On Saturday, June 6, 2015, NSA/CSS Hawaii (NSAH) hosted the "Battle of Midway: Commemorating the Past and Building the Future" Gala on the USS MISSOURI (Mighty Mo). More than 130 distinguished guests, including Rear Adm. Daniel MacDonnell, Commander, Information Dominance Corps Reserve Command, and Rear Adm. Kathleen Creighton, Director for Command, Control, Communications and Cyber, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), gathered on the historic ship where the Instrument of Surrender was signed by the Japanese in 1945.
"As a career naval officer, it is an extreme honor to host this 73rd Anniversary Commemoration gala of the Battle of Midway, on behalf of the PACOM J2 (USPACOM – Intelligence)," stated Capt. Cliff Bean, Commander of NSA/CSS Hawaii. "The Battle of Midway marked one of the most decisive U.S. victories during World War II, demonstrated the invaluable contribution of communications intelligence, and positioned the U.S. offensively in the Pacific which led to the eventual signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard this very ship."
After sunset and the observation of colors, historian Alan Lloyd provided a captivating and insightful account of the Battle of Midway, including rare, historical photos of the events leading up to this battle and the military strategies employed during this event that changed the tide of naval warfare in the Pacific during World War II. Lloyd brought to life these events in our Nation's history including his personal accounts witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the young age of 12.
The event included tours of the USS MISSOURI, hors d'oeuvres, and festive 1940s music provided by the Pacific Fleet Band. Guests also enjoyed dessert and champagne toasts on the fantail. It was a memorable event for all attendees and reminded us of the great men and women who fought dearly to preserve our freedom and restore peace.