Naples Conducts Battle of Midway Ceremony

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Service members, Department of Defense civilians and their families attached to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples attended a memorial ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives during the Battle of Midway, June 4.

The ceremony marks the 71st anniversary of one of the most prominent naval battles of World War II, which created a shift of power between the Japanese and U.S. Naval forces.

"The Battle of Midway is considered the very paradigm of the spectacular reversal of military force by a weaker force," said Gray. "The Midway victory was a pivot point. It placed the United States in a position to check the growth of Japan in the Pacific."

During June 4-7, 1942, nearly six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a small fleet of U.S. forces defended against and defeated four carriers of the Japanese navy during the Battle of Midway, which issued the Japanese one of their most prominent losses in naval history.

"Though the Japanese force was on the move, though it had the momentum, American forces had what mattered most," said Gray. "Selfless warriors of character and courage. These were desperate times for our country and they stepped up and steeled their resolve."

Through memorial and commemoration ceremonies people can remember those throughout history who gave their lives through selfless acts of honor, fidelity and integrity that have shaped our nation.

"This celebration is important to make sure that we always remember where we came from, those who came before us, and to honor their memory and keep track of the significant events that make us who we are today," said Cmdr. Robert Barbee, NSA executive officer.

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 Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Det. Europe, visit www.navy.mil/local/npaseeurope/ .