During the past week over 4,000 Training Support Center (TSC) staff and students attended the command's 75th Anniversary Battle of Midway remembrance event at Ross Theatre.

Attendees listened intently as Lt. Katy Bock, staff/student training officer at TSC, spoke and a video was shown recounting 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.

"Students and staff should take ownership of the Navy's heritage because we are now part of that heritage," said Bock. "We need to take stock in what may be expected of us; to serve with determination and bravery as the sailors of midway had to do."

In early 1942, the Japanese were planning an additional operation that sought to completely eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific. They hoped that another demoralizing loss would force America to admit defeat in the Pacific War.

"The actions taken by Sailors who fought in this battle is why this battle is so significant in our history and why we commemorate it today," said Cmdr. Kevin Halfacre, executive officer of TSC. "The Battle of Midway is the ultimate statement of our Navy's strength and character. Today we reflect on acts of valor, teamwork, and determination."

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.

What they got was something quite different. Between June 4-7, 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.

"While we look back and reflect on what it took for those Sailors to win, we can also look forward with great confidence," said Halfacre. "Knowing that the challenges we face today will be taken on by Sailors with the same devotion, spirit, and toughness of those who fought and won at Midway."

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