Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler staff and students hosted a Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) June 5.

The World War II battle was fought June 3-7, 1942 between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Imperial Navy at and near the island of Midway in the central Pacific Ocean. The United States won the battle.

Service members from Marine Det. Keesler and Airmen at local commands observed the ceremony on the east side of Allee Hall.

Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Miguel Decena, a CNATTU Keesler instructor, served as the master of ceremonies. Decena said he felt it was important to recognize the anniversary because it is generally viewed as the turning point for the United States and her allies.

"The lessons we learn from warfighters of the past are certainly applicable in today's Navy, and our naval heritage continues to be important to us," said Decena. "I felt that leading today's remembrance carried a special significance, given the joint-service environment we have here."

Electronics Technician 1st Class Jason James described the maritime aspects of the war in the Pacific, leading up to the battle.

"A month earlier, at the Battle of Coral Sea in May 1942, the United States Navy would turn back invading Japanese forces for the first time in what was the first of four aircraft carrier battles of the war," James, a CNATTU Keesler instructor, said. "What we didn't know at the time was that the Battle of Coral Sea set the stage for the second aircraft carrier battle of the war, the Battle of Midway."

CNATTU Keesler's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp addressed the nearly 200 attendees and said it is important for service members of all branches of the military to remain aware of this pivotal battle and the customs, traditions and rich heritage of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"Each of these service members today have raised their right hand in oath to the United States of America," said Knapp. "With that, they embody a long line of honor, courage and commitment, and showing them what their predecessors accomplished through unparalleled sacrifice is an important part of what we do to educate these young service men and women."

Speakers from the Marine Corps and Air Force also reflected on their respective service's contributions to the Battle of Midway.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Richard Duran spoke about the contributions of the 6th Defense Battalion and the 22nd Marine Aircraft Group, explaining that the Battle of Midway represents a textbook example of battle-tested Marine Corps doctrine, using distributed and carefully coordinated air, land, and sea forces, that remains in effect today to counter enemy attacks.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary Ferguson shared details about the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). He said the USAAF deployed several remaining squadrons of medium and heavy bombers, as well as reconnaissance aircraft, to the already crowded airfield on Eastern Island after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Maj. Gen. Tinker led a flight of B-24 bombers against the retreating Japanese and was lost at sea with eight crewmen during the battle. Tinker was the first American general officer killed during World War II and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma is named after him.

"More than battles and bullets, our Sailors' toughness, initiative, accountability and integrity made us victorious," said Knapp. "The effects of Midway are still felt today as the historical significance continues to impact today's global naval strategy."

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 28 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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