When visiting San Diego, one of the must see sights is the USS Midway Museum.

The USS Midway was commissioned a week after the end of World War II, and embarked on an unprecedented 47-year odyssey that set new standards in naval aviation. More than 225,000 Americans took part in the odyssey that ended after Midway served as the Persian Gulf flagship in Desert Storm. Longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier of the 20th century and largest ship in the world, 1945-1955.

The USS Midway Museum is very popular as well over 4 million people have visited since its commissioning as a floating museum in 2004.

When you climb aboard this massive floating city, you are offered a headset that will be your guide through the very bowels of this American icon.

Carol locked up in the Brig!

We were guided through cramped sleeping quarters, saw the mechanism that hoists the massive anchor, and Carol was locked up in the brig.  We visited the ships engine room, walked in the massive hanger deck, strolled by the ships many types of aircraft, and in the end walked upon the massive upper deck.

All throughout the tour we were introduced to the men/women who served on this ship, the surprisingly tight spaces aboard such a large vessel, and we certainly gained a whole new perspective on the sacrifice that these folks made for our country.

Interestingly, we learned that the average age of the person serving on this ship was only 19 years of age.

Another profound memory were the many retired naval personal who were present serving as guides, and helping us to understand their roles as pilots, mechanics, or even just the guy who swabbed the deck.

The USS Midway Museum provides a most unusual opportunity to climb aboard an aircraft carrier, and we promise that this is a visit that will leave a life-long impact in your mind.

Disclosure:  this amazing experience was provided by the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau with a Media Pass.  Thanks!

Note:  the USS Midway photograph is courtesy of the USS Midway Museum.