Mount Whitney Commemorates Battle of Midway

BALTIC SEA (NNS) -- Sailors, chiefs and officers gathered on the deck of the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), to participate in a ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway, June 5.

The Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942, when U.S. Navy carrier strike forces and shore-based patrol bombers prevented the Japanese from capturing control of Midway Island in the Pacific. The victory is viewed as the turning point in the Pacific and is an important marker in naval heritage. U.S. Sailors throughout the Navy take time out to commemorate this historic battle.

Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke about events leading up to the Battle of Midway and how it changed the path of history.

"In the middle of 1942, people had begun to doubt if democracy could survive and whether freedom could survive," said Pandolfe. "Then, three victories came our way. The Russians, at Stalingrad, stopped the Germans. The British Empire, at El Alamein, stopped the Germans in the desert. The U.S. Navy, at Midway, stopped the Japanese."

Pandolfe explained that from June 1942 to the end of the war in 1945, victory followed victory, but the pivot was Battle of Midway in the summer of 1942.

"If those victories had not taken place, the world we have today would be very different," said Pandolfe. "That is why we are here today, to remember the young men and women who changed the future."

Several Mount Whitney Sailors shared stories highlighting the honor, courage and commitment of those who fought in the pivotal battle.

"It is a big part of our history and we need to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said Chief Ship's Serviceman Maximo Caimares, who helped plan the commemoration. "I think this ceremony is very important and it keeps our heritage alive."

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence to honor the memory of those who died during the Battle of Midway.

"It makes you realize how valuable each and every member of our crew is, just listening to the different events that were described," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher Light. "One individual can change the course of an entire battle. It's really inspiring and gives me a great feeling of pride and accomplishment."

Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and MSC civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation; deck engineering and supply service operations while military personnel aboard support communications, weapons systems and security.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.