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Location
Island chain running roughly northwest to southeast. Located to the east of Papua New Guinea, and north of Vanuatu (New Hebrides).
Wartime History
Had tremendous historical significance as the first American amphibious
operation of the Pacific war. The goal of the operation was
to prevent the Japanese from completing an airfield on the island.
Controlling the skies around Guadalcanal meant control of the
shipping lanes from American to Australia, and the flank of
Port Moresby, making it an important objective for both sides.
The naval, air and land
battle was costly for both the Japanese and Americans in
terms of casualties and disease. Nightly, Japanese destroyers
and transports dashed down "the slot" between
the Solomon Islands to resupply their troops on the island.
The
diving in the Solomons is with out doubt some of the
best in the world in terms of water clarity, temperature,
sea life and beauty.
Most of the diving there is on a couple of Japanese wrecks
near Honiara. Their bows are on the surface and their sterns
are at 200+ feet due to the steep sea walls.
Guadalcanal
Province |
Guadalcanal, and
capital, Honiara |
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Savo, Florida
and Russell Islands |
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Santa Isabella, Santa
Cruz Islands |
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Island north east
of Guadalcanal |
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Far east
of Solomons, including Santa Cruz |
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New
Georgia, Choiseul, Shortlands |
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Choiseul island and vicinity |
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South of Guadalcanal including San Cristobal |
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Last Updated
April 15, 2009
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