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![]() Peter Ording 2001 |
Location Lat 9° 4' 60N Long 167° 19' 60E Kwajalein Island is the southernmost and largest island in the Southern Atoll of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Known to Americans forces as simply "Kwaj". Borders Kwajalein Lagoon. Directly to the north is Roi-Namur. Wartime History During the Pacific War, occupied by the Japanese Navy who built Kwajalein Airfield. Japanese seaplanes also operated from Kwajalein Lagoon, moored to the north in the Kwajalein Atoll (Southern Atoll). Between February 1, 1942 until January 31, 1944 attacked by U.S. Navy (USN) carrier aircraft and U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) 7th Air Force bombers in preparation for an American amphibious landing to capture Kwajalein. During "Operation Flintlock" Kwajalein came under heavy air attack by U.S. Navy (USN) aircraft and ships. American missions against Kwajalein February 1, 1942 - January 28, 1944 On January 31, 1944 during "Operation Flintlock" an amphibious landing was made by U.S. Marines Corps (USMC). Kwajalein was liberated by February 4, 1944. Immediately, the island was developed into a major American base and staging area. Today Kwajalein and Roi-Namur are American military bases used for radar and tracking. On the islands, traces of the Pacific War on land are almost all but erased, but underwater there are many shipwrecks and some aircraft wrecks that are popular dive sites. Kwajalein Airfield Japanese built airfield, captured by Americans and expanded References Breaking the Outer Ring: Marine Landings in the Marshall Islands Contribute
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![]() Atoll Map 1944 |
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