unique experience. Crew members lived in close quarters, with berthing spaces featuring stacked bunks and shared lockers for personal belongings. Despite the confined spaces, the ship offered amenities like lounges, a library, and even a post office. The mess halls served up to 13,000 meals a day, ensuring the crew was always well-fed. During downtime, sailors enjoyed movies, sports, and other leisure activities, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
Aviation Storekeeper 3rd Class Frank Der, who worked in the ship's store from 1990 to 1991, was responsible for managing the store's inventory and ensuring that crew members had access to essential items and amenities while deployed. His experience showcases the importance of the ship's amenities in maintaining crew morale during long deployments. The Midway's crew often participated in events and activities to boost morale during these extended periods at sea.
The Flight Deck in Action
Operation Frequent Wind on the Flight Deck. Credit manhhai
The flight deck was the heart of the Midway's operations, a choreographed dance of precision and skill. During the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, which marked the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the Midway was one of the first carriers to respond, launching aircraft to support the USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy. Later, on June 17, 1965, Commander Jeremiah Denton, a Navy pilot, flew an A-6 Intruder from the Midway during the first combat strikes of the Vietnam War against targets in North Vietnam. Denton's participation in these missions highlights the skill and bravery of the pilots who operated from the Midway's flight deck during the conflict.
The flight deck crew, consisting of deck handlers, directors, and maintainers, worked in perfect synchronization to launch and recover aircraft using steam-powered catapults and arresting gear cables, ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations.
Below Deck: Keeping the Midway Mission-Ready
Below deck, the hangar bay buzzed with activity as mechanics worked tirelessly to keep the aircraft flight-ready. Ordnance teams loaded weapons, ensuring the planes were armed and ready for missions. The coordination and teamwork required to keep the Midway operational was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of her crew.
One such example is the story of Chief Petty Officer Bill Jones, an aircraft mechanic who worked diligently to maintain the Midway's A-6 Intruders during Operation Desert Storm. Jones played a crucial role in keeping the aircraft mission-ready, enabling the Midway to contribute significantly to the war effort. During this conflict, Midway's aircraft flew over 3,000 combat missions, a feat made possible by the round-the-clock efforts of the maintenance and support crews.
Stories of Courage and Camaraderie
Bomb being fuzed on A-1H 1965. Credit Manhhai.
Throughout her service, the Midway and her crew faced numerous challenges and triumphs. From the bravery of pilots flying combat missions to the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to their country, the stories of the men and women who served aboard this ship are awe-inspiring. On January 10, 1973, Lt. Cmdr. Harley Hall, a pilot from the Midway, was shot down over North Vietnam. Despite ejecting from his aircraft, he was never recovered and remains listed as Missing in Action. Hall's sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and dedication demonstrated by the Midway's crew during various conflicts.
Another remarkable story of camaraderie involves a group of sailors who voluntarily gave up their leave time to help a fellow crew member whose family was in crisis back home. This act of compassion and support exemplifies the strong bonds formed among the Midway's crew during their time at sea.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Service and Dedication
As you explore the USS Midway, take a moment to reflect on the human element that made this ship so special. The dedication, resilience, and camaraderie of her crew are the true legacy of the "Queen of the Seven Seas". From the commanding officers who made tough decisions to the sailors and aviators who worked tirelessly to keep the ship and her aircraft operational, every crew member played a vital role in the Midway's success.
We invite you to dive deeper into the history of this incredible vessel and gain a profound appreciation for the men and women who called her home.