A ceremony in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway was held aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), June 4.

Sailors from GHWB, the staffs of Carrier Strike Group 2, Carrier Air Wing 8 and its embarked squadrons, and Destroyer Squadron 22 attended the ceremony which paid homage to the service members who aided in successfully defeating the Japanese navy during the Battle of Midway in 1942, ultimately changing the course of history.

"This annual event rests in our hearts," said Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2. "We pause to acknowledge a moment in modern history where our Navy ancestors proved to the nation that it's faith and trust was worthwhile, where free men and women volunteered to fight."

Whitesell continued, commenting on the strong qualities of those volunteers.

"Seventy-five years ago, our shipmates were on a combat deployment to protect and preserve freedom," said Whitesell. "Our ancestors demonstrated that they were willing to be both resistant and creative."

When the battle was over, Japan had lost four carriers, one cruiser, 292 aircraft and an estimated 2,500 casualties.

"Look around this great ship," said Whitesell. "Look in the lines we stand right now during this ceremony and imagine what the loss of four carriers would have meant for the Japanese. They lost experienced flight deck crews, technicians and ordnancemen. They lost the most precious warfighting tool, the skilled Sailors that employed those vessels."

At the end of his remarks, Whitesell put the responsibility to carry on the Navy's legacy in the hands of current Sailors.

"We are the next generation of Sailors," said Whitesell. "As we commemorate Midway, we consider its continuing ability to inspire us. Let us go forth and remember that we have this sacred legacy to uphold."

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests.

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