USS Yorktown (CV 5) is being abandoned by her crew after she was hit by two Japanese Type 91 aerial torpedoes June 4, 1942. USS Balch (DD 363) is standing by at right. Regarded as the turning point in the Pacific during World War II, the Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. During the battle, U.S. Navy carrier strike forces, augmented by shore-based bombers and torpedo planes, decisively defeated an Imperial Japanese navy carrier task force.(U.S. Navy photo)

NAVAIR to commemorate 69th anniversary of Battle of Midway

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Naval Air Systems Command will commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with events taking place at several different sites. The Battle of Midway, which took place June 4-7, 1942, marked the turning point of World War II and highlighted the vast capability of naval aviation and the resolve of Navy Sailors. To honor the Navy’s heritage and salute the warriors of the Battle of Midway, NAVAIR encourages participation at the following commemoration events. Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., will host a wreath-laying ceremony June 3 at 9 a.m. in Building 409. There is also a Battle of Midway exhibit on display in the atrium of Building 2272. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., will host a Battle of Midway ceremony June 3 at 10 a.m. in Hangar 1. The guest speaker is Lee Heydolph, a historian from the Intrepid Museum in New York. In Orlando, Fla., Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Naval Support Activity Orlando, the Naval Operational Support Center Orlando and the U.S. Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems will host a commemoration ceremony June 3 at 9 a.m. in Warfighter Park. The Battle of Midway changed the course of the war in the Pacific and world history within just a few short days and demonstrated the unique strength of the Navy that is essential to ensuring security, prosperity and vital interests of the United States and its allies. For more information on the Battle of Midway, visit the U.S. Navy website at www.navy.mil/midway.

Torpedo Squadron (VT) 6 TBD-1 aircraft are prepared for launching on USS Enterprise (CV-6) at about 0730-0740 hours June 4, 1942. Eleven of the 14 TBDs launched from Enterprise are visible. Three more TBDs and 10 F4F fighters must still be pushed into position before launching can begin.

A Douglas SBD-3 "Dauntless" scout bomber (Bureau # 4542), of USS Enterprise's Bombing Squadron (VB) 6, is parked onboard USS Yorktown (CV 5) after landing at about 1140 hours June 4, 1942. This plane, damaged during the attack on the Japanese aircraft carrier Kaga that morning, landed on Yorktown as it was low on fuel. It was later lost with the carrier. Its crew included Ensign George H. Goldsmith, pilot, and Radioman 1st Class James W. Patterson, Jr. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute, 1984, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photo)