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SUBJ/COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY 83RD ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE
FLEET//
RMKS/1. On June 4, we commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of
Midway, a pivotal victory for the United States that help turn the tide in
the Pacific during World War II. It is especially significant because this
year we also celebrate 250 years of America’s Navy.

2. During the Battle of Midway, fought from June 3 to June 7, 1942, our
brave Sailors and Marines faced overwhelming odds. Their unwavering
commitment and extraordinary valor ensured that our Navy emerged victorious
in one of the Pacific Theater’s most critical battles.

3. The U.S. Navy, under Admirals Chester W. Nimitz, Frank J.
Fletcher, and Raymond A. Spruance, defeated an attacking fleet of the
Imperial Japanese Navy near Midway Atoll. The battle is considered a turning
point in the war because it halted Japanese expansion in the Pacific and
inflicted irreparable damage on their fleet by sinking four aircraft carriers

    • Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu – and a heavy cruiser. It was a crippling
      setback for the Japanese Fleet with staggering losses and they never regained
      the offensive. The success at Midway was largely due to superior American
      intelligence and the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice of U.S. pilots and
      Sailors who fought to victory against greater Japanese numbers.

    4. Historian Walter Lord summarized it well saying, “They had no right to
    win. Yet they did, and in doing so, they changed the course of a war. Even
    against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit – a
    magical blend of skill, faith, and valor – that can lift men from certain
    defeat to incredible victory.”

    5. The actions of our Sailors at Midway remain an enduring inspiration for
    all who wear the uniform today. It is imperative that we continue to uphold
    these values as we confront modern challenges and provide the American people
    peace through strength.

    6. Commands are encouraged to take time during this period to reflect on the
    significance of the Battle of Midway and organize appropriate commemorative
    activities that honor those who fought so valiantly. America’s Navy has
    promoted prosperity and security, deterred aggression, and protected the
    American way of life for 250 years. Let us reaffirm our commitment to
    preserving this legacy of excellence by embodying the fighting spirit that
    makes our Navy and Marine Corps feared around the globe.

    7. The Battle of Midway toolkit can be found at
    https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorationstoolkits/wwii/battle-of-midway.html. The online toolkit features a wide
    variety of resources to aid in the development of local commemorative
    activities, including documents, articles, downloadable photos and art,
    logos, graphics, Plan of the Day notes, videos, blog posts, ceremony scripts,
    ceremony program templates, speeches from previous commemorations, and
    guidance, including previous Navy administrative messages directing the
    commemoration.
    Development of some of the resources listed above is ongoing and will be
    added upon receipt – check back frequently.

    8. Report all commemorative events to Naval History and Heritage Command
    Communication and Outreach Division not later than
    15 June 2025. Commands are requested to include metrics and lessons learned
    on communication objectives, as outlined in the Battle of Midway 83rd
    Anniversary Communication Plan.

    9. Released by ADM J. W. Kilby, Acting Chief of Naval Operations, and MCPON
    J. M. Honea, 16th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
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