The USS Midway’s Fire and Damage Control teams were responsible for protecting the ship and its crew from fires, flooding, battle damage, and other emergencies that could threaten the carrier’s ability to remain operational at sea. Because an aircraft carrier carried large quantities of aviation fuel, ammunition, machinery, and electrical equipment, every sailor received basic damage-control training, while specialized teams were equipped to fight fires, control flooding, repair damaged systems, and reinforce compromised sections of the ship. Fire stations, hoses, pumps, breathing equipment, watertight doors, and damage-control gear were strategically located throughout the Midway so crews could respond immediately to an emergency. Regular drills ensured sailors knew exactly what to do when alarms sounded, often requiring teams from many departments to work together under dangerous conditions. These systems and highly trained crews were essential to the Midway’s survival, reflecting a fundamental principle of naval service: at sea, the crew itself is the ship’s fire department and emergency response team.