As a member of US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal, I was part of a team to visit Maloelap over 20 years ago, to destroy unexploded ordnance on the island. Unfortunately, there were several large bombs in the middle of a coconut grove, and the locals didn't realize that the only way to dispose of them was to blow them up - which left a pretty big mess in the grove. Regardless, the people were wonderful, and the trip was amazing. I have so many fond memories of visiting the Marshalls, even if I think we did more harm than good. I hope to sail there again some day soon. Thanks so much for the walk down memory lane. I dove that same wreck, more than 20 years ago, spear fishing at night. You should have gone lobstering on the windward side...AMAZING.
Multiple reasons: It was not practical to go island to island and pick up each and every piece of wreckage. The policy at the time was turn over jurisdiction to local governments and let them use the remains as they saw fit.
Just now reading the comments. While I agree that we did leave a mess, I do believe the US supports the Marshalls (and Truk) in many ways, and has done so for decades.Trust me, there is MUCH aid.
I never said it was right. I was just clarifying the precise reasons. When you consider things from a cost benefit perspective, it makes no sense to invest in such clean ups if there is no benefit in it for the islands in question. Though technically, as part of the terms of the surrender, that responsibility to pay for things like that fell to the Japanese.
So what if it was not practical, it is irresponsible to make a mess in someone else's back yard and then tell them it is their problem. What arrogance!
As a member of US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal, I was part of a team to visit Maloelap over 20 years ago, to destroy unexploded ordnance on the island. Unfortunately, there were several large bombs in the middle of a coconut grove, and the locals didn't realize that the only way to dispose of them was to blow them up - which left a pretty big mess in the grove. Regardless, the people were wonderful, and the trip was amazing. I have so many fond memories of visiting the Marshalls, even if I think we did more harm than good. I hope to sail there again some day soon. Thanks so much for the walk down memory lane. I dove that same wreck, more than 20 years ago, spear fishing at night. You should have gone lobstering on the windward side...AMAZING.
My grandpa was on that island ill never forget that
WOW!!! This is amazing!
did you find any relics like rifles and bayonets??
Are you looking for something there,a history.
Multiple reasons:
It was not practical to go island to island and pick up each and every piece of wreckage.
The policy at the time was turn over jurisdiction to local governments and let them use the remains as they saw fit.
Just now reading the comments. While I agree that we did leave a mess, I do believe the US supports the Marshalls (and Truk) in many ways, and has done so for decades.Trust me, there is MUCH aid.
Is there some good reason for the US and Japan not to clean up the mess they made on these islands?
agreed, but some of it could help draw tourists bringing in much needed revenue to the people living on the islands
I never said it was right. I was just clarifying the precise reasons. When you consider things from a cost benefit perspective, it makes no sense to invest in such clean ups if there is no benefit in it for the islands in question. Though technically, as part of the terms of the surrender, that responsibility to pay for things like that fell to the Japanese.
So what if it was not practical, it is irresponsible to make a mess in someone else's back yard and then tell them it is their problem. What arrogance!
Yokwe
Iakwe eok