The crew of aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
gathered in the foc'sle to celebrate the 74th Anniversary of
the Battle of Midway, June 2.

The memorial served as an opportunity for Sailors to learn more about those that fought and died during the battle by hearing stories from hand-written journals and historic personal accounts from Sailors themselves.

The stories, provided by special guest Laura Orr, deputy director of education at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, gave the audience a rich and fresh perspective of the historic battle by taking well-known dates and events and adding a personal touch from the Sailors who lived it.

"History is just facts, but heritage comes from the heart," said Orr. "The Battle of Midway itself was an important turning point in World War II, but the real [things] to remember are the personal, individual sacrifices made by those who served."

The Battle of Midway also played a major role in the future of warfare by solidifying the superiority of the untested aircraft carrier. Orr said American forces took advantage of new intelligence techniques, as well as some major risks which could've proved disastrous.

"The pilots knew that the torpedoes they were using had a history of being defective," said Orr. "They went into the battle not knowing if their equipment would work, or if they would even make it back alive, but they still went because it was their duty. They call them the greatest generation for a reason. It's these people that came before us, fought for us, that made America what it is today."

During the presentation, Command Master Chief Huben Phillips asked for a moment of silence to honor the memory of the heroes who fought. Phillips told the crew how important he felt it was to keep the memory alive. Just as it is recited in the Sailor's Creed, "we represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before us to defend freedom and democracy around the world."

"As individual Sailors, we should all be keepers of tradition," said Phillips. "It is our responsibility because we represent the ideals of those who came before us."

GHWB is currently undergoing a planned incremental availability period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

For more information on U.S. naval history or the Battle of Midway, visit the Hampton Roads Naval Museum or visit their website at www.history.navy.mil/museums/hrnm.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.