Photo By Vaughan Dill | 180607-N-SH284-0219 BREMERTON, Wash. (June 7, 2018) Capt. David Kurtz, far left,...... read more read more
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BREMERTON Wash. – Recognized as the decisive turning point for World War II, the Battle of Midway was a harrowing and costly battle, installations throughout Navy Region Northwest held various 76th anniversary Battle of Midway Commemoration ceremonies throughout the month of June.
The Battle of Midway is regarded as one of the Navy's and the nation's most historically significant naval victories. The battle occurred June 3-7, 1942, and changed the tide of the war in the Pacific and the course of world history.
Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) paid tribute to the anniversary of those who served in and died at a Battle of Midway Remembrance Ceremony, Thursday, June 7 on the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk.
The Ceremony began with a moment of silence to remember those who fought in and gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend this country.
“Ladies and Gentleman," said Cmdr. Brian Rednour, executive officer, Naval Base Kitsap and Lima, Ohio native. "In commemoration of the great Allied Forces and American naval victory at the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, we pause to remember and honor the spirit of Midway in our Navy and our Nation... We pause to honor all those who served in World War II and have served, or are serving, with honor, courage and commitment.”
With many commanding officers, executive officers, command master chiefs and Sailors from throughout the region, along with World War II veterans, and city and county officials in attendance, Capt. David Kurtz, executive officer, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Coatesville, Penn. Native delivered the keynote speech.
“I am honored to be a part of this year’s city remembrance of the Battle of Midway during the 125th year of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard’s history,” said Kurtz. “The fact that our civilian and Navy populations combine to honor this occasion is truly special, and I am delighted to be a part of it.”
The United States was able to preempt and counter Japan’s planned ambush of its few remaining aircraft carriers, inflicting permanent damage on the Japanese Navy. An important turning point in the Pacific campaign, the victory allowed the United States and its allies to move into an offensive position.
“Midway was the second consecutive Japanese thrust repulsed by the US Navy after the push south to isolate Australia was thwarted in the Coral Sea in May 1942," said Kurtz. "Those two defeats, on the heels of the Doolittle Raid that April, could be said to have had a profound effect on both American and Japanese psyche – the first tastes of defeat for the Japanese, and the first glimmer of hope for the Americans...That’s the type of momentum shift that can’t be calculated.”
The NBK remembrance included performances by the Navy Region Northwest band, a flyover conducted by the Scorpions of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ 132), followed by a wreath laying ceremony conducted by WWII veterans and finished with a gun volley, performed by the Naval Base Kitsap Honor Guard.
Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island gathered at the PBY-Naval Air Museum Catalina aircraft on Tuesday, June 5, and paid tribute to the anniversary of those who served in and died in one of the most famous battles of World War II.
The annual remembrance ceremony was hosted by NAS Whidbey Island and the PBY-Naval Air Museum. Capt. Geoffrey Moore, commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Island, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony.
“It’s an honor to join you today with the great men and women of today’s Navy paying tribute to the greatest generation’s greatest naval victory," said Moore. "One that took place 76 years ago and changed the course of history in the Pacific Ocean.”
Capt. Moore recalled many of the precise and ingenious tactics employed by the U.S. Navy during the battle and recognized the result of such heroism.
“As a result of the battle of Midway, the Japanese lost four carriers, a heavy cruiser, 322 aircraft and over 3,500 lives," said Moore. "As important as the loss of the carriers themselves, the loss of over 100 aviators and 700 maintenance workers had an equally damaging effect on their ability to carry out effective aviation operations.”
This heroism, however, was costly with the loss of over 300 American lives.
“Through their sacrifice, tenacity and valor, they still inspire us today with their selfless shining example,” said Moore. “We’re here today to remember these men and other defenders during that great conflict. We honor them and thank them for preserving the freedom we enjoy and will continue to ensure that their actions are not forgotten.”
Moore and Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Brandon Vaught concluded the ceremony with a wreath-laying and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Taylor Fettig performed Taps as everyone stood silently in respect for those who served in the Battle of Midway.
Naval Station Everett (NSE) held their Battle of Midway Commemoration in conjunction with their Memorial Day Ceremony on base May 24.
The NSE commemoration concluded with a wreath presentation, following remarks from Myra Rintamaki, the mother of Marine Corps Cpl. Steven Rintamaki, who was killed in 2004 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Capt. Mark Lakamp, commanding officer, NSE.
Please join Naval installations throughout Navy Region Northwest and Commander, Naval Region Northwest, in our salute of all our heroes.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2018 22:51 |
| Story ID: | 280200 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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