| World / USA / California / Coronado, 9 km from center | Coordinates: 32°42'49"N 117°10'30"W |
On 30 September 2003, Midway began her journey from the Navy Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, to San Diego, California in preparation for use as a museum and memorial.
She was docked at the Charles P. Howard Terminal in Oakland, California, during the first week in October while the construction of her pier in San Diego was completed.
Then, on 10 January 2004 the ship was moored at her final location at the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, where she was opened to the public on 7 June 2004.
Visitors may tour the ship's flight deck, hangar bay, mess hall, bridge, primary flight control area, enlisted and junior officer quarters, sickbay, and portions of the engine rooms.
Additionally, several restored aircraft are on display in the hangar and on the flight deck. Self-guided audio tours are provided with $15.00 admission. Events and meetings are held on board as well.
Bringing the ship to San Diego as a museum was the source of some controversy. Critics raised objections including environmental concerns and blocking of scenic sightlines.
Under the terms agreed to in receiving space to dock the ship, a portion of the ships bow is accessible free of charge to allow all visitors to enjoy views of the San Diego harbor and skyline without paying admission, and the preservation of some acres of land as a wetland habitat.
There were also concerns that the Midway Museum would steal customers from other local attractions. For example, the ship is located near the independently operated Maritime Museum of San Diego, which includes a collection of historic ships including the tall ship Star of India and the Surprise, a replica British frigate used in the filming of the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Through 2004, the Maritime business has actually received an increase of visitors, and the Executive Director of the Maritime Museum believes that part of the credit goes to the arrival of the Midway
Category: navy aircraft carrier
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