Surface Warfare Officer School Unit (SWOSU) Great Lakes held a 77th Anniversary Battle of Midway Commemoration event followed by a cake cutting ceremony June 7. Attendees listened to several SWOSU staff members as they recounting the events of the three-day battle that marked the turning point in the Pacific theater war during World War II, only seven months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"In holding the Battle of Midway commemoration we are ensuring that staff remember the sacrifices of Sailors before us," said Chief Electrician's Mate Hubert Bell, elevators chief petty officer and organizer of the event. "It is important that we pause to acknowledge and honor those Veterans of Midway, as well the significance that the Battle of Midway plays as a part of our Navy's history."

In early 1942, the Japanese were planning an additional operation that sought to eliminate the U.S. as a strategic power in the Pacific. They hoped that another demoralizing loss would force America to admit defeat in the Pacific War. The Japanese Navy plan was to take the islands of Midway in an effort to extend their defensive perimeter around their homeland and lure the remaining U.S. aircraft carriers into a trap. Japanese forces, widely dispersed for deception, consisted of four aircraft carriers, seven battleships and numerous escort ships, submarines and aircraft. All told, 185 ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy bore down on Midway.

"After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Navy seemed unstoppable," said Bell. "The Battle of Midway showed the importance of intelligence and tactical planning which carried over into future battles. The victory also lifted the Sailors morale and gave them the belief that the Allied forces could win this war."

Between the 4th and 7th of June, 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy was defeated and unsuccessful in their attack against Midway. The victory inflicted irreparable damage on the Japanese Fleet and turned the tide of the war. The U.S. Navy's success in the battle was queued on predictive intelligence from Station HYPO, whose staff had broken parts of the Japanese code. Based on their tireless work, Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Chester Nimitz demonstrated bold and decisive leadership and directed the American task force - including its three aircraft carriers - to intercept the Japanese strike force. The American forces, displaying valor and resolve, were successful in sinking all four Japanese carriers.

"As Navy Sailors we recognize the great importance of the Battle of Midway as a decisive battle and a great victory against the Imperial Japanese Navy," SWOSU Great Lakes Commanding Officer Cmdr. Terrance Patterson. "We take great pride in those that served our country and now take time to acknowledge them as forbearers who set the standards of service and sacrifice that form the hallmarks of our rich naval history and heritage."

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