PORT HUENEME, Calif. – Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Deputy Technical Director Vance Brahosky spoke at the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Midway and 75th D-Day commemoration event, held June 6 in the command Executive Conference Room.
The commemoration ceremony was an opportunity for the workforce to learn more about the pivotal events in our Navy and our nation’s history and afforded a chance to engage senior leadership on the subject of maintaining global maritime superiority in a contested environment.
“Today is a day of remembrance for our Navy and our nation’s history,” stated NSWC PHD Chief Staff Officer, Cmdr. Raoul Bustamante in opening. “First we commemorate the decisive U.S. Naval victory at Midway Atoll, 77 years ago today; as well as the demonstration of U.S. Naval supremacy on a global scale at the beaches and waters off the coast of Normandy.”
“In both the Pacific and Atlantic fronts during World War II, our Navy showed the world that we are a formidable and lasting force to be reckoned with,” he continued. “We maintain that global maritime superiority today.”
“Everything we do here matters in supporting the ships and sailors in the fleet,” stated Brahosky during his remarks. “We honor the legacy of those before us as we support the ships that come here, often named after individuals who have made great sacrifices and contributions to the Navy. That’s why I’m passionate about what we do and I want others to care about what they do as they serve the world’s greatest Navy.”
“This is a noble profession, and all too often we take it for granted,” he continued.
“The reality is there is a threat,” said Bustamante. “That’s why our leaders tell us to go faster, do more now. It’s not just lip service, the reality is there is a much broader battlespace now, not just land, sea and air, but also in the digital and cyber domain.”
“What you do as a team is fantastic,” concluded Bustamante.
The Battle of Midway, fought near the Central Pacific island of Midway, 4–6 June 1942, is considered the most decisive battle in the war in the Pacific. Before this battle the Japanese were on the offensive, capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. The United States took the offensive in World War II after this victory of the U.S. Navy over the Japanese Imperial Navy. After Midway, the tide of the war turned in favor of the United States and her allies.
The amphibious landings during Operation Overlord at Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944 set the stage for the liberation of western Europe from German occupation and final victory in Europe in May 1945. Nearly 7,000 U.S. and allied ships carrying approximately 160,000 troops participated in that battle.
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