Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Honors Midway Veterans
Story Number: NNS090608-13
Release Date: 6/8/2009 10:23:00 PM
From Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs
USS THACH, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group paid homage to veterans of the Battle of Midway and WWII in a special burial at sea ceremony in the Central Pacific June 6.
The crew of the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43), a ship named after Battle of Midway hero Adm. Jimmy Thach, performed a burial at sea for retired Cmdr. Dale "Abe" Simmons, one of Thachs' former wingmen.
"Reading about the heroic exploits of Abe Simmons gave me chills," said Cmdr. Dave Haas, Thach's commanding officer.
"Today, we honor a hero, and bury him at sea as he wished. But we also are saluting all of the veterans of Midway, one of the most strategic battles in Navy history. Heroes like our namesake, Admiral Jimmy Thach, changed the course of world history with their heroism, and it is an honor for our ship to bear his name and carry his legacy."
During the ceremony, Thach was the centerpiece of a formation of the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which included the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101). As the ships steamed into the sunset, Thach Sailors committed Simmons' ashes to the sea while F/A-18 strike fighters from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 flew overhead in the missing man formation.
"As an aviator, it is humbling," said Cmdr. Richard Brophy, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, and leader of the aerial formation. "To honor a legend like Commander Simmons in the same waters that witnessed one of our greatest victories is inspiring."
Aboard Thach, the crew solemnly reflected on their special connection to the heroes of yesterday.
"Midway was a victory of not only courage and determination but also of ordinary Sailors, like all of us, doing extraordinary things," said Haas.
The burial at sea aboard Thach culminated three days of Midway remembrance in the strike group. Aboard the flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Sailors watched related movies on the 67th anniversary of the Battle of Midway June 4 and held a special sunset wreath laying June 5.
"The commitment and mettle of the American Sailor are unchanged," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Our core values of honor, courage and commitment are the same as they were 67 years ago."
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group deployed from San Diego May 28 and is headed to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Operation. The squadrons of CVW 14 include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, VFA-25, VFA-113, VFA-115, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.
USS Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and the ninth of 10 Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The ship is named for the 40th president; its motto, "Peace through Strength," was a recurring theme during the Reagan presidency.
For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
