U.S. Navy Sailors, civilian federal employees and Japanese Master Labor Contractors paid tribute to both U.S. and Imperial Japanese Navy Sailors lost during the Battle of Midway at Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo's 1st Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremony held June 5, 2017.

The ceremony commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway which took place between June 4 and June 7, 1942.

"Each year, our Navy remembers this battle, for it was pivotal in the outcome of World War II and demonstrated the importance of a carrier battle group at sea," said Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Capt. Matthew Ovios.

The Battle of Midway, fought at the Midway Atoll, is considered the decisive naval battle and turning point of the war in the Pacific. It forced the Imperial Japanese Navy to adopt a defensive position for the first time after capturing territory throughout the Pacific and signified the shifting of the operational initiative from the Japanese to the Americans.

"In four days of fighting, seven ships and approximately 2,800 Sailors were lost," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class Ashley Jebens, a presenter in the ceremony. "Today, 75 years later, we pause to remember the Sailors who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

The U.S. Navy lost aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and destroyer USS Hammann. The Imperial Japanese Navy lost carriers IJN Soryu, IJN Kaga, IJN Akagi, IJN Hiryu and cruiser IJN Mikuma.

"While we will remember the ships and aircraft, we cannot forget that each of these ships was manned by hundreds of Sailors," said Ovios.

Three Sailors went to the podium to each recite the significance of the Battle of Midway. They would recount losses of both navies and the events that unfolded on each day of the battle.

The ceremony ended with a moment of silence, a playing of Taps by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Zachary Crowell and a benediction by Lt. Byron Johnson, a CFAS chaplain.

For more information about the Battle of Midway, visit http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorations-toolkits/battle-of-midway.html.


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