Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines was founded on innovative ideas, grounded by inspiring people and has always been driven by the desire to make a difference in the world we live in. From continuously providing exceptional customer service, and a dedication to community, we are committed to achieving excellence and always make it a priority to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of others. Southwest Airlines’ accomplishment of providing meaningful, memorable experiences dovetails with USS Midway’s own culture of celebrating service, sacrifice and freedom through the onboard exhibits, educational outreach, and public special events we support.

Midway Museum

Embracing the San Diego Community

Since opening its doors to the public in 2004, the USS Midway Museum has become a cherished San Diego icon and a treasured resource for the community. From its educational programs and philanthropic efforts, to its community outreach and complimentary admission offerings, the museum touches and uplifts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Scholastic curriculums created by Midway over the years have set the standard for museums. Today, students from nearly every school district in San Diego County participate in Midway’s education programs. Through the museum’s No Child Left Ashore and Bravo Zulu scholarship funds, Midway is able to provide scholarships for its onboard programs. Over the last 19 years, Midway has distributed more than $1 million in educational scholarships.

Midway hosts more than 50,000 K-12 students annually in math and engineering, science and technology, as well as leadership and character-building programs. The museum’s popular overnight program hosts more than 6,000 boys, girls, civic and church youth groups each year. The Midway Institute for Teachers is a tremendous resource for educators not only from California and nearby western states, but as far away as New Hampshire, Virginia and Florida. “Midway is both macro and micro,” said Tina Chin, Midway’s education director. “It focuses on big, global movements as well as individual stories.”

The USS Midway Foundation helps fund education programs, organizations, and initiatives that support America’s core values of service and sacrifice in the name of freedom. The Foundation’s “Pillars of Freedom” granting program assists military and veteran-support organizations around San Diego. The grants, which range from $5,000 to $90,000, have impacted more than 100,000 individuals. “Since 2016, the Foundation has granted more than $3.3 million to 54 organizations, and we will not stop there,” said Laura White, president of the USS Midway Foundation.

As America’s Living Symbol of Freedom, Midway ensures the sacrifices of nation’s men and women in uniform, both past and present, are never forgotten. Important commemoration ceremonies and activities, that are free to the public, are held annually on Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the courage of those who served in the military.

Midway’s annual multicultural celebration, which is also free to the public, is a community outreach event that salutes and highlights San Diego’s ethnic diversity. “Midway’s multicultural celebration is a great way to showcase diversity in San Diego,” said Veronica Armstrong-Evans, chair of the museum’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. “It is an opportunity to honor the contributions of our diverse population.”

Showing appreciation to those serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces as well as police and firefighters is a daily endeavor for Midway. Each year, the museum provides nearly 40,000 complimentary admissions to the American men and women who protect democracy and freedom around the world as well as to San Diego’s first responders.

Giving back to the community is and will continue to be one of the USS Midway Museum’s core values and could not be accomplished without the ongoing support of valued partners like Southwest Airlines.