Jason Burns
Michael Krivor
Underwater Archaeology Invasion Beaches Survey 2008
29 - 30 April 2008
By Jason Burns and Michael Krivor
National Park Service depiction of the invasion beaches on the west side of Saipan.

National Park Service depiction of the invasion beaches on the west side of Saipan. (Larger View)

One of two exposed US tanks in Garapan Lagoon.

One of two exposed US tanks in Garapan Lagoon. (Larger View)

Japanese midget submarine on display at Battle of the Pacific National Park, Guam.

Jason and Michael and Japanese midget submarine on display at Battle of the Pacific National Park, Guam. (Larger View)

Garapan Lagoon

We have finished up our survey outside of Garapan Lagoon and have moved inside the lagoon into the heart of the Invasion Beaches.  Artifacts and sites have already been spotted in the water near Garapan dock.  Several floating pontoon causeway sections used to span the lagoon have been located as well as a possible Caterpillar D-18 bulldozer.  Closer to invasion beach green several tanks are exposed above the water.  Invasion beaches green 1, 2, and 3, north of Afetna Point, were the center of the invasion and it is expected that there will be several more tanks in the water.  We will post the underwater pictures once we dive the high probability targets.

We have had the opportunity to explore Saipan, take in the Annual Flametree Festival, and conduct research in Guam.  The Flametree Festival featured the building of a traditional Carolinian canoe (See below).  We had the opportunity to speak with the builders and study their techniques.  A fantastic opportunity for maritime archaeologists. We also had the opportunity, while conducting research in Guam, to tour a restored Type “C” Japanese Midget Attack Submarine (See above). 

Traditional Carolinian canoe built over a 4 day period at Saipan's Annual Flametree Festival.

Traditional Carolinian canoe built over a 4 day period at Saipan's Annual Flametree Festival. (Larger View)

 

 

Please feel free to contact us with your comments, questions, or suggestions. You can reach Jason Burns at jason@searchinc.com and Michael Krivor at michael@searchinc.com . Questions related to the MUA website can be sent to mua@keimaps.com.

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