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| Diving WW II Wrecks of Truk Lagoon |
| Helping to preserve the natural and historic legacy of Truk Lagoon's World War II submerged sites. |
     
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On The Expedition In the warm, clear, and current-free waters of this protected lagoon, you will scuba dive among the spectacular remains of coral-draped Japanese ships and aircraft. After an introduction to archaeological and biological recording techniques and diving practices, you will divide into groups and take to the water with waterproof slates, measuring tapes, and waterproof digital voltmeters. Using these simple instruments, you will observe and record information on the lagoon's archaeology and on the corrosion and current decay rates of the wrecks. On the two non-diving days, you will help enter data and take oral histories from local people. You will also have a day to explore some of the volcanic islands and coral atolls that surround the lagoon, as well as other historic sites. All volunteers must be scuba-certified with at least two years' experience diving to 60 feet, and be medically fit to dive. Meals and Accommodations Teams stay in studio-style hotel apartments about ten minutes from the diving base. Each unit sleeps three, and is equipped with a stove, a refrigerator, a conventional bathroom with a cool shower, and air conditioning. Teams will eat morning meals in their rooms, lunches out in the field, and an evening meal together, cooked for them. Local food, such as fresh fish and breadfruit, is plentiful, and fresh vegetables are usually available, although sometimes limited. There are a number of good local and "international" restaurants that your team may decide to explore. More Information 
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Research Summary Truk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia — Truk (a.k.a. Chuuk) was an Imperial Japanese Navy base during World War II. Considered second only to Pearl Harbor in strength, the U.S. saw this base as a major threat and in February 1944 began Operation Hailstone, a 2-day intense aerial bombing campaign that continued in various forms until the war's end. More than 50 naval and merchant ships were sunk in Truk Lagoon, along with up to 100 aircraft, with many intact, having been protected by the surrounding barrier reef. The submerged military remains also attract colorful and diverse marine life, some of it unique to the area, as well as divers from around the world. Maritime archaeologist Dr. Bill Jeffery, materials scientist Dr. Ian Macleod, and marine ecologist Maria Beger aim to document and help protect Truk Lagoon's rich historic and biological heritage. Meet the Scientists  Dr. Bill Jeffery James Cook University We invite you to conduct the first comprehensive survey of this famous lagoon’s World War II submerged historic sites. We will be doing detailed archaeological examination of some of the wrecked planes and ships in conjunction with marine flora and fauna surveys as well as corrosion surveys to determine their rates of decay. The data we gather will help Mircronesia develop management strategies to preserve the heritage of the sites. Dr. Bill Jeffery holds a Ph.D. in Maritime Archaeology from James Cook University and has worked for the Federated States of Micronesia’s National Historic Preservation Office since 2001 as a contract maritime archaeologist. He was the State Maritime Archaeologist for South Australia from 1981 to 2003, during which time he led several projects in South Australia and New Zealand, and participated as an archeological team leader throughout Australia and Asia. Since 2002, he has worked on a number of marine archaeology investigations in China as part of the Hong Kong government’s requirements for offshore developments. Dr. Jeffery will be responsible for the project’s maritime archaeology activities and will interact with Earthwatch volunteers throughout the expeditions.  Dr. Ian MacLeod Western Australian Museum  Maria Beger University of Queensland |
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About the Research Area The Islands of Chuuk are in the central Caroline Islands of the Western Pacific. They lie about 3,700 kilometers/2,299 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan and 5,450 kilometers/3,386 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. Chuuk is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and consists of seven major island groups, the largest and most centrally located being Chuuk (formerly Truk) Lagoon. The lagoon encompasses 19 volcanic islands and a number of small coral atolls. The largest islands are characterized by steep uplands (73% of the islands) surrounded by coastal lowlands (about 27% of the islands). There are 12 peaks that have elevations exceeding 250 meters/820 feet above sea level. The coastal lowlands are made up of mangrove swamps, freshwater marshes, and beaches. Many edible plants and fruits grow on the islands, such as mango, breadfruit, taro, and coconut. The warm waters of the lagoon are home to a wide variety of scale and shell fish. The Caroline Islands, including the FSM and the Republic of Palau, were first occupied by indigenous peoples around 5,000 BC, with the Chuuk area occupied since about 2,000 BC. Micronesia was “discovered” by Magellan in 1531, and in 1886 the islands fell under Spanish rule; they were ruled by Germany beginning in 1898 and Japan starting in 1914. After World War II, the US was given a strategic trusteeship from the United Nations for all of Micronesia. Over the next 40 years, the different island groups in Micronesia formed their own alliances and negotiated different associations with the US. Four of these island groups (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae) formed the FSM and in 1986 they concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US, which provides for financial aid in receipt of the use of the country for military purposes. |
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Locations shown are approximate.
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