Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmy Ivy | 210604-N-EJ843-0264 GROTON, Conn. (June 4, 2021) – (From Left to Right) Submarine...... read more read more
GROTON, Conn. – Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London and the Navy in Southeastern Connecticut commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the Historic Ship Nautilus (SSN 571) and Submarine Force Museum, June 4.
The ceremony was SUBASE New London’s first to be open to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic and also marked the official re-opening of the Nautilus and the Museum.
The Battle of Midway started on June 4, 1942, and ended three days later, nearly six months after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Part of the Navy’s victory came from advancements in code-breaking, which made the U.S. aware days before the attack. The U.S. victory at the battle was a critical turning point in the Pacific campaign during World War II.
U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney (2nd-Conn.) and retired Admiral John Padgett III, President of the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association, joined Capt. Todd Moore, SUBASE New London Commanding Officer as guest speakers at the event. Lt. Cmdr. Derek Sutton, Officer-in-Charge of Historic Ship Nautilus (SSN 571) and Director of the Submarine Force Museum, served as Master of Ceremonies.
“The Battle of Midway was an improbable victory for our Navy,” said Sutton. “Our force was small, not battle hardened, and stood in the face of the might of the Japanese Imperial Navy. It was the determination and courage of our Sailors and Marines that turned the tide.”
Moore also spoke of the keys to the U.S Navy’s success in the battle.
“Prevailing over the enemy would require astute leadership and operational acumen; exceptional skills from the bridge to the deck plate; and, a faith and confidence in each Sailor and Marine to do their utmost in carrying out the mission,” said Moore. “During the Battle of Midway, our Navy and Marine Corps exercised those character traits and more…from Navy and Marine Corps leaders like Admiral Nimitz and Lt. Col. Harold F. Shannon, commanding the Marine Corps garrison at Midway, to Radioman Deen Brown stationed aboard USS Trout (SS 202).”
In attendance at the ceremony were the children of the late Master Chief Deen Brown. After SUBASE New London Command Master Chief Kellen Voland relayed the personal recollections of the battle passed down from Brown, they joined in dropping a wreath in Thames River in remembrance all who fought in the battle.
After participating in the wreath laying, Courtney and Padgett spoke of the importance of the Museum in relaying history like the Battle of Midway and telling the personal stories of service and sacrifice like Brown’s.
Sutton concluded the event with an aspiration and an announcement.
“I hope this commemoration has provided the opportunity for reflection, just as I hope our Museum provides the context for all of us to learn and never forget,” said Sutton before declaring for his first time in a public venue that: “The museum is open!”
To learn more about the museum or to plan your next trip visit ussnautilus.org.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2021 16:41 |
| Story ID: | 398753 |
| Location: | GROTON, CT, US |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, SUBASE commemorates Battle of Midway and re-opens Submarine Force Museum, by PO2 Jimmy Ivy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT