How to get into USS Midway for FREE!
USS Midway
Only 4 miles from the MCRD San Diego Depot, the USS Midway naval aircraft carrier is docked at the Naval Pier and is a great attraction to view when visiting San Diego. It has over 60 exhibits that honor the service and sacrifice of US naval aviators. Tours are offered throughout the day, with or without reservations. In fact, it's one of the largest you can tour in the world. You'll see how 81 officers and 4,100 sailors lived on the ship. You'll see how they flew airplanes off of it and how the planes were maintained. You'll see some really awesome exhibits that display the history of aviation and naval warfare. The experience is worth it for the plane by itself; however, there's a lot more to it than just that single exhibit.
Want to get in for free?
USS Midway Museum is offering free admission to all Marines who have just graduated from MCRD San Diego. This offer is good for immediate family members and guests. Simply stop by the admissions desk at USS Midway museum on your graduation day and let them know you are a new Marine.
The museum staff wants to ensure you, your friends and your family are able to visit USS Midway Museum free of charge alongside you. All you need to do is stop by the admissions desk on your graduation day and they will give you a wristband that will enable you to visit us all day for free.
Other ways to get free admission:
Children 5 years old and younger
Active Duty Military (w/valid ID)
Active Sworn Law Enforcement (w/valid ID)
Active Sworn Fire Fighter (w/valid ID)
AND…. Reservists!
Follow us on Social Media for more information to maximize your time in San Diego, CA while celebrating your new United States Marine!
One Facebook Group member said ”They MCRD wasn't allowing the grads to leave and go home so my new Marine wasn't able to go. They seen me wearing my proud Marine mom shirt all we had to do was show my son's pictures from graduation and his photo and we got in for free as a family. We were all paying when she gave us our money back and said thank you for our sons service. We enjoyed the ship”
That’s amazing! Good job, USS Midway.
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Blog and journal entires for San Diego Event and Portrait Photographer. Tips, tricks, and must haves for Military Events and Milestones such as Change of Command Ceremonies, Retirements, Commissionings, Reenlistments, Pre and Post Deployment Homecomings, award ceremonies, graduations, funerals, studio flag portraits and more.
Portraiture work include Newborns, maternity, family, extended family vacation sessions, couples, branding, children milestones, studio work and more.
Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
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Servant Leadership
Military Outfit Ideas For The Family
Woodland MARPAT Cammies | Family Outfit Ideas for a Military Retirement Ceremony and other Military Events
Americana Style - USMC Dress Blue Delta – Summer Graduation
Worn by enlisted Marines at summer graduations at MCRD San Diego, this uniform pairs perfectly with timeless Americana colors. Our guide features bold reds, navy blues, and crisp whites to complement the iconic short-sleeve khaki top and blue trousers. Note: Recruits do not wear the red “blood stripe” on their trousers until later ranks.
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Delta Summer Graduation
This is the uniform that is worn during summer boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has muted pastel colors to complement this iconic dress uniform in summer. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Charlie
This is the uniform that is worn during spring boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has bold colors to complement this iconic dress uniform. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Tan Shawl Pullover Cable Sweater
Dark Blue Children’s Trousers
Woman’s Blue and White Stripped Midi Dress
Toddler Creme Romper with Pink & Grey pompoms
Men’s Short Sleeve Button Up Creme Linen Shirt
Toddler Long Sleeve Rib Stitch Button Onesie
Bangle Set - 7 Bracelets Light Blue, pearl, and gold
Men’s Stretchy Straight Fit Khaki Pants
Girls A Line Dress with Matching Bow
Child’s Denim Light blue Jean Jacket
Khaki Children’s Ankle Boot with Glitter
Navy Enlisted Dress White Uniform, specifically that of enlisted member in the US Navy. This guide has muted blues and browns to complement this iconic summer dress uniform. This specific guide was designed for a female Service Member, her spouse and young son but can serve as a guide for any all White Uniform.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Men’s Short Sleeve Button Down Denim Shirt
Men’s Blue and Gold Watch
Boy’s Blue, Red & Kaki Suit Set
Men’s Straight Fit Stretch Khaki Slacks
Boy’s Brown Dress Shoes
Toddler Brown Loafer Shoes
Toddler Khaki Pull On Bottoms
Toddler Navy Blue Pull Up Bottoms
Toddler Creme Linen Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Navy Service Uniform, NSUs, specifically that of a senior enlisted member in the US Navy that is worn during Chief Pinning Ceremonies. This guide has blues & browns to complement this full khaki uniform. This specific guide was designed for a male service member, female spouse, and multiple children.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Navy Dark Blue 3 Quarter Sleeve Knee Length Dress
Gold Stacked Bracelets Evil Oval Chain Pearl Bar Turtle
Brown Ribbed Knit Textured Midi Skirt
Royal Blue Pleated Blouse
Light Nude/Blush Almond-Toed Heals
Gold and Blue Solitaire Choker Necklace
Woman’s Pointed Toe Sling Back Flat in Light Blue
Girls Khaki Cotton Ruffled Jumpsuit with Headband
Boy’s Light Blue Button Up Short Sleeve Anchor Shirt
Girls Ribbed Knit Tan Shirt with Lettuce Trim
Girls Corduroy Brown Overall Romper Dress
Boys Blue and Tan Shorts Multi Pack
Toddler Brown Oxford Style Dress Shoes
Navy Service Uniform, NSUs, specifically that of a senior enlisted member in the US Navy that is worn during Chief Pinning Ceremonies. This guide has muted blues, browns, and pink to complement this full khaki uniform. This specific guide was designed for a male service member, female spouse, and multiple children.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Girl’s Brown A-Line Spaghetti Strap Dress
Woman’s deep wine red long sleeve stretchy romper
Dangly Black and Gold Earrings
Gold Bangle Bracelet
Girl’s Pink Stretchy A-Line Dress
14k Gold Hoop Earrings
Woman’s White and Blue Spaghetti Strap Stripped Jumpsuit Romper
Girl’s Wedge Nude Flatform Open Toed Shoe
Toddler Creme Linen Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Toddler Navy Blue Pull Up Bottoms
Toddler Khaki Pull On Bottoms
Black Mesh Flat Shoes
Woman’s Nude Pumps Heals
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Alpha
This uniform that is worn by the Guideon during Bootcamp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This clothing guide has bold colors to complement this iconic dress uniform. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Burgundy Red Dress Shirt with round Neck and Cap Sleeves
Men’s long Sleeve Navy Blue Slim Fit Button Up Shirt
Woman’s Stretchy Dress Pants
Woman’s Memory Foam Black Flats
Gold Necklace with Blue Crystal
Girl’s Dusty Blue Ruffled Dress
Girl’s Long Sleeve Flowy Burgundy Dress
Toddler Creme Button up Linen Dress Shirt
Men’s Light Khaki Dress Slacks
Toddler Black Straight Leg Dress Slacks
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Charlie
This is the uniform that is worn during winter boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has bold colors to complement this iconic dress uniform. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Armed Forces Gold Marine Bangle Charm Bracelet
Woman’s Chiffon Textured White Long Sleeve Top
Woman’s Stretchy Royal Blue Bootleg Dress Pants
Men’s Blue Button Up Denim Dress Shirt (many styles)
Girls creme/khaki tiered textured dress with cap sleeves
Girls Deep Wine Red Ruffled Smocked Dress (short and long sleeves!)
Girls 1in Red Satin Headband
Toddler Brown Loafer Dress Shoes
Men’s Stretchy Straight Fit Khaki Pants
Woman’s deep wine red long sleeve stretchy romper
Marine Related Blog Shares
2 huge changes for the Corps: Female Recruits allowed at MCRD San Diego and tattoo Full Sleeve policy changes have shaped where Staff Sergeant Mary Phaly is today! Enjoy some policy history and get excited about how this Drill Instructor is trailblazing away! E6 in 6, getting a bachelors degree, martial arts, and more.
First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title
Drill Master DI Ribbon Hat Ceremony | MCRD San Diego, CA
Staff Sgt Andrew Brand has been stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego with Golf Company for some time. He started off as a regular Drill Instructor, and finished off his time as Drill Master September of 2022.
This was no easy feat; Staff Sgt needed to extend his orders as a reservist and promise his time -far- beyond what was originally expected.
Want to get into USS Midway for free?
USS Midway Museum is offering free admission to all Marines who have just graduated from MCRD San Diego. This offer is good for immediate family members and guests. Simply stop by the admissions desk at USS Midway museum on your graduation day and let them know you are a new Marine.
Here are amazing families of the nation’s newest Marines. I met up with these folks at Liberty Station, formerly known as the Naval Training Center San Diego, which welcomed its first Navy recruits in 1923 and closed after 60 years. Liberty Station is now San Diego's Town Square and perfectly replicates Marine Corps Recruit Depots architecture.
COVID-19 Cancels Marine Boot Camp Graduations MCRD San Diego, CA.
Families were excited and ready to see their new marine until 9 am when it was announced all events were canceled, so was graduation, and to leave base immediately! NO ONE expected this; morale plummeted.
"I became a Marine because I wanted to instill discipline in myself and see if I had it in me to overcome the challenges of boot camp. Now I not only have earned the title but I have also found my place in a brotherhood that will last a lifetime and have learned that the only limits we have are the ones we set for ourselves. The Marine Corps has set me up for success and has given me the mental and physical strength to tackle any obstacle that comes before me." -PFC Brody Fink
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As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
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