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Helicopter School Holds Commemorative PT Session Aboard Midway
Story Number: NNS130604-22
6/4/2013

By Lt. j.g. Adonica M. Johnson, Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School commemorated the 71st Battle of Midway anniversary by participating in command physical training aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego June 4.

The day began with the Sailors observing colors on the flight deck aboard the museum.

"This morning, we pause for a few moments to reflect on the battle itself," said Cmdr. Jonathan Baron, Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School commanding officer, while addressing the crew.

Baron reminded those in attendance about the importance of believing in the Navy's core values and believing in fellow shipmates. Baron said that these same beliefs are what led Sailors to victory at the Battle of Midway.

"It's a historic place for the Navy and our country," said Aircrewman First Class Petty Officer Timothy Clark, a regular USS Midway Museum volunteer since 2006. "I am honored to be able to be here to support and thank the Midway veterans."

In between callisthenic exercises, Aircrewman Chief Petty Officer Nicolas Hunter, a command physical fitness assessment coordinator, had each member provide important facts regarding the Battle of Midway.

"Opportunities like these help pass on a sense of naval heritage to our Sailors and instill a sense of pride in our service that just being back at the command watching another power point presentation won't provide," added Hunter.

Throughout the week, Sailors will also be taking advantage of video media, watching the 1976 movie "Midway," and other videos at the command to honor the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

The Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. During the battle, U.S. Navy carrier strike forces defeated an Imperial Japanese strike force that prevented them from capturing Midway Island. The Battle of Midway is an important marker in naval heritage because it is considered to have changed the course of the war in the Pacific within just a few days.

For more information about the Battle of Midway visit http://www.history.navy.mil/Midway/midwaybattle-index.htm or use #Midway <https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Midway&src=hash> to join the conversation on social media about Navy's most historic victory.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.