Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler hosted a Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi, June 7.

Service members from Marine Detachment Keesler and Airmen stationed at Keesler AFB observed the ceremony on the east side of Allee Hall, along with veterans from the Armed Forces Retirement Home - Gulfport.

Master of ceremonies and CNATTU instructor Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Tanner Anderson said the importance of recognizing the 75th anniversary - what is generally viewed as the U.S. turning point of the Pacific campaign in World War II - should be shared with all military personnel.

"We like to say at CNATTU that our history is important," Anderson said. "The lessons we learn from warfighters of the past are certainly applicable in today's Navy, and not only is our naval heritage important to us. I felt that leading today's remembrance carried a special significance, given the joint-service environment we have here."

Speakers from three branches reflected on their respective service's contributions to the Battle of Midway, historically seen as the U.S. Navy's most momentous maritime victory.

"The courage, sacrifice, heroism and teamwork of all hands in that pivotal battle warrants our study, emulation and reverence," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Adrian Piñeiro. "Their victory was achieved through a synergy of efforts that included breaking the enemy's code, the untiring efforts of those who helped sustain our forces and those there during the battle who defeated a numerically superior enemy force."

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher Champagne spoke to the nearly 100 attendees about the contributions of the 6th Defense Battalion and the 22nd Marine Aircraft Group; explaining how they manned beachfront gun emplacements and flew air missions instrumental in the defense of what is now called Henderson Field.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mitchel Beckner shared details about the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), then under the command of Maj. Gen. Clarence Tinker, the namesake of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. With forces already stretched thin after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the USAAF deployed several remaining squadrons of medium and heavy bombers as well as reconnaissance aircraft to the already crowded airfield on Eastern Island.

CNATTU Keesler's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp also addressed the crowd, recognizing the historic significance the Battle of Midway continues to have today with the chief of naval operations' "A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority" addressing how the Navy will adapt to changes and continue fulfilling its mission.

"The effects of Midway are still felt today - in the blue and purple lines from the CNO, in our fleet with the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the proposal of the next USS Enterprise (CVN 80)," said Knapp. "Finally, in the core of our heritage, as USS Yorktown and USS Midway sit as floating museums."

Retired Army Capt. John Sylvia, a Korean conflict veteran and doctor, said the ceremony served as a fitting tribute.

"It is beautiful to have ceremonies such as this," said Sylvia. "These are for the men and women who died for our country."

CNATTU Keesler trains service members in the electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting and the maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment.

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost under Naval Education and Training Command.

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