Area Navy commands and the local community gathered June 4 to commemorate the Battle of Midway during a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.

Hosted by the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), the ceremony honored the service of those who fought in the decisive World War II battle 76 years ago.

NETPDC Commanding Officer Capt. Kertreck Brooks welcomed the guests and noted that observances like the Battle of Midway play an important part in highlighting the Navy's history.

"An integral part of our mission as naval professionals is to preserve and celebrate our rich naval history and heritage," said Brooks. "Understanding our past is key to effectively handling the challenges of the future, and is fundamental to building and operating the 21st century Navy and Marine Corps forces our nation requires."

Considered by many military historians to be the turning point of World War II in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Midway was fought in the vicinity of Midway Island June 4-7, 1942. As a response to their sending planes to attack the U.S. base at Midway, Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carriers were fatally damaged by dive bombers from the USS Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Yorktown (CV 5). Four Japanese carriers were sunk, and 3,057 Japanese personnel were killed in the conflict, at the cost of losing the Yorktown and 307 American personnel. Compelled by their losses, the Japanese were forced to abandon their plans to capture Midway and retired westward. This decisive win for the U.S brought an end to Japanese naval superiority in the Pacific.

Kevin Miller, a retired Navy captain, noted author and Midway scholar, was the guest speaker for the Battle of Midway commemoration and focused his remarks on how America's young men and their machines were able to triumph over a seemly unsurmountable force and invincible foe, making a huge difference in WWII. He addressed the standing-room-only crowd in the museum atrium.

"Midway was a turning point victory," said Miller. "Never again would the Japanese threaten the United States, Australia or India. It bought time for us to move resources into Europe." "Because of Midway, conflict in both theatres was brought to a conclusion more quickly."

At the end of the ceremony, two additions to the museum collection were unveiled by Dr. Buddy Macon, deputy director of the museum. A Japanese battle flag captured on Guadalcanal (on loan from the Flying Leatherneck Museum) and a squadron refrigerator from Fighter Squadron 34 on the USS Saratoga (CV 3) were donated by Robyn Conrad Adair on behalf of her family.

Commands participating in the ceremony included NETPDC, Naval Aviation Schools Command, Corry Station Performing Arts Company and Naval Operational Support Center Pensacola at Saufley Field.

Following the ceremony, there was a special showing of the film "South Dakota Warrior" highlighting the life of Lt. Cmdr. John Waldron, a Navy torpedo bomber pilot who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Midway, and a Native American (Lakota).

NETPDC's mission is to provide products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education (VOLED) Department, the Navy Advancement Center (NAC), and the Resources Management Department.

For more information on NETPDC visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/netc/netpdc/Default.htm


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