U.S. Navy Fireman Apprentice Chad H. Means, son of Cindy S. Hinkel, Cleves, and Dwayne H. Means, Cleves, is deployed. Means, along with fellow sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a ceremony, marking the ship’s close ties to the battle.
The previous USS Enterprise and her wing played a vital role in the pivotal World War II battle that took place June 4-7, 1942. The Battle of Midway is regarded as the turning point in the Pacific war.
Alongside three other carriers, the USS Enterprise and the U.S. Strike Forces defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy carrier task force. USS Enterprise and her wing sunk three of the four Japanese carriers.
The partnership between Enterprise and Destroyer Squadron 2 began at Midway 70 years ago and continues today.
As part of the commemoration, Enterprise’s first class Petty officers performed a wreath-laying ceremony on the fantail aboard the ship. The fallen sailors and marines were also honored with a 21-gun salute and the sounding of  Taps.
Aircraft performed a missing-man flyover formation to commemorate the aviators who lost their lives during the battle.
Means is a 2006 graduate of Taylor High School, North Bend.