Take off from Sand Island, Midway Atoll

In late August and early September of 2016, I had the privilege of being a part of the U.S. Secret Service's advance team for President Barack Obama's visit to Midway Atoll. During this visit, President Obama designated the area around Midway Atoll as the largest marine sanctuary in the world.
This trip was significant for me. I'm a fervent admirer of military history and a passionate snorkeler. Those familiar with WWII history know that this location marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific theater for the Allies, thanks to the valiant efforts of many brave individuals.
This video was captured from inside a C-17 during our takeoff from Sand Island, Midway Atoll, on September 2, 2016. I extend my immense gratitude to the crew for allowing me the honor of sitting up front with them to film.
Join me in reliving this unique moment in history, blending the significance of a Presidential visit with the rich military heritage of Midway Atoll.
@LineageBJJ @CalvertMMA #C17Cockpit #MidwayAtoll #MilitaryHistory #BarackObama #USSecretService #WWII #MarineSanctuary #LineageBJJ #CalvertMMA #SubscribeNow

[@stevewebb1652]

My father was stationed there in 1958 to 1960. He took my mother and myself with him so I got to see Midway as a child. It was a great experience one I have never forgotten and one that has helped shape my life.

[@trainliker100]

From about 1:06 to 1:10 you can see the transmitter site (the long light colored building closest to the airplane with four big ventilators down the middle of the roof) and across the road from it the pad where the old transmitter site (a giant Quonset hut building) once stood. The power station is just beyond. Most of that open area was part of the antenna farm. All antennas were long ago removed. I served at the transmitter site as a Navy ET from 1966 to 1968.

[@j.pierce8786]

The Oregon-based company that I fly for has the contract with US Fish and Wildlife to service transportation needs out to Midway. We fly a Falcon jet out to Midway on the average of once every two weeks. We fly out of Honolulu, carrying people, freight, mail, and groceries. I’ve done more than 40 round trips to the Atoll. About 1/3 of the time we stay there for two nights, and make our return on the third day. We stay in a WWII barracks building, modified into private rooms. There are about 50 full-time residents, with about 2/3 of those being being contract employees (half of those being Thai nationals) who service infrastructure (dining hall, power generation, water supply, airport operations, etc.). The residents are also supplied by a barge that sails out twice a year from Honolulu. The only way to “visit” the Atoll now is to either fly for our company, get hired by the contract administrator, or be a volunteer bird counter/tagger. I am fortunate for the experience, but the place is far from a tropical paradise. The Navy left the place an ugly mess, and plastic waste litters every beach. Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to restore native flora and fauna, to reverse human-caused damage. US Department of Interior is debating the future of the Atoll with respect to human visitation. As it is now a National Wildlife Refuge, there is a contingent that favors some public access, but there is no way that it will ever be affordable for average folks. Not even a sailboat is allowed to land there currently.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

My dad was stationed there after WWII with the Civil Aeronautics Agency (which later became the FAA). He and Mom lived there for a few years. My older brother was born there. Dad next took an assignment on Canton Island (now part of Kiribati). I was born on Canton Island. Thanks for the look at Midway. I'd never seen it before, except in old home movies, most of which starred "gooney birds."

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

I got to go inside an old "gooney bird" (C-47) once, and also a DC-3, which I had flown on when I was a child. I didn't get to go up in the DC-3, but I would have liked to, great old bird!

[@Mr91495osh]

I lived on St Croix USVI in the 80’s. I wouldn’t recommend island life for anyone. Vacationing is great, full time living....forget about it!

[@JLange642]

I swear my ears popped as I watched this!

[@kerryowen-holmes3719]

Great video! I hope the USA maintains the island airport-for safety emergencies

[@Coldstreamer17]

I would love to go, just because..

[@robshef718]

I was there.... Just Because I was 'ordered' to go there, by the US Navy! Darn it!!!!

[@DGTHRE]

Never knew c17s were flown by joystick and not yoke

[@tsiam359]

美麗的島嶼！可惜沒有開放遊覽 😁 我是台灣人🇹🇼

[@jasonmerrill352]

I wish both island would be rebuilt. It can be done and echo friendly as well. What a little paradise being wasted.

[@dcurryusn]

Don't know that Midway Is. was still open. Was stationed there Sept '81-Mar '82... Fleet sailor with a bunch of SeaBees...

[@kenbrown438]

DW Curry : did you ever meet KJ !!!!????

[@UteFaithful]

Can people visit Midway? I have devoted an unbelievable amount of my life to studying the Battle of Midway.

[@LineageBJJ]

I believe you can volunteer with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to work on the island. They currently don't allow visitors.

[@naisi]

You can always hire a private jet and pretend to have an emergency and land there. Will only set you back around 150k.

[@joebudi5136]

There are a few navy brats born there!!

[@billevans7936]

Last here in 1962

[@docholliday3273]

One of the stops going on a VP deployment in 1981 in February when the "goonies" were nesting.

[@cameron0539]

Ik this place from the Sidemen Video lmao