 Operation Neptune, now known as D-Day, commenced June 6, 1944. Sailors from eight countries aboard more than 5,000 vessels provided aid to the Normandy invasion. Split into two task forces, the D-Day fleet demonstrated naval power and presence and used a wide variety of platforms for specialized tasks such as shore bombardment, minesweeping, and transporting troops and equipment. The crews of those ships held fast to the core values of honor, courage and commitment, even as German U-boats torpedoed their sister ships. Today's Navy conducts training exercises with partner nations, just as they did during World War II to prepare for the invasion, and utilizes several platforms to aid in combat and disaster relief and project power and presence worldwide. Sailors still embody the same core values and remember the contributions that helped build and continue to strengthen our modern naval force. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Ian Cutter.