Wow, what a day! We departed the trailer at about 9:00am and got to the U.S.S. Midway shortly after they opened. We found a parking space up close and since we had already printed out our tickets we were able to go on board without any waiting. There are three decks that we were able to explore. We entered at the hanger deck where many planes were on display as well as a number of interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a cafe. Lassen and I waited in line to experience a flight simulator. We were enclosed in the capsule for 3 minutes and flew as best we could. We did a lot of banking and tumbling. Lassen had a ball; I survived (I tend to be claustrophobic so being in the enclosed capsule was not a favorite thing for me, but I decided to be a good sport in order for Lassen to have the experience). While we waited our turn we were able to do a little practicing.
Next we went up to the flight deck where there were more planes of all sizes and a variety of helicopters. It was a bright, comfortable day, which made it pleasurable to be outside on the flight deck. We learned about how planes were guided to land and the safety precautions when launching and landing. Several docents that spoke about their experience as pilots or crew members. We also received audio headsets when we entered so that at several dozen locations that were numbered we could enter the number on the device and then listen to a description of what we were seeing. It was possible for Lassen to go on board several of the planes and helicopters, which excited him. It is really amazing how big the flight deck is.
We were able to join a group of 20 persons for a tour of the control tower and where the captain is in control of the ship. The docent was a former pilot who sailed on the Midway for several tours. We got to see the chart room, the control tower where the flight operations officer controlled all the launches and returns of planes, and the bridge where the captain and his mates controlled all the ships movements.
We descended to a deck below the hanger where the ship’s crew, pilots, and plane mechanics all lived. It was a maze of passage ways and a variety of spaces. We saw a chapel and the chaplain’s quarters, an infirmary with operating room, a dentist’s office, first officer’s quarters, several chow halls, and many other sites. Fortunately they had arrows pointing the way so that we didn’t get lost, though we were totally confused.
After four hours of touring the ship we had lunch at the Fantail Cafe, sitting outside at the back of the ship. It was a good day. We were all duly impressed with the size of the U.S.S. Midway as well as impressed that this ship was the longest serving aircraft carrier on active duty in the history of the Navy. It was commissioned in 1945 and was decommissioned in 1992. We took about 80 photos but I hope the few I have chosen provide a glimpse of our experiences.
When we returned to our trailer we rested a little, did laundry, went swimming, and had a late dinner. While Lassen was taking his shower Pat made some dark chocolate pudding for which we had also purchased some whip cream topping. Needless to say this hit the spot with Lassen. I titled this photo of Lassen, “Pudding Face.”
RVing Reflections 