USS Midway Honors 100-Year-Old 'Rosie the Riveters'

New World War II exhibit celebrates the achievements of pioneering women in the military.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:55am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the silhouettes of a group of women in 1940s factory uniforms, conceptually representing the 'Rosie the Riveters' of World War II.The USS Midway's new exhibit honors the pioneering 'Rosie the Riveters' whose wartime contributions paved the way for greater gender equality in the military.San Diego Today

The USS Midway museum in San Diego has opened a new exhibit called 'Women's Contributions to the War Effort,' honoring three 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveters' who worked in the shipyards during World War II. The exhibit shines a spotlight on Ena Reynolds Slaughter, Roberta 'Randy' Tidmore, and Jenny Guerena, whose diverse contributions laid the groundwork for a more inclusive modern military.

Why it matters

The exhibit celebrates the legacy of the 'Rosie the Riveters,' whose work during WWII helped strengthen the military and paved the way for greater gender equality in the armed forces. As the Rosies reach centenarian status, their stories serve as an important historical reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of women in wartime.

The details

The new 'Women's Contributions to the War Effort' exhibit at the USS Midway museum features the stories of three 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveters' - Ena Reynolds Slaughter, Roberta 'Randy' Tidmore, and Jenny Guerena. These women worked in shipyards and factories during World War II, taking on roles traditionally held by men and helping to produce the equipment and vehicles needed for the war effort.

  • The USS Midway opened the new exhibit on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Ena Reynolds Slaughter

A 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter' who worked in the shipyards during World War II.

Roberta 'Randy' Tidmore

A 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter' who worked in the shipyards during World War II.

Jenny Guerena

A 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter' who worked in the shipyards during World War II, now struggling with dementia.

USS Midway

An aircraft carrier museum in San Diego, California that has opened a new exhibit honoring the achievements of 'Rosie the Riveters' during World War II.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's wonderful that the Midway has done this to honor the Rosies because there were a lot of Rosies in those days and your moms and dads probably helped in.”

— Roberta 'Randy' Tidmore, 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter'

“It's so wonderful, and the younger generation can find out what the older generation went through.”

— Ena Reynolds Slaughter, 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter'

“She tells me they keep calling me Rosie the Riveter. I was Jenny the riveter. I said, yeah, you were, Mom. You were.”

— Jerry Guerena, Son of 100-year-old 'Rosie the Riveter' Jenny Guerena

What’s next

The USS Midway plans to continue highlighting the stories of pioneering women in the military through future exhibits and events.

The takeaway

The new 'Women's Contributions to the War Effort' exhibit at the USS Midway honors the legacy of the 'Rosie the Riveters,' whose critical work during World War II helped strengthen the military and paved the way for greater gender equality in the armed forces. As these trailblazing women reach centenarian status, their stories serve as an important historical reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of women in wartime.