Admiral Nimitz Foundation

06/11/2025

On this day in history, 11 June 1944, the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is commissioned. The ship was commissioned by then-Senator from Missouri Harry S. Truman’s daughter, Margaret, and was the last commissioned battleship of the U.S. Navy. After her trials and battle training, Missouri took part in the invasion support of both Iwo Jima and Okinawa as well as the raids on the Japanese home islands in early 1945. She became the flagship of the Third Fleet in May, and when the Japanese surrendered, the Missouri was the scene of the signing of the surrender documents on 2 September 1945.

USS Missouri eventually became the only battleship still in commission as others were phased out after World War Two. She continued a long and distinguished service until the ship was finally decommissioned on 31 March 1992. Today, she rests as a memorial site in Pearl Harbor near the USS Arizona Memorial.

Sources:
Naval History and Heritage Command
Images:
USS Missouri en route to San Francisco from Panama, November 1944. National Archives photo from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.
Surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri, 2 September 1945. National Archives photo from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.

06/07/2025

On this day in history, 7 June 1942, the carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) is sunk after damage from the Battle of Midway. Yorktown had previously suffered damage during the Battle of the Coral Sea and was sent back to Pearl Harbor for repairs. She was patched up enough to join the American fleet dispatched to Midway after intercepted enemy transmissions revealed an impending attack. Although the Americans managed do considerably more damage to the Japanese than they took, the Japanese dealt several severe blows to the US fleet, including Yorktown. The damage to the carrier was significant. Despite attempts to keep her afloat, a Japanese submarine came across the limping carrier a few days after the initial battle. The sub managed to move in and fire off two shots on the carrier, finally sinking the Yorktown.

Yorktown’s role in both the Battle of Coral Sea and Midway helped to halt Japanese expansion across the Pacific and turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies. She earned three battle stars for her service during World War Two. Yorktown was named after the 1781 Battle of Yorktown, and the Yorktown class of aircraft carriers is named for her.

Learn more about the USS Yorktown and her role at Midway with our article, “The Battle of Midway,” live now on our website!

Sources:
National Museum of the Pacific War
Naval History and Heritage Command
Image: USS Yorktown takes damage during the Battle of Midway, 4 June 1942. National Archives photo from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.

06/06/2025

Join us next week for our June 12th webinar, Untold Stories of WWII: "Karel Aster...The Last Czech," where author Edna Bautista Binkowski, also author of Code Name High Pockets, as she shares the extraordinary story of these unsung heroes. Through their sacrifice and courage, they became part of a powerful yet little-known chapter of WWII history—one of resistance, captivity, and ultimate liberation in the Pacific.

📅Thursday, June 12 | 🕕6:00 PM
📍Online | 🎟️Free with registration on the Event's Page of our Website

Before World War II, the BATA Shoe Company brought Czech innovation and industry to Manila, employing thousands and fostering strong Czech-Filipino ties. But when Japan invaded the Philippines in December 1941, fourteen Czechoslovak nationals defied Nazi-aligned orders and volunteered to fight alongside U.S. and Filipino forces in Bataan.

Register now on the Event's Page of our Website to join us!

06/27/2021

Today we recognize National PTSD Awareness Day.
According to the VA around 8 million Americans currently have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental health disorder distinguished by recurring traumatic memories of life-changing events like military combat, sexual assault, and traffic accidents.

Here are some resources that can provide guidance if you or a loved one need help:

🔘 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers help for PTSD. Call 1-800-273-8255 and dial 1 if you’re a veteran.

🔘 The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

🔘 If you or someone you know is struggling, there is a Women Veteran Call Center where you can call or text 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636).

Photo courtesy of the National Archives: "Shocked Marine----Two buddies befriend a shell shocked Marine and hurry him towards aid in the rear. The Leatherneck had an enemy mortar shell land beside him."

06/26/2021

Admiral Nimitz's words after the capture of Iwo Jima.

06/25/2021

NMPW will host a remote Amateur Radio “station” (also known as Ham radio) operated by Dee Hester a 49-year veteran, licensed operator. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) holds its annual ARRL Field Day on the last weekend of June every year. The Field Day is the single, most popular on-the-air event held annually in the U.S. and Canada. It is a time when many of ARRL’s 170,000 FCC-licensed Amateurs broadcast, participate in a contest and, generally, have fun.

The Amateur Radio Service has been around for over 100 years and ARRL has itself been established since 1914. There are an estimated 700,000+ radio licensees in the U.S. and an estimated 3,000,000 worldwide. Licensees range from youngsters to older adults, and many volunteer their skills to help with large events such as parade or fair logistics, marathons, walk-a-thons as well as disaster-related communications. To learn more, visit www.arrl.org.

See Hester and Woodward in action for ARRL Field Day
Sunday, June 27
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

06/25/2021

Learning about Game design at our Summer Camp. Each child is working on a game of their own.

06/23/2021

On June 23, 1939, Congress authorized the creation of a Reserve component for the Coast Guard. At the time, the Coast Guard Reserve was made up of civilian volunteers, but later Congress acted to make the Reserve a bona fide branch of the Armed Forces.

One good way to celebrate the Coast Guard Auxiliary birthday is to participate in the Auxiliary’s mission to make boating, seafaring, and waterway use as safe as possible.

06/19/2021

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas, bringing news to the town that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free. This was nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Before long, the former slaves in southeastern Texas began to celebrate June 19 as Emancipation Day. Eventually, they shortened the name to Juneteenth.

The commemoration of the end of slavery holds special meaning for Americans nationwide

06/19/2021

Juneteenth is the commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in the United States. There are many ways you can show your support and solidarity, here are three ideas.

06/16/2021

Attention Visitors to our Museum we are happy to announce that NMPW is now open six (6) days every week from 9:AM - 5 PM, closed on Tuesdays. Reservations and tickets online are recommended.
The Pacific Combat Zone and PCZ Museum Store will continue with its weekend schedule, open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM with the last admission at 3:00 PM. There is no admission charge for the PCZ, however, donations are welcome and appreciated.

06/10/2021

Test drive with our rare DUKW down Main St. Fredericksburg. It made the turn! This was important to know if it would make it so we could see if we could attend the upcoming 4th of July parade. It is one of the few in America that is in driving condition.