About this Unit
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Midway Island was established during World War II as a critical U.S. Navy installation on Midway Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. Its strategic location made it pivotal during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where U.S. naval and air forces, operating from the facility, played a decisive role in defeating the Japanese fleet. After the battle, NAF Midway Island continued to serve as a key refueling, communications, and staging point for naval and air operations throughout the Pacific theater. The facility remained active during the Cold War era before being decommissioned in 1993, and today, the island is primarily a wildlife refuge.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: NAF Midway Island, also known as Naval Air Facility Midway, is located roughly halfway between North America and Asia in the Pacific Ocean, making it a critical outpost for trans-Pacific operations.
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Battle of Midway: The island was the site of the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942, where the U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy, changing the course of World War II in the Pacific.
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Early U.S. Presence: The United States took formal possession of Midway in 1867, but it was not until 1903 that construction began on infrastructure to support trans-Pacific communication cables.
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WWII Airfield: The airfield on Midway Island was completed just before the outbreak of WWII and was instrumental in launching aircraft during the famous battle.
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Submarine Base: During WWII, Midway served as a forward submarine base for the U.S. Navy, supporting submarines operating in the central and western Pacific.
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Japanese Bombardment: In 1941 and again during the Battle of Midway in 1942, the island was bombarded by Japanese aircraft and ships, causing significant damage, but defenders held out.
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Albatross Sanctuary: Outside of its military significance, Midway is famous for its large colonies of Laysan albatrosses and has been designated as part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
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Cold War Significance: During the Cold War, NAF Midway was used as a base for monitoring Soviet activity, hosting communications, and supporting U.S. naval operations.
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Operation Sandblast: In 1960, the USS Triton stopped at Midway during its historic first submerged circumnavigation of the globe, known as Operation Sandblast.
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Base Closure: The base was officially closed in 1993, but the airfield and facilities are occasionally used for emergency landings and as a wildlife refuge.
