A large number of airplanes are present beneath the waters of Kwajalein lagoon. Many of them were shot down in combat; but the vast majority were stripped and intentionally dumped by the U.S. Navy in the late 1940s. These planes are representative of the air power of both the Japanese and American Navies of World War II, and offer a rare view of state of the art war planes from that era. It should be noted that many planes from both sides fell from the skies in flames, crashing in the mid lagoon area and so far have not been found.
The U.S. Army Transport
One of the most popular aircraft wrecks at Kwajalein is the wreck of an Army Air Corps transport plane. The wreckage from this aircraft is spread along the lagoon side reef immediately north of Kwajalein Island in shallow water between Kwajalein and Worbab (Little Bustard) Island. This plane is said to have crashed due to mechanical failure on 23 July 1944 with the loss of eight lives. After years of saltwater corrosion and occasional storms, little remains recognizable. Pieces of fuselage and framing are interspersed with portions of landing gear and other debris. A set of dog tags were recovered in 1984, and were subsequently returned to the U.S. Army. Few other artifacts have been recovered. Since the wreck is in such shallow water, it is very popular with snorkelers as well as divers. The marine life here is beautiful and abundant, and is actually the main reason for the popularity of the area.
The West Reef Bomber
Lying on the reef top approximately one mile north of Ennubuj (Carlson) Island, this wrecked American twin engined bomber is easily located as one propeller blade protrudes above the water at low tide. The wreck was discovered by Bill and Harvey Remick in 1967. So far, the exact type of aircraft is uncertain. Although the propeller blades appear identical to those used on the North American B-25 bombers, the engines are of a different type. The plane apparently crashed with both engines stopped, as the blades are feathered and not bent over as they would be had they been turning. Also, the plane was carrying a war load including fifty caliber machine guns and ammunition, indicating a crash date prior to cessation of hostilities after the Japanese surrender. It is highly possible that this plane was shot down in combat.
The Ebeye Sea Planes
Three large Japanese sea planes lie in water ranging in depth from 70 to 90 feet off the lagoon side of Ebeye Island. Known as "Mavis" seaplanes by the allies, these Kawanishi H6K Flying Boats were the pride of Japanese naval aviation, being some of the most formidable military amphibious aircraft in the world at that time. All three were sunk at their moorings in the U.S. carrier based attacks preceding the American invasion of 31 January 1944. The first two aircraft are located on a 70 to 80 foot bottom directly off the large concrete ramp from the old sea plane base. Both planes are upside down and broken up. The third plane is located about 100 yards from shore out from the new island power plant.
Recent marine construction and dredging have had a severely negative impact on these aircraft and the local marine life. Silt, sediment, industrial waste, and raw sewage have covered the wrecks and killed off a majority of the indigenous marine organisms that were once prevalent here. Diving here is not recommended for safety and health reasons.
The U.S. Navy F4U Fighter
The wreckage of a Navy F4U Fighter lies in shallow water on the reef approximately half way between Roi and Ennuebing Islands. This plane crashed, possibly in combat, near the reef, but other information is sketchy. A fifty caliber machine gun was recovered by two Roi-Namur divers in the early 1980's. It has since been restored and is currently on display on Kwajalein at the USAKA Commanders office.
Miscellaneous Aircraft at Roi-Namur
Nearly fifty aircraft have been located at Roi- Namur off the lagoon side reef stretching from North Pass south to Mellu Island. These aircraft are so far without exception all American. Included in this group is at least three B-25 bombers, one C-46 transport, and a seeming multitude of wild cats, Hellcats, and Avenger fighter-bombers. Also, without exception, all appear to have been at least partially stripped or cannibalized to some degree. The bottom depths range from less than 30 feet to nearly 130. In some places it is possible to tour nearly a dozen aircraft in the course of one dive. If you are into world war II airplanes, this is the place to dive.