Sailors, Airmen and Marines at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a ceremony to commemorate the historic Battle of Midway, June 7.

Six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States defeated Japan in one of the most decisive naval battles of World War II. The Battle of Midway is often regarded as the turning point of the war in the Pacific, a pivotal victory which changed the U.S. defensive posture to an insurmountable offensive posture.

"As we commemorate Midway we consider its legacy and continuing ability to inspire us," stated Chief Master-at-Arms Delilah Clymer.

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel spoke to the numerous factors leading to victory at Midway such as advances in code breaking by U.S. Navy cryptologists, which enabled the U.S. to preemptively counter the planned ambush of its remaining aircraft carriers.

In the early morning hours of June 4, 1942, four Japanese aircraft attacked and severely damaged the U.S. base at Midway. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, U.S. carrier forces were just east of the island and ready for battle. After initial attacks, the Japanese aircraft headed back to their carriers to rearm and refuel. While the aircraft were returning, the Japanese navy became aware of the presence of U.S. naval forces in the area.

USS Enterprise (CV 6), USS Hornet (CV 8) and USS Yorktown (CV 5) bombarded the Japanese fleet with the TBD Devastator torpedo bombers and SBD Dauntless dive-bombers. Yorktown, which had been severely damaged after the Battle of the Coral Sea received a months-worth of repairs in just 72 hours to ensure it was ready for the Battle of Midway.

Over the next two days, U.S. forces continued their attacks, forcing the retreat of the Japanese forces back to Japan. The Japanese lost approximately 4,800 men, four aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and hundreds of aircraft -- while the United States lost approximately 307 men, one aircraft carrier, one destroyer, and over 100 aircraft. This critical U.S. victory halted the expansion of Japan in the Pacific and is celebrated as the turning point in the Pacific.

"Today we honor the veterans of Midway and celebrate its significance in the outcome of the war," said Trickel. "The Battle of Midway exemplifies how an event evolves from a pivotal moment in history to become an inspiration and source of great pride for generations to come."

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