Named for the Battle of Midway, USS MIDWAY was the lead ship of her class, three of which were completed, with another two ships canceled. Serving her country for 47 years, more than 200,000 American veterans served aboard her. During that time, the USS MIDWAY saw service off Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf, and in a number of other conflicts and crises. After being the first aircraft carrier forward deployed for 17 years in Yokosuka, Japan, she returned to North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego for decommissioning in April of 1992. In over five decades of service, she received the Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal; China Service Expeditionary Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal.