THOMAS K.

DEAN
WORLD WAR II USS MIDWAY
(CV-41)

Photo via Wikimedia Commons. The USS ARIZONA Photo via Wikimedia Commons. USS YORKTOWN Photo via Wikimedia Commons. Evacuees from South Photo via Wikimedia Commons. F/A-18A Hornet
battleship (BB-39) sinks to the bottom of the ocean in (CV-5) is hit on the port side by planes from Japanese Vietnam aboard the USS MIDWAY (CV-41) during aircraft landed on the USS MIDWAY (CV-41) during
the aftermath of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. carrier Hiryu in the Battle of Midway. Operation Frequent Wind in the South China Sea. Operation Desert Shield.

World War II, a tumultuous and equally revolutionary period for the United States, has played
the biggest role in shaping the history of the USS Midway and subsequently her path towards
becoming an outstanding museum. The catalyst that forced the U.S. to enter World War II was
the unprovoked attack and bombing by Japan on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. This fa-
tal attack spurred people to unite in the war effort and prove the nations powerful standing.
Another pivotal event that occurred was the Battle of Midway. Allies scored a massive victory
against Japanese forces near Midway Island from June 4, 1942 to June 7, 1942 when the U.S.s
intelligence broke Japans naval code. With the Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu destroyed in the
battle, the U.S. turned the tide in the Pacific theater by crippling Japans fleet. As the war raged
on, the U.S. continued to build its military might, including the manufacturing of aircraft
carriers. By 1945 aircraft carrier 41 was ready for service. She was named to honor the legacy
the Battle of Midway left as a defining moment in WWII.
The USS Midway was constructed a week after World War II. She was launched on March 20,
1945 to commemorate the Battle of Midway, and served 47 years until her decommission in
1992. Her rich history is evident through her many operations. Operation Frequent Wind, for
example, was the evacuation of Saigon during the Vietnam War. On April 29, 1975, thousands
boarded the carrier during the largest helicopter evacuation on record. Marine, Air Force, and
Air America choppers evacuated around 7,000 Americans and South Vietnamese within 24
hours. The event marked the Midways involvement in ending U.S. involvement in the war. She
was later deployed to the Arabian Gulf during the Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991 to serve
in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She led over 3,000 combat operations to defend
and eventually liberate the nation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces. The coalition effort showcased
the United States technological advances through the Midways capabilities.

US R
SM E E
IDW N T
AY VO L U
USS MIDWAY VOLUNTEERING
MUSEUM

Photo via USS Midway Museum. Dramatic USS Photo via USS Midway Museum. On a bright day, Photo via USS Midway Museum. A docent aboard Photo via Tom Dean. Mr. Dean beside his Docent
Midway Flight Deck. the USS Midway Museum sits before the San the USS Midway Museum informs guests. Mural aboard the USS Midway Museum.
Diego skyline.

The USS Midways active service ended on Volunteering is essential to both the Midway
April 11, 1992, when she was finally Museum, and the community. Particularly on
decommissioned at the North Island Naval the Midway, the dedicated volunteers have an
Air Station. Fortunately, due to passionate opportunity to connect to a diverse range of
and persistent endeavors of citizens who vied
for her, she was donated to the San Diego DEDICATION visitors and build valuable relationships. Vol-
unteering is important economically because
Aircraft Carrier Foundation in 2003. The it allows oraganizations to spend their budgets
This poster is dedicated to Thomas K. Dean, a volunteer whose path has ultimately
relocation of the USS Midway was one of on different needs. The act of serving others
led him to devoting time and passion to the Midway Museum. Mr. Dean decided to
hers first steps toward becoming one of the develops respect for the people and places
join the Navy and received his commission as a line officer Ensign in 1960. He served
most visited museums in the United States. within our community. As Mr. Dean, a docent,
on the USS Hancock (CVA 19) for 18 months during his first naval assignment. His
The USS Midway officially opened its doors selflessly reflects, ... those who volunteer
experience aboard the USS Hancock has given him respect for the sacrifices of those
as a museum on June 10, 2004, and would be receive a social and emotional benefit knowing
who serve, and would later be a vital asset to his training as a USS Midway docent,
... the first to attract one million visitors in that their work is providing something that
whose job is to educate and entertain visitors. As of March 2017, Mr. Dean has
one year, noted Midway marketing director makes the community a better place to live
willingly committed more than 5,000 hours aboard the
Scott McGaugh. Twelve years worth of effort and work. Individuals are able to experience a
USS Midway. He should be recognized not only for all
had finally paid off as the opening marked new perspective when they devote their time,
thetremendous effort hes invested in the museum, but
her humble beginnings as a museum and a skills, and love to a cause that resonates within
as a testimony that volunteering is an essential aspect
home to the dedicated volunteers aboard. them the most. The ongoing success of the USS
of supporting and preserving the community. People of
She has since evolved due to the sacrificial Midway Museum is just one of the countless
different backgrounds connect through serving others.
work of the volunteers who have contributed examples of how volunteering can profoundly
to the museums unforgettable experience. impact society.