PEARL HARBOR – A Huntingtown, Maryland native and Huntingtown High School graduate, Ensign Joshua Levitas is serving in the U.S. Navy as a member of the Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) in historic Pearl Harbor during the 75th commemoration of the Battle of Midway.
Levitas works as a NIOC Information Warfare officer supporting real-world strategic intelligence missions primarily in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. The work done at their operation center remains as important today is it did in turning the tide of war in the Pacific 75 years ago.

Following the Dec. 7 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy and nation relied on the U.S. Navy “Station HYPO” code breakers in Hawaii who deciphered the Japanese messages ahead of the Battle of Midway from June 4-6, 1942. Armed with critical insight about Japanese battle plans, Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Chester Nimitz dispatched three American carriers to surprise the Japanese force at the atoll named for being “midway” in the Pacific. The U.S. Navy sunk the four enemy carriers, while losing one of their own. The victory turned the tide in the war, and is widely considered the most important victory in the U.S. Navy’s history.

“As a Navy officer, I’m continuing the traditions of all past officers in accomplishing the mission through perseverance and dedication to my country, and I am honored for the chance to serve,” said Levitas.

In today’s connected information environment, the need for talented, committed Americans to fulfill these assignments is critical. Recruiting, retaining and training technically-oriented and dedicated Americans for this important capability helps to keep the nation and our forces prepared against adversary’s actions, including cyberattacks.

“I am very proud of our nearly 2000 Officers, Chiefs, Sailors, and Department of the Navy Civilians at Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii. The work they do is a testament to the legacy of the father of cryptology, CAPT Joseph J. Rochefort, and his team of cryptologists,” said Commander James W. Adkisson III, NIOC Hawaii’s Executive Officer. “From code breaking that informed the Battle of Midway 75 years ago, to the Information Age today, cryptologic and cyber warfare serve as a key role, countering terrorism and aggression, and protecting the United States, our way of life, and our interests worldwide.”

“It’s a sacrifice being far from family, yet very fulfilling through challenges presented before me to accomplish the mission of the Navy,” said Levitas.

For more information about the historic code breaking in June 1942 and the Battle of Midway, see https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorations-toolkits/wwii-75/battle-of-midway.html.