USS Midway Museum Hosts Joint Concert with Maritime Japanese Self-Defense Force Band

SAN DIEGO--(Business Wire)--
The Japanese Navy training ships Kashima, Asagiri and Umigiri will
be visiting San Diego from May 8 through May 11, 2008. To mark the
25th consecutive year that the Japanese Navy has stopped in San Diego
for joint training, a free concert is planned on the flight deck of
the USS Midway Museum on May 10, 2008, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

The event will feature music performed by the Japan Maritime
Self-Defense Force Band, the United States Navy Band Southwest, and
traditional Japanese Taiko drummers. Admission to the USS Midway will
be free from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for those attending the concert.

"In years past, the joint community outreach concert has been held
in Balboa Park's Organ Pavilion," said Scott McGaugh, director of
marketing for the USS Midway Museum. "The change of venue is fitting
because beginning in 1973, the USS Midway was the first carrier
homeported in a foreign country: Yokosuka, Japan. It's an honor to
host this important event."

The Japanese Navy brings training ships to visit San Diego once a
year to conduct joint military training and strategic exercises. This
year, a total of 750 Self-Defense Force members, including 180 newly
graduated cadets from the Japanese Maritime Cadet School, will be
present. Their purpose is to establish seamanship, international
relations and friendship with the countries they visit.

About the USS Midway

The USS Midway was U.S. Navy's longest-serving aircraft carrier in
the 20th century (1945-1992). More than 225,000 Americans served
aboard Midway, participating in both combat and humanitarian missions.
The USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 in San Diego. It ultimately
took 12 years of volunteer effort to secure regulatory reviews and
permits by a non-profit organization completely funded by private
donations. The USS Midway opened as a naval aviation museum in June
2004. The USS Midway Museum, located at 910 N. Harbor Drive in
downtown San Diego, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Visit
midway.org or call 619.544.9600.

USS Midway Museum
Scott McGaugh
Director of Marketing
619-398-8250
smcgaugh@midway.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008