One of Japan’s main goals during World War II was to remove the United States as a Pacific power in order to gain territory in east Asia and the southwest Pacific islands. Japan hoped to defeat the US Pacific Fleet and use Midway as a base to attack Pearl Harbor, securing dominance in the region and then forcing a negotiated peace. 
 

The US Navy will celebrate its 249th birthday on October 13, 2024. The Museum will mark this service birthday with FREE admission for all active-duty and reserve members, retirees, and veterans of the US Navy.

Read how the world's only fully restored, combat-veteran PT boat got its flashy paint job, and why.

The US Navy will celebrate its 247th birthday on October 13, 2022. The Museum will mark this service birthday with FREE admission for all active-duty and reserve members, retirees, and veterans of the US Navy.

The US Navy will celebrate its 248th birthday on October 13, 2023. The Museum will mark this service birthday with FREE admission for all active-duty and reserve members, retirees, and veterans of the US Navy.