Aljure's Kwaj Venture: TRIP TO ROI-NAMUR

During the second week on the island, I was given a tour of the island of Roi-Namur by one of my coworkers. Roi-Namur (commonly referred to as "Roi" [pronounced Roy]) is located approximately 50 miles north of Kwajalein. There is a twin-prop jet that travels to and from Kwaj everyday practically. The trip takes about 20-25 minutes and you are able to see a large portion of the atoll. It is a beautiful view from up above.

Roi has a very interesting history. Originally, it was two different islands (Roi and Namur). It was occupied by the Germans after WWI and was handed over to the Japanese as part of the post-war settlement agreements. After that, the Japanese closed the islands to the outside world so there isn't much information on what went on there until WWII. What is known is that the Japanese dredged and filled between the two islands to create a larger island; thus, Roi-Namur came to be. During WWII, the battle at Kwajalein Atoll was one of the first battles that the US won in the Pacific. In approximately 4 days, the US took control of Kwajalein and Roi-Namur with an extensive aerial bombardment. One of the major setbacks during the Roi-Namur battle was when a US soldier threw a satchel charge of high explosives into a Japanese bunker which turned out to be a torpedo warhead magazine. The explosion killed 20 Marines and injured a dozen. (I saw photographs that were taken from the Roi side of the island of the explosion which was on the Namur side and it was a giant mushroom cloud. Apparently, the battle took a long pause due to the impact of such a huge explosion on the small island.) By the end of the battle, there were approximately 50 Japanese out of 3,500 that survived the raid.

There are several Japanese bunkers and buildings that are protected and considered historical markers throughout the island. Some of the bunkers contain huge holes in the sides from the intense battle. I was in awe trying to visualize a significant battle on such a small island. It made me feel really "small."

I found the island very pleasant, quiet and beautiful. The Namur side is mostly jungle-like (saw several rats eating coconuts). The Roi side is were most of the 100+ Americans work and play. Only adults are allowed to live on the island; however, they do allow families to visit on short stays (i.e., weekends). I look forward to taking Carrie, Maegan, and Mason for a weekend in the upcoming months.

After my return, that night we went to see our first movie at the outdoor theater. The benches were a little uncomfortable for my aging back, but otherwise, we really enjoyed it.