View Full Version : Restoration Underway
The Secretary of the Navy has formally awarded the ex-USS Midway to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum! It marks the culmination of a decade-long campaign to bring the Midway to San Diego as a museum, tribute, education center and visitor attraction. It is also a reflection of the extraordinary community support of the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.
The final donation papers were signed in late August and we've already begun initial painting as well as some interior safety and sanitation work on the Midway. We are working on alternate plans for bringing Midway to San Diego--hopefully later this year--and continue to plan for a grand opening in the first half of 2004!
In addition, the official transfer of Navy Pier 11A to the Port District also has been completed. SDACM has leased the south side of the pier for the Midway and we expect mooring platform construction to begin in the first two weeks of September.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Construction on mooring platforms at Navy Pier 11A has gotten underway. Other improvements on the pier will be made to accommodate the museum entrance, parking, special events access, and a Museum store. Restoration of the pier is planned to begin in October of 2003.
In addition, we are proceeding with the development of new wildlife habitat in the South Bay which is part of the overall plan.
Billntwrk
05-07-04, 10:25 PM
Greetings Snipes, Twidgets, Black shoes and Brother Airdales.
I bring news from the restoration front. First of all. Let me get the bad news out of the way. The O2 Level (Gallery Deck) is, for all intents and purposes, locked off. Most doors are wired from the inside. A few access points have been chained from the outside. This means if you worked/lived on the O2 level any where, chances are you won't, repeat, won't get to see it. Admirals Country will be open on a limited basis but that is about it.
CIC-CATCC-AIMD-Air Dept/Squadron Berthing, Locked off. Cat's and Gear, better check the pics I sent in. Thats as close as you are going to get.
Fact of the matter is, it is Hot, dark and dangerous. I my self got lost today and was gone for about 40 minutes doing giant figure 8's over the equivelent of two block radius, wondering around trying to find one of two open doors to get back to the flight deck. (And I have been on the O2 level Charlie Section for the better part of three days).
There are plans to restore CVIC (Photo-lab is a ? mark as of this moment) CIC and CATCC. Beyond that is anybody's guess. Our main thrust is to get the ship open in 31 days (from the time I write this).
As most of you know the flight deck is undergoing restoration. Means we are painting it with a group of volunteers and Active Duty Folks giving up an off day.
Also 2 more planes were loaded aboard this week. A Turkey (F-14) and an A-4. Both are in Great shape. F-14 is fresh from the NADEP Paint shop at North Island. Go to Photo Gallery for Pics. I shot tons.
We are hosting actual events already. It is amazing to see the Awe in peoples eyes as they Hit the Flight Deck or Mess Decks. The Bunny Slope is done and will be open to all, even volunteers come monday. We have another Bunny slope from Hanger Deck to Mess Decks. If you remember where the line formed for chow (On the Hanger Deck) it is the Giant Bomb Elevator access. The Hatch was locked in the upright position and Stars were assembled.
Two forms of FLight Simulators are in place. 8-10 Flight Sims (Your Basic PC FLight Sim, on Steroids) and a few Motion based Sims.
Infrastructure for the Jet Shop (Gift SHop) has been Loaded. It is called the Jet shop becuase that is th location of the Gift SHop, the old AIMD Jet shop back by the fan tail. Also loaded aboard were 400 mattress for the *Live aboard* Program. This will be in the AIMD Berthing, Hanger Deck Level all the way forward.
Offices are being prepared. Guest Service's is in Hanger Deck Control. This Bunch is being led By Mike Cronin CMD/MC (USN RET). Safety and Security will share an office with the Docents. We are located in a Weaps office O1 level portside-aft. Curators are in the Old Disbursing spaces.
Entry Point will be forward at the Quarter Deck. Exit Point will be just forward of Elevator2, both on the Starboard Side. The Bunny Slope is in the vacinity of the After Brow.
If youa re here for opening week, come find me. Send an email and advise. I would love to introduce you to folks you don't Normally read about. Mike Cronin, Capt. Chuck Smiley from Exibits and Volunteer Flight Deck Painter. George Cagle our Curator or Karl Zingheim , George's Hard working assistant.
As Information becomes availiable, I will post it right here.
Bilntwrk@yahoo.com sends
:worthy:
Hi Midway Fans
Today May 21, 2004 the volunteer force of the SDACM had a steel beach picnic of sorts. Hot Dogs, Chips and Soda. all the things Sailors need to live for.
Buzz: the Flight Deck that you will be walking on had been restored thank to the personal and financial efforts of Chuck Smiley. Chuck and family and volunteer friends, have restored and repainted the entire flight deck. The "41" on the bow has been repainted and all the landing lines are being painted now.
The Flight Deck looks Great.
There is a new ladder that goes from the hanger deck down to the starboardside aft serving line using the starboard side aft serving line using the bomb elevator. the elevator has been 'pined in to the up position.
The old jet shop is being transformed into a gift shop. The gift shop should be open for business by May 26th.
Looks like May 27th is a proposed date for loading the now bright yellow SNJ Texan and one of the two helicopters.
:thumbsup:
16 and a wake-up
RigTheBarricade
05-22-04, 12:18 AM
Rander,
What, no beer?!?! :(
What's a steel beach without the brewskies!?!? :beer: :hehe:
Well, at least we're down to 16 & a WU. I'm starting to get a little antsy just waiting to get the drive started towards San Dog.
Billntwrk
05-22-04, 02:34 AM
Greetings Rig, Rander and Buzz.
Hm? I am in a real Quandry! DO I heckle you folks for lack of attention to detail?
Do I praise Rander for noticing the hard work and continueing effort? How about both? CHuckle.
Rander, Thanks for noticing the efforts, particularly with regards to the Flight Deck. While it is true that Capt. Smiley has invested both financial equity and "Sweat Equity", Let us not forget the hard working volunteers that show up each and every saturday. If you feel up to it, send a note to the Nimitz. Thiose folks are in a *Yard* period yet a bunch of Active Duty Sailors, E-3's and E-4's mostly, have shown up every Saturday for the last month and helped lay paint on the flight deck.
Most of these folks are hard core combat vets, and young kids. On Sat's the could be "Out, partying" as opposed to a volunteer working Party. I have asked before and I will ask again, Where does Amercia find such young men and women?
Rig, you old Goat! If ya took the time to keep up with Buzz's notes or mine for that matter, I have documented everything Rander mentioned, including the *Bunny Slope* from the HB to the Mess Decks. Heck, I even provide photos for your viewing pleasure! No more Beer for you, Brother Vet! LOL
16 and a WO? OMG! We are running out of time!
On to restoration notes. The infrastructure for the Gift Shop and Fantail Snack Bar are being installed. Merchandising racks are being installed, wiring for the snackbar, etc.
Heads up fella's. Keep checking the Midway.org website. Very soon, a brand new Page, or pages will go up. WHen these pages go up, I have it on good authority that a "Ships Virtual Store" will go up as well. Hats Mugs, SHirts, key chains etc will be availiable for purchase, on line.
That concludes this update!
Billntwrk@yahoo.com sends.
RigTheBarricade
05-22-04, 09:24 AM
Allright, now look...
No beer is no beer, & thats just unsat... :mad:
Second, while I do appreciate the efforts of all, I am bitter.
Very bitter...
I'M NOT THERE YET DAMN IT!!! :cry: :Broken:
I would love to have volunteered, but the Sacramento to San Diego commute would have been a little much! My wife & I tried to go down on four different occasions to see if we could get involved when she was in Oakland, but we never could even talk to anyone.
So now I sit & wait, impatiently I might add... :nuts:
But I'm not bitter, I'm very BITTER!!! lol
Just out of curiosity, is there going to be any kind of exhibits aboard to recognize the FDR & Coral Sea? I've always considered us Midway guys to be pretty lucky considering what happened to the Coral Maru. R.I.P.
:D :) :laugh:
Attention Midway fans!!!!!!!
15 and a WAKE UP :!!!: :laugh: :Boobies:
:thumbsup:
Welcome to all who plan to visit San Diego, America's Finest City!!!
Look forward to seeing you all Buzz, Troy, Gene, Chuck Morris, Jim Speight
E-mail Me a couple days b-4 you arrive. I'd like to meet all of you.
Gene!! The Midway is to be an Educational exhibit, I.E. Wholesome Family Entertainment, So no :beer:, Got it!!!
Gene, you know San Diego isn't such a long drive about 10 hours or so on the 5 freeway or a day and a half on the PCH. The PCH is a nice drive too.
Too Bad about the Coral Sea, She made headlines all the way to the end. Not all of them good either. The last 80 foot section of hull was towed out of the water in August of 2000. It took three scrap companies to cut her up and allmost 7 and 1/2 years.
R.I.P. Coral Sea
:cry:
Allright, now look...
I would love to have volunteered, but the Sacramento to San Diego commute would have been a little much! My wife & I tried to go down on four different occasions to see if we could get involved when she was in Oakland, but we never could even talk to anyone.
Just out of curiosity, is there going to be any kind of exhibits aboard to recognize the FDR & Coral Sea? I've always considered us Midway guys to be pretty lucky considering what happened to the Coral Maru. R.I.P.
:laugh: :)
Your Attention Please!!!!!!
13 and a wake up (may 25th 2004) :p :nuts:
The USS John C. Stennis CVN-74 left San Diego for a 4-5 Month deployment around the Western Pacific area. Damn these crusies are getting shorter!! :shrug: I have it on good information that the USS Ravishing Ronald CVN-76 will be in San Diego around July 23, for any of you that want to come and see the Navy's Newest carrier.
I saw a headline in one of the papers that stated the Ravishing Ronald launched the last sea going F-14 tomcat reciently :cry: :Broken: Tom Cat was the best Fighter the Navy ever had :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun; YOU'RE not doing it right!!!!!!!
Posted web cam photos of the SNJ being craned aboard this morning.
LINK (http://www.cv41.org/gallery/navypier_cam)
Hi Midway Fans! :D
The Restoration Volunteers take great pride in our little Yellow SNJ Texan as It was loaded aboard the Midway this Morning May 27,2004
Now Friends, I dont have to tell you time is gettin SHORT!!!!!! its now
10 and a wake up to the grand opening!!!!!!! ooooooooohhh RRRRAAAAAHHHHH ( straight from the mouth of Gunny Ermy on Mail Call on the History Channel) :hehe: :D Mail Call Can be seen at 8PM Mondays on the History Channel. Sempre Fi!!!!!!
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having Fun; YOU'RE not doing it right!!!!! :laugh:
RigTheBarricade
05-27-04, 10:37 PM
Rander,
You need help...
That's why I'm soooooo looking forward to meeting you! :D
Rander,
You need help...
That's why I'm soooooo looking forward to meeting you! :D
:)
:worthy: 9 and a Wake up May 29th 2004 :worthy:
A psycho analysist I do not need, :shrug: But I'll be on board June 11th for much of the day to meet those who comment and read this forum.
:thumbsup:
See you all the 11th!!!
I will be aboard June 12, from Ohio. Sure hope to see many of you :thumbsup:
:) :)
Hi Midway Fans
I will be onboard Midway june 11 and 12 to meet all who have contributed and read this forum. See you there. :thumbsup:
The A-4C Skyhawk has been moved to Hanger Bay 2 into its display spot at the forward port corner. The SNJ Texan will be moved to the Hanger Bay shortly following the Memorial Day Weekend. There will also be a UH-1N Huey helicopter loaded aboard peior to opening day.
The C-1A restoration continues both inside and out as this aircraft is one that the inside also will be on display. I have not heard any completion date for the C-1A. The SH-2F Seasprite restoration continues as this aircraft is only awaiting curved glass panels. The inside of this aircraft will not be open to display.
The 2nd F-4 will com into restoration after the C-1A is moved out of the restoration hanger. So far, the SDACM has not yet declaired a winner in the sponsor ship of Phantom. I have heard that there are 3 groups in the hunt.
The SDACM may not get another phantom until sponsor ship of the E-2C, A-6 and the F-14 are obtained.
A TA-75 tow tractor is just about to complete restoration. as the brake accumulator on the TA-75 on board has gone bad and until repaired it wont be towing anything.
:worthy: 8 and a wake up :worthy:
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun; YOUR not doing it right!!!!!
:) :D
Hi Midway Fans :rolleyes:
:worthy: 6 and a wake up :worthy:
The History Channel presents D-Day the 60th anniversary, it starts on June 1st going all week, It took 6,400 Ships, 13,000 Aircraft and 150,000 Men.
check your local listing for the times.
AS a reminder June 4-7 is the 62 anniversary of the Battle of Midway Island.
For those who missed it, The World War II Memorial in Washington DC was Dedicated May 30, 2004
:thumbsup:
Sempre Fi!!!!
:) :D
Hi Midway Fans :rolleyes:
The History Channel presents D-Day the 60th anniversary, it starts on June 1st going all week, It took 6,400 Ships, 13,000 Aircraft and 150,000 Men.
check your local listing for the times.
:thumbsup:
Sempre Fi!!!!
Hi Midway Fans :!!!: :nuts:
5 and a Wake Up
Hi Midway Fans :!!!: :nuts:
5 and a Wake Up
:) :D
Hi Midway Fans!!!!!!!!!!
:worthy: 2 and a wake up :worthy:
Repeat 2 and a wake-up
:thumbsup:
I'll be going to the restoration hanger tomorrow and then later to the ship for one last look see before the gates open on monday. Look for my posting tomorrow. for an advance look at what you can expect to see.
navybob
06-05-04, 02:08 PM
Midway fans,
It's scary but I think this Midway museum thing is actually going to open in two days!!!
I will be working on board every day of the opening week, Monday to Saturday, from about 0900 to 1700. I am a docent (a technical word for tour guide) and all the docents wear bright yellow Midway hats. Ask any of the docents you see where I might be. Most should have a good idea how to find me since I will be the Docent of the Watch (big title, big responsibility, little authority). I may be busy but even if I have just a minute I'd like to meet members of this forum.
Looking forward to seeing you on board.
Bob Hartman
[QUOTE=navybob]Midway fans,
It's scary but I think this Midway museum thing is actually going to open in two days!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on board.
Hi Midway Fans :) :D
It's Now 1 and a wake up
From the restoration hanger:
The C-1A restoration is continuing and the aircraft appears to be cleaning up nicely. The volunteers are working this aircraft on tuesdays and fridays from 8am to 1 pm each day. I believe this will be a great looking aircraft Inside and Out.
The SH-2F is just awaiting curved left and right side window panels. The Interior will not be on display and the aircraft will not be painted unless a sponsor steps forward to sponsor it. The aircraft currently has HSL-33 markings on it
The SDACM recieved a UH-1N Huey helicopter this past week from the San Diego Aerospace Museum. This aircraft has side mounted gatling guns mounted on each side. The interior has been fully restored and you can look inside and see all the instruments and flight controls
The Saturday crew is working on 4 wing mounted external fuel tanks for the F-4's that the Museum currently has. as these tanks are completed theu will be moved to the ship and hung on aircraft or stored until the aircraft arrive. The hanger also has at least one F-4 centerline tank that will be uncrated soon and it too will be restored.
The second F-4 is awaiting restoration and will begin restoration as soon as the C-1A is moved out of the hanger.
Having been aboard ship today, Things are moving quickly toward the Grand Opening. Tonight, June 5th there is a party on the flight deck in which the Secretary of the Navy is the Honored Guest and lots of active duty and retired Admirals amd Generals will also be there and some of those who are the biggest financial contributers also will be there.
The A-4C has been respoted to the forward hanger bay near the Quarter deck and the SNJ Texan is also in the forward Hanger bay port side just forward of the divisional doors. The F-14 Tomcat is currently in the aft hanger bay, not sure if it will stay there. The F-4S has been moved to the Landing area on the flight deck with the tail hook down to simulate a carrier
landing. There are also two "aircrew" in the aircraft. The A-7B has been moved to the port side cat and is Ready in the launch position of the catapult. A "pilot " also sits in the aircraft awaiting launch. The A-6 and the E-2 have not been moved lately.
The midway mach combat simulators are set up and final adjustments are or have been made and the game is ready to go. The "Jet Shop" is stocked and ready to open. I was told that on the evening of June 4th with a party only for investors, the Jet Shop did several thousand dollars of business in just 4-5 hours. Bring lots of Money!!!!!THe Fan Tail Cafe will be open ON or very shortly after opening day. The entire O-2 level is and will remail off limits for the time being. Most areas of the O-2 level are currently Dark or are Sealed Off to all persons except a very few designated officials.
1 and a Wake UP!!!!!!!!
:thumbsup:
The Midway Magic has worked to get the Midway ready for opening day. I think you will be pleased with what you will see. :)
Billntwrk
06-06-04, 02:49 AM
Folks, as I write this we are 33 hours from grand opening. I will get to the Ship at "Zero Dark Thirty", opening day (6:45 am) and will be there until well past dark. You have my promise. I will shoot lots of Pics and send to Buzz, same night. Lets send him messages of encouragement. Get them Up soonest Buzz! LOL
I won't go over the stuff Rander discussed except to expand on a few things.
Today I had the great pleasure of meeting Buzz's good friend Troy Prince of www.midwaysailor.com fame. Troy spent the morning with Rander at the Aircraft Restoration Hanger, then completed his day on the ship. If I recall correctly, Troy shot in excess of a dozen rolls of film! (Quick note to Troy...Who uses film any more? Chuckle). We took Troy to some areas of the ship he had never seen. Mostly the Ward Room. Add yes, we put him to work, helping with the final lock down task's. We are also putting him to work on sunday and monday.
We just finished two big parties. The first was the Circle of friends Preview Party. I sent Buzz and Troy dozens of Pics. They should appear very soon. Tonight, we hosted the Battle of Midway Veterans gathering. We had Senators, Congressional Reps, 9 former Skippers and more 0-6 and aboves than I had ever seen gathered in one place. We also had a Couple Medal of Honor Winners and Dozens of Pilots with DFC's (Combat Awards). I dont know who had more pleasure. Our guests, talking with us or our volunteers being regaled with tales of glory from a long lost era.
The food was prepared by Navy cooks and before you roll your eyes, wait for it. The food was simply 4.0 with a bullet. The food was fab, fantastic, Best we have had on the Museum so far... I kid you not! I can say this with absolute certainty. This Navy food was way better than what was availiable when I was in.
On to the exibits. The Huey has been moved to the Flight deck and has a chain gun attached. The F-14 will be moved soon. It has a strange looking training Missile on it's Port wing.
An arresting gear cable has been attached to the Flight Deck and the F-4 is positioned over it, simulating a landing. Next up is to pull the F-4 forward, slightly. Just enough to create some tension on the wire.
The A-7 is positoned on the Port Cat. Both the F-4 and the A-7 have "Oscar's" in the cock pit giving visitors a look at "manned" aircraft.
The Fan Tail Cafe swears they will be open on Monday. We shall see. Tomorrow is their last day and I will be there, working final touch ups.
The Gift shop is a real hit. Those folks did alot of business. Basic security precludes me from going in details but I can say this. The Gift Shop sold out of Scott McGaughs book. He also delivered another case of books to RADM. Earnst tonight. I strongly suggest the following. If you anticipate buying a book. Do not delay. You might be forced to await the second printing. It is well worht the read. I read it cover to cover already.
On to Volunteers. Much like the flight deck folsk on active carriers, all volunteers will be identified by the color of their hats/Shirts. Docents wear Yellow Hats and Navy Blue Shirts. Guest Service Volunteers will wear Navy Blue Shirts and standard Blue Midway Ball Caps.
Safety and Security Volunteers (Of which your humble scribe is a member) Wear Fire Engine Red Hats and Shirts. We are the easiest to identify. Most Museum staff wears the Navy Blue shirts with or without Hats. We are the only group in a different color shirt.
I need to put out a call for Photos. The Museum is sorely in need of Desert Storm Photos. Weaps assembly, FLight Deck Ops, etc. If you have photos from this era, and would like to submit them for publication please contact me via email. Pete Clayton is working on his own book about Midway and he needs photos from that Era. He will give all due credit.
Well Gents, It looks like another fine Midway day has come to an end, so I will get ready to scoot on outta here.
Bill Persell
Billntwrk@yahoo.com sends
[QUOTE=Billntwrk]Folks, as I write this we are 33 hours from grand opening. I will get to the Ship at "Zero Dark Thirty", opening day (6:45 am) .
Today I had the great pleasure of meeting Buzz's good friend Troy Prince of www.midwaysailor.com fame. Troy spent the morning with Rander at the Aircraft Restoration Hanger, then completed his day on the ship. If I recall correctly, Troy shot in excess of a dozen rolls of film! (Quick note to Troy...Who uses film any more? Chuckle). We took Troy to some areas of the ship he had never seen. Mostly the Ward Room. Add yes, we put him to work, helping with the final lock down task's. We are also putting him to work on sunday and monday.
We just finished two big parties. The first was the Circle of friends Preview Party. I sent Buzz and Troy dozens of Pics. They should appear very soon. Tonight, we hosted the Battle of Midway Veterans gathering. We had Senators, Congressional Reps, 9 former Skippers and more 0-6 and aboves than I had ever seen gathered in one place. We also had a Couple Medal of Honor Winners and Dozens of Pilots with DFC's (Combat Awards). I dont know who had more pleasure. Our guests, talking with us or our volunteers being regaled with tales of glory from a long lost era.
The food was prepared by Navy cooks and before you roll your eyes, wait for it. The food was simply 4.0 with a bullet. The food was fab, fantastic, Best we have had on the Museum so far... I kid you not! I can say this with absolute certainty. This Navy food was way better than what was availiable when I was in.
On to Volunteers. Much like the flight deck folsk on active carriers, all volunteers will be identified by the color of their hats/Shirts. Docents wear Yellow Hats and Navy Blue Shirts. Guest Service Volunteers will wear Navy Blue Shirts and standard Blue Midway Ball Caps.
Safety and Security Volunteers (Of which your humble scribe is a member) Wear Fire Engine Red Hats and Shirts. We are the easiest to identify. Most Museum staff wears the Navy Blue shirts with or without Hats. We are the only group in a different color shirt.
:D :D Hi Midway Fans :D :D
:) WAKE UP TIME :)
Bill those Navy Cooks were Flag Mess or Captains Mess people and not from the general mess where we had to eat, there's a difference you know! When you have an assembly Big whigs like were on the Battle of Midway Veterans you have to feed them food that they are accostomed to eating. In the General mess it was akin to eating "out of a box", instead of scratch made meals like mom used to make. Officers have to pay as they go, where us enlisted's would eat anything if your hungery enough.
A little more than 12 hours to the opening, And having been on board just yesterday, the ship is looking great. I have been making occasional trips on board since earily march and I have noticed things being cleaned up and painted up ever since. Bill percell and I have tried to photograph as much as we could. As soon as opening week is over I will go back to the Aircraft Restoration Hanger and photograph the happenings there and leave Bill to cover the ship.
I'll be onboard on tuesday afternoon for an hour or so and then all day friday and saturday for a few hours to meet those who are comming to town to see the shipand who are part of this forum.
WAKE UP TIME :thumbsup:
Its time to put the Midway Museum on the Map!!!!
Billntwrk
06-07-04, 02:22 AM
Today, Troy Prince and I did some more lock down stuff...mainly O1-O2 level above AIMD Berthing (IM3) located forward, just off the Hanger Bay.
While searching out Lock Down Hatches, doors I discovered the newest exhibit. 6 Racks restored and put on display. Don't worry...I sent Buzz Pics. Troy has Pics as well so look at his web site in the coming days/weeks.
I think he was going to try and shoot some prelim pics off to Buzz tonight.
The Staff of volunteers is anxious to get the show on the road and we are all eager for tomorrow to get here. I am in such a state of excitement, I cant sleep even tho I have to be at the ship by 0630-0645 or so. Believe it or not, Pete Clayton actually got our before sundown. I am thinking he was off the ship by 6 pm or so. MAC was *Ordering* Key members of the paid staff to go home and certain members, got in their car, drove off the pier. Soon as MAC had left the ship, these same staffers soon returned. All, like me, were doing final touch ups.
Folks, next time I address this forum, it wil be to tell you the highs and lows of opening day. I have my check list complete. Lunch is packed, Clothes are laid out. Fresh batteries are in the cam with a spare 4 pack.(Buzz, consider this, *FAIR WARNING* my friend.)
As it stands, we are expecting every media outlet in town to be represented tomorrow morning. This reminds me...If you use the search engine google, click the news button immediatly above the search box THEN type in San Diego Air Craft Carrier Museum. After getting all relevant subjects, you will be offered the chance to sigh up for Google News alerts. This is a Cool littel feature in that every time a story about the Midway is released by media with a website, you will get an email with links so that you can go read for your self.
Hope this helps! Looking forward to meeting those of you that are coming out to S.D. If you are coming, drop me an email and let me know your plans.
For the record, Buzz, Troy myself and a couple others are planning on getting to gether for Dinner later in the week. Of Course, multiple Pics will be taken for posting on the various web sites.
Bill Persell
Billntwrk@yahoo.com sends.
Thanks for the updates guys. I just checked the web cam and there looks to be a pretty long line waiting to go aboard. I hope everything goes well today and look forward to hearing your opening day reports. :)
Rander and Billntwrk's latest photos are online in the gallery. I will probably update the gallery once more tomorrow before I leave for San Diego Wednesday. I'll be back on the 15th. There may or may not be any updates while I'm TAD to the ship. ;)
E3
There may or may not be any updates while I'm TAD to the ship. ;)
E3
SO thats what we call it now, Temperary Active Duty! :what: Hey Buzz, When you gonna SHIP OVER? Bring your dress whites, You can be the First to do that. Buzz, I'm starting to worry about your current state of mind. :worry: I'll have to call Gene Morrow and get a hold of his shrink :Poke:
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun; YOU'RE not doing it right!!!!!!!
Billntwrk
06-07-04, 10:52 PM
Well Friends, We are open. :)
Much to talk about. If I ramble or jump around a bit, forgive me. I got to the ship at 0630 and stayed 'till 1800.
Troy Prince showed up about 0730, prepared to do what ever was asked (And we asked alot). He spent the first few hours cranking out Collectable pennies. AFter that, he had free run of the ship, for the most part. Later in the after noon we had him involved in yet more lock down.
Guests started lining up at about 0830. This is a genuine *No Shitter* (Pics enclosed for the gallery. Avail June 8th).
Folks, we hosted nearly 3000 visitors. According to MAC, the best guess was about 1500, maybe 2000 on the high side. We were all happily wrong. The Ship/Museum is being called a genuine *hit*! The local Medai called it the biggest event to hit San Diego in "...decades..."
We have dicovered that guests are uniquely ingenious. If there is a way to get access past chains and hatches that are dogged down, they found it. This includes the knuckle heads that were caught using a 4x4 to bust open a hatch in AIMD Berthing. They got caught by our superior Docent staff. (Pics will be availiable in the gallery later, June 8th)
Troy and I spent about an hour re-securing spaces that had been under lock down. This brings me to my next point. Please for the love of all that is holy...Do not assume you wil be able to get into your old spaces because you know all the short cuts. I know all the short cuts. Pete Clayton Knows all the short cuts. Vic Vydra knows all the short cuts. Ask, Troy...We lock, we chain, we wire shit all the short cuts on the 02 level. If you dont have an escort, dont get caught in the Out of Bounds areas. This is a Safety Issue. Areas that are locked off, are locked off for a reason. It is extremely dark beyond the chains. It is wet, some spaces have oil/water on the deck and for sure, we are not the young bucks that we used to be. Trust me when I say, You will get tired just walking the open ares.
Some of this web sites most ardent supporters were there including Gene Morrow & Wife, Dan Rush and many hundreds of Midway Sailors. Speaking of which...Those of you coming aboard, take note. When you enter the ship, cross the Hanger Bay and locate the table set aside for Midway veterans. Please sign the log, leave an email address if you like. Also, fill out the special name tag that is provided. You folks are living, breathing ambassadors for the museum.
I wont lie to ya. We had some glitches, minor gripes for the MAF's. The line getting to Primary was an hour and a half long at the height of the day. It streched from the Island all the way over the 'deck to the port side catwalks.
We also had our first missing child alert. We resolved that with out delay. We have a paramedic on staff as a vol. and he got his first call. A woman tripped, scraped the crap out of both her knees. She was treated and continued her tour!
I will give you the high lights now. As you enter the ship, you go aboard at the 1/4 deck. After recieveing your audio headset and player, your first stop is the A-4. After that you do a 180 and go back to the Aircraft Carrier Art memorial. From there (I think) you head into AIMD Berething. Exiting AIMD you can go down to the mess decks or up to the FLight Deck. It is your choice. The player is fully programmable. It is digital and you punch in the station you want to hear about. WE have 8 aircraft on board. E-2, A-6, F-4, A-7, Huey Gunship, SNJ Texan (Troy's personal favorite) A-4 and F-14.
Well Folks, I am too tired to continue. I gotta get up and trudge back to the ship tomorrow.(I know, I know...You would gladly trade places with me. I get it! LOL)
As always, if you are going to be in town, drop me an email. My address is on the bottom.
Bill Percell
SDACM Volunteer
Ships Company 1981-1984
Billntwrk@yahoo.com
SO thats what we call it now, Temperary Active Duty! :what: Hey Buzz, When you gonna SHIP OVER? Bring your dress whites, You can be the First to do that. Buzz, I'm starting to worry about your current state of mind. :worry: I'll have to call Gene Morrow and get a hold of his shrink :Poke:
You laugh. I still have a set of dress whites in the closet.
:hehe:
Thanks for the opening day details Bill. I can imagine you and the other volunteers are pretty beat. I talked to NavyBob yesterday and he told me the visitor tally was close to 3k with an expected 1,200 - 1,500 daily visitors expected. Hey, that 3,000 is enough to set sail with don't you think? ;)
General note: I've got caught with with photo submissions from Bill and Rander. I've started a new album just for opening week photos., Grand Opening (http://www.cv41.org/gallery/grandopening). Any photos that I am able to print while in San Diego will go here.
Billntwrk
06-09-04, 01:45 AM
Folks,
Today was a helluva lot more fun than yesterday! Just ask Troy. We stuck his Arse in a Red Shirt/Hat combo, issued him a security badge and promptly started abusing his good will and kind nature.
Pictures will follow but Buzz is going to be In San Diego so the new pics will be going up next week.
Let me give you a brief synopsis of today.
Troy and I both get there about 0800. After geting Troy in *Proper Uniform* we head down to the Hanger Bay where we happen upon Vic Vydra. Vic immediatly sets us out on a *Mission*. We need to secure a Hatch in the P-way keading to AIMD Musem Berthing. FOr the life of us, we cant figure out how to get an S hook to lock. We needed to Clamp both ends. After atempts with plyers, a hammen and not much luck, Troy's *MEch* Days in Q-136 come back in a flood. He grabs a couple of tools and Bada Bing! Problem solved. Next Troy and I are set out on a mission to fix the Hatch Problem In AIMD BErthing. This is the same hatch that we caught a couple of knuckle heads trying to force open with a 4X4. Well fella's We dogged that Farker down Tight!
Next was the O2 level, port side, amid ships. This was an area of repeated head aches on opening day. Again, Troy to the rescue. He runs a chain thru the Bulk head and door, thereby securing that sum bitch! ANother access blocked off by a dedicated volunteer.
By this time , it is time to man our Post's. I draw Rov and Troy Draws Flight Deck.
I need to back up a bit. As we get near the opening hour, Troy and I go to the pier to make sure all volunters are in place. We run across "Rigthebarricade" and wife. Both are back for a second day. "Rig" a.k.a. Gene Morrow is with several friends. We decide we want Pics of Just the Old Midway Sailors. SO I call out for all the Midway Sailors to jump in the pic. Folsk, I swear. I think wew had about 6-10 folks jump in. I only knew three but what the hell. It was a pic for all Midway sailors. We had wives and friends taking multiple pics. at least 5 cams going off at once.
The rest of the day was pretty routine, which means nothing went according to plan. We had Troy Working Brow, Hanger Bay, FLight Deck...Just a multitude of positions. Finally about 1515 he calls me on radio and says he needs Signal *Buster* for an RTB. I say cool, Knock of at 1530. We are actually making our way towards the Safety office so he can collect his stuff when we run across Rig and his running mates. Seems Rig has gotten ahold of a powerful person that authorizes special access to some V-2 spaces. Hitch is, they have to have me or Vic V show them around. I am busy so Vic V agrees. Vic Tales Rig and Troy up to see spaces, low and behold, we have a brand new series of access issues to fix. Troy Fixed them and Now, More of the Gallery Deck is Locked down tighter than a SASS cage. So when you get here, Send some of your complaints Troys way! He is now an equal partner in the Whole Lock down thing.
Troy, no need to thank me. I am only too glad to see that you get all the credit that you are due!
Well Guys, that does it for tonight. Gotta go to bed now, one last day of volunteering before I take a breather and get ready for the week end.
Bill
Billntwrk@yahoo.com
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