The Women Who Built the USS Midway

The Women Who Built the USS Midway

When you see the USS Midway today, towering on San Diego’s waterfront, you’re looking at more than a warship — you’re seeing the legacy of the women who helped build it.

During World War II, with men deployed overseas, women stepped into shipyards across America. They welded steel, ran electrical lines, riveted hulls, and assembled the massive parts of what would become the world’s largest aircraft carrier at the time. Many had never worked in industry before, but they learned fast and worked hard — their efforts were vital.

The Midway was commissioned in 1945, just after the war ended. Though she didn’t fight in WWII, she stood as a powerful symbol of American strength — built by hands that had never been expected to hold a torch or run a lathe. Women proved they could do the job — and do it well.

Through the decades, the Midway saw action across the globe. She played a critical role during the Cold War, launched airstrikes in Vietnam, and was part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In total, she served for an astonishing 47 years — longer than any other U.S. aircraft carrier of the 20th century.

Today, when you walk her decks, remember: the Midway floats not just on water, but on the strength and skill of the women who made her possible.