PEARL HARBOR -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, honored the Navy’s “Station HYPO” code breakers in a ceremony focused on their historical significance during World War II and the Battle of Midway, June 2.

Adm. Swift is the 35th commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet since it was established at Pearl Harbor, the same position held by Adm. Chester Nimitz during the Battle of Midway. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of Midway, where Nimitz relied on the predictive, actionable intelligence that led to the U.S. victory.

Adm. Swift delivered remarks at the ceremony, alongside Capt. Dale C. Rielage, director of intelligence and information on the U.S. Pacific Fleet staff; Cmdr. James W. Adkisson, executive officer, Navy Information Operations Command; Rear Adm. (ret.) Samuel J. Cox, director, Naval History and Heritage Command; and Dr. Craig L. Symonds, noted author and professor of history emeritus, U.S. Naval Academy. Also in attendance were retired U.S. Marine Col. John Miniclier and retired Army Sgt. Ed Fox, who both fought on the Midway Atoll during the battle.

“Today, we honor those who broke more than codes, but broke through barriers here at HYPO to enable victory,” said Swift. “And we remember the brave Sailors, Marines, and Airmen that fought so valiantly seventy-five years ago, ever grateful for their service and sacrifice.”

The Navy relied on innovative methods of code breaking to counter Japanese naval forces during World War II, using officers and enlisted Sailors to interpret heavily encrypted messages. Their efforts provided critical information that led to U.S. success at the Battle of Midway’ which allowed U.S. forces to take an offensive position in the war against Japan.

The commemoration of the events at Midway and at Station HYPO honored those who worked tirelessly to present U.S. forces with a way to succeed.

“That culture of innovation was readily apparent here at Station HYPO,” said Swift. “The code-breaking team recognized that the limits of their charter and the way that business had always been done before wasn’t good enough.”

Code breaking continues in today’s Navy with modern cryptologic technicians working to interpret and assess intelligence received and translate that intelligence into useable information for the benefit of the Navy worldwide.