Whidbey Island Naval Air Station will host a commemoration of the Battle of Midway at 1 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Crescent Harbor Marina boat deck on the Seaplane Base.

The battle is regarded as the turning point in the Pacific during World War II U.S. Navy carrier strike forces, according to a Wednesday news release from the base.

With the assistance of shore-based bombers and torpedo planes, they defeated an Imperial Japanese navy carrier task force during the Battle of Midway which occurred June 3-7, 1942. These actions prevented Japanese forces from capturing Midway Island and marked the dawn of the Navy’s global prominence and the coming of age of carrier aviation.

Guest speaker is retired Cmdr. Harvey Lasell, who was a 27-year-old Fire Control Division Officer aboard the USS Yorktown when the Japanese bombed this ship. He will share his recollections of the historic battle.

The event will include a wreath lying in Crescent Harbor and remarks by Capt. Michael Nortier, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, on the significance of the battle. The NAS Whidbey Island Color Guard will also be in attendance.