Photo By Ensign Clarabelle Knyzhov | PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Commander, Training Air Wing Six (CTW-6), Commodore, Capt. Doug...... read more read more
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PENSACOLA, Fla. – Commander, Training Air Wing Six (CTW-6) hosted a Battle of Midway remembrance ceremony June 5 at the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to honor the anniversary of a critical turning point in World War II.
Captain Douglas “Cricket” White, the CTW-6 commodore, served as the event’s keynote speaker and reflected on the bravery, sacrifice and legacy of the service members who fought in the historic battle.
“Midway represents more than a victory – it is a testament to courage under pressure and the power of preparation and resolve,” White said. “Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we carry their legacy forward through our continued commitment to excellence in training.”
The Battle of Midway took place from June 4 to 7, 1942, just six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thanks to intelligence breakthroughs that allowed U.S. forces to anticipate Japanese movements, the U.S. Navy was able to launch a surprise counterattack against the Japanese fleet near Midway Atoll.
The victory came at a cost, however. The United States lost approximately 360 service members, one carrier, one destroyer and 144 aircraft. The Japanese lost four carriers, one cruiser, hundreds of aircraft and approximately 3,000 personnel.
NAS Pensacola, known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” played a foundational role in the development of the pilots and aircrew who served during the battle.
“From the earliest days of naval aviation, Pensacola has been where we train the warriors of tomorrow,” White said. “The same spirit of determination and discipline that helped win Midway lives on in every student who trains here today.”
The ceremony included a historical slide presentation, remarks honoring the fallen, and a special tribute to the SBD Dauntless dive bomber housed at the museum. The aircraft, which flew in the Battle of Midway and was later recovered from Lake Michigan, serves as a living symbol of the resilience and heroism displayed during the conflict.
NAS Pensacola, referred to as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," is designed to support operational and training missions of more than 120 tenant commands, including the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and is the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). With four distinct fence lines – the air station itself, Corry Station, Saufley Field and Bronson Field – NAS Pensacola develops and prepares the future of naval aviation and information warfare, with 60 percent of the fleet training at the air station’s areas.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2025 07:40 |
| Story ID: | 499818 |
| Location: | PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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