March 31, 2003
Three Days to Micronesia
This morning Mike and Warren Fletcher left Canada for a 3 day journey to Ulithi Atoll. Sometime tomorrow the pair will arrive in Japan. They will continue on to Guam arriving in Yap the following day, April 2nd. Good Luck.
Click the image for a larger view.
The Federated States of Micronesia also known as Oceania are an island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia. The group includes: Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands (where The Sea Hunters are), and Kosrae (Kosaie)
The total land mass of all 607 islands is about 702 sq km. These islands have heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt. Typhoon season is usually June to December.
Posted by victoria at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2003
War in the Pacific
History of Japanese/American Conflict
Prior to the 19th century Japan was run by a feudal system. The system emerged out of the civil wars in the 15th century. During this period men who held military power obtained large land holdings. These men were known as the Samurai. A Samurai would partition his land and these small pieces would be farmed by peasants. The peasants worked the land and were protected by the Samurai, in exchange for a portion of the agricultural profit. The Samurai would use what he received from the peasants to pay the Shogun, in Edo, (now modern day Tokyo), to whom he was accountable.
The feudalism in Japan can be divided into 5 periods; the last being that of Tokugawa period. Tokugawa ruled as Shogun and led Japan into an era of national seclusion. Under his rule the Japanese were not allowed to leave Japan, to trade abroad, and any foreigners entering the country were strictly monitored. There was an unyielding emphasis was placed on absolute submission to the rules and complete obedience, evidence of which can still be seen in their culture today.
As the turn of the century approached Tokugawa’s corruptive reign was all but over. The isolation that he had imposed had weakened Japan. The people were poor and starving. In 1868 Tokugawa resigned and Emperor Meiji took control. Meiji took Japan on a new course toward a new industrialized, western model of Japan. By 1889 there was a new western-style constitution and a strong resurgence in traditional values and national pride. This was made apparent when during the Sino-Japanese War (1894-5) when Japan defeated China and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-5) when they defeated Russia.
Under the rule of Meiji’s son Yoshihito Japan joined the allies in WWI. Instead of participating to a great extent in the fighting they used the opportunity to fully expand its damaged economy, through shipping and trade. With the end of the war and a new Emperor by 1926, Japan’s nationalism increased and their military grew. They invaded Manchuria in 1931 and embarked on all-out hostilities with China in 1937.
They joined forces with Germany and Italy in 1940. In an attempt to stop Japans advance into the war the U.S. imposes an oil embargo. Japan sends a special envoy to Washington to commence talks. While they are meeting Japan deploys a secret attack force to Pear Harbour. On December 7th 1941 the strike force attacks setting in motion the events that would bring on the worst man made explosion in history.
Posted by victoria at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
The Sea Hunters Head to the South Pacific
Tomorrow The Sea Hunters will depart for Ulithi Atoll in the South Pacific. There they will dive the USS Mississinewa.
On November 20, 1944, while at Ulithi anchorage, Caroline Islands, and carrying a full load of fuel oil and aviation fluid, the USS Mississinewa was struck by a “Kaiten”. A “Kaiten” was a Japanese suicide torpedo. A solider manned the craft to ensure a direct hit, while guaranteeing his own death. The Mississinewa was the first victim of this newly-introduced Japanese weapon.
Today the USS Mississinewa is one of many sunken ships which exist as unmarked war graves to the sailors who were lost during the attack.
Posted by victoria at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)
