Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon WWII Bunkers and Buildings

Chuuk (Truk) was a key part of the Japanese strategy to control the Pacific during WWII and you will find much of that in evidence at the bottom of the Chuuk (Truk) lagoon in the many supply ships that were sunk during Operation Hailstone. Above ground Tonowas (Dublon) was the center of the Japanese presence in the lagoon. There are a number of bunkers and structures but much less than you might think and since they are almost all on private land you will find it very difficult and expensive to see. To get permission to see them you need to meet the village elder and in most cases they will shake you down for as much money as they can get. This can range from $5 to $50 or more. Considering the low quality of these sites and the amount of time, money and hassle it requires it’s not worth the effort. There are many other place in the Pacific to see WWII artifacts. Unless you have plenty of free time and money it's probably best just to enjoy these pictures that I took on the islands.

Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

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Guns overlooking the commercial part of Weno (Moen)

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Tonowas (Dublon)

Dock (7.362227,151.863759) on the SW corner of the island.

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Structure next to the dock (7.362749, 151.863758).

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Dock on the Southern part of the island (7.373182, 151.886308).

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Typical road on Tonowas (Dublon).

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Bunker housing the electricity generator (7.377932, 151.883932).

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Bunker in the courtyard of the school (7.377597, 151.886925).

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Japanese hospital (7.375778, 151.889798).

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Japanese cemetery (near 7.376387, 151.877991)

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The main headquarters bunker (near 7.378278, 151.876414).

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Causeway connecting the eastern peninsulas (7.380055, 151.884785).

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The church next to the dock (7.373647, 151.887539).

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Bunkers on the grounds of the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort (7.412232, 151.843017).

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