Who: Ray Ginter of Aurora, Colorado
Where: Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum in San Diego, California
Out and about: Ray celebrated his birthday touring the Midway Aircraft Carrier. She was the first ship built too large to navigate the Panama Canal (displacing 67,500 tons fully loaded and 1,001 feet long). The USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 after seeing service during the Cold War, Vietnam and the first Gulf War. The engine room was opened for the first time to the public on the day we visited. The flight deck has many planes on display including the helicopter that was used to pick up astronauts who splashed down.
Travel Tip: Since the parking lot fills quickly, it is best to come at opening time (10:00AM). Wear comfortable shoes to climb stairs and ladders.
