May 16, 2007

Mr. Paul Troxell
President
JFK (CV-67) Memorial Foundation, Inc.
1011 N.W. 31st Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL  33069

Dear Paul:

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience meeting with you and Tom Martin recently to discuss your plans to open the USS John F. Kennedy as a museum in Miami.  Your plan is well thought out and most importantly, is focused on a business plan versus an emotional dream, as so many ventures of this sort are.  Because of the success of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, groups often visit us to discuss their plans to open historical ships as museums.  Often times, their well intentioned efforts are focused on a lot of conjecture and the need to “find a home” for their ship.  It was refreshing to talk with two successful business executives who understand that profit and loss business models are the most important aspect of bringing a ship like JFK to a city as a museum.

The USS Midway is operating as a successful venture because of our location, our visitor demographics and meticulous attention to our business plan.  The fact that you are considering bringing JFK to a similar environment with a robust tourist market and strong demographics will ensure your success.  The fact that you are surrounded by the cruise ship industry in a highly visible corridor with ample parking and other infrastructure support is very important.  These were some of the same metrics that the Board of Directors for Midway considered, and by insisting that the Midway be berthed with such supporting structure, we have surpassed all Department of Navy goals for success and are rapidly becoming a great asset as a museum, special events center and education facility for our region.

I look forward to observing your progress and I am sure you will give this famous Navy ship the homeport support it needs to succeed.  Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of any assistance in your quest to keep the JFK legacy alive for future generations to enjoy.

Sincerely,

John “Mac” McLaughlin
President & CEO
USS Midway – San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum

USS Midway Museum     910 N. Harbor Drive     San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 544-9600    www.midway.org