Vice Admiral Gerald R. Beaman, Commander U.S. Third Fleet, addresses the audience at the 71st Anniversary Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 01, 2013) Vice Admiral Gerald R. Beaman, Commander U.S. Third Fleet, addresses the audience at the 71st Anniversary Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony. The Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942, in which U.S. Navy carrier strike forces prevented the Japanese from capturing control of Midway Island in the Pacific. The victory proved to be a pivotal point of World War II and is an important marker in naval heritage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Bradley J. Gee) File# 130601-N-IC565-121