OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) and the Washington Navy League hosted a Battle of Midway memorial at the Patrol Boat Consolidated (PBY) Museum in Oak Harbor, June 3.
The ceremony honored the service members who fought and died during the World War II battle.
“It’s our history and it’s our heritage,” said Cmdr. Steve Richards, executive officer, NASWI. “This is one of the events we hold to remind our new Sailors of the events that happened, of the importance of the Navy and the importance of the jobs they’re doing right now to defend our nation.”
Richards also addressed the importance of training and readiness for when any situation may arise.
“Midway didn’t happen instantaneously,” said Richards. “It happened through preparation over years of investment into naval aviation, carrier aviation and basic Sailor training.”
The memorial had multiple speakers discuss the importance of the Battle of Midway and the influence it had on the war and on the Navy.
“The Battle of Midway is often cited as the engagement when the aircraft carrier became our fleet’s capital platform,” said Capt. Geoff Moore, commanding officer, NASWI. “It signifies more than the turning point in the World War II Pacific Theater. It ushered in a new era with the U.S. Navy as the world’s greatest sea power and with our nation’s aircraft carriers the symbol of our power projection.”
The battle demonstrated the significance of training, work ethic and the large influence it has over the outcome of the mission.
“We wouldn’t have won that battle without the day-to-day efforts of every Sailor on board those ships,” said Richards. “It reflects exactly what’s important for the Sailors these days and the jobs that they do.”
The ceremony serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for instruction and education in bases around the world and at NASWI.
“Today’s investment into NASWI and the training and preparation for aviators and their crews that support them is critical,” said Rick Larsen, U.S. Representative Washington, 2nd District. “You never know when you’re going to be called and you have to be ready to go.”