Uss Midway Cv-68 Aircraft Carrier Specifications

The USS Midway (CV-68) was a legendary aircraft carrier that served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1992. As one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy, the Midway played a significant role in various military operations, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

The Midway was a behemoth of a ship, measuring 972 feet (296 meters) in length and 258 feet (79 meters) in beam. It had a displacement of over 64,000 tons and was powered by a steam turbine engine that produced 212,000 horsepower. The ship's top speed was over 30 knots (56 km/h), making it one of the fastest aircraft carriers in the world at the time.

Design and Construction

The USS Midway was designed to be a high-speed, heavily armed aircraft carrier that could accommodate a large air group. It was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia and was commissioned on September 10, 1945. The ship's design was influenced by the experiences of World War II, with a focus on providing a robust defense system and a high degree of survivability.

The Midway's flight deck was 911 feet (278 meters) long and 257 feet (78 meters) wide, providing ample space for aircraft operations. The ship had four catapults and four arresting engines, allowing it to launch and recover aircraft quickly and efficiently.

Aircraft Capabilities

The USS Midway was designed to carry a large air group, consisting of up to 70 aircraft. The ship's aircraft capabilities included:

F/A-18 Hornet fighter-bombers
A-6 Intruder attack aircraft
F-4 Phantom II fighter-bombers
S-3 Viking anti-submarine aircraft
SH-3 Sea King helicopters

The Midway's air group was equipped with a range of ordnance, including bombs, missiles, and rockets. The ship's aircraft were also equipped with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems, allowing them to perform a range of missions.

Combat History

The USS Midway saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The ship played a key role in several major operations, including:

Operation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968)
Operation Linebacker (1972)
Operation Desert Storm (1991)

During the Vietnam War, the Midway's air group flew thousands of sorties, striking targets in North Vietnam and providing close air support to ground troops. In the Gulf War, the ship's air group played a key role in the liberation of Kuwait, conducting airstrikes against Iraqi targets.

Post-War Service

After the Gulf War, the USS Midway was decommissioned on April 11, 1992. The ship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1993 and was subsequently sold for scrapping. However, in 2003, the ship was donated to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, where it is currently preserved as a museum ship.

The USS Midway is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on board. The ship's legacy continues to inspire new generations of sailors, aviators, and historians.