Sailing in History - Guadalcanal
More than eight decades after the Second World War, the submerged battlefield of Solomon Islands campaign continues to reveal new understanding of these historical events. While every Ocean Exploration Trust expedition brings together experts from many disciplines, this mission specifically brings together archaeological experts from all former combatant nations. Sit down with curator Frank Thompson from US Navy History and Heritage Command and underwater archaeologist Hiroshi Ishii leading archaeological surveys on E/V Nautilus as exploration with coordinated technology demonstrates new efficiencies in maritime archaeology.
The Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal expedition is led by Ocean Exploration Trust and supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. This exploration is made possible by the expertise, support, and collaboration of many partners, including NOAA Ocean Exploration, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, Solomon Islands Government, University of New Hampshire Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, University of Rhode Island, and Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand archaeological colleagues.
Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal: Iron Bottom Sound
Located in the Solomon Islands between the islands of Guadalcanal, Savo, and Nggela, Iron Bottom Sound was the stage of five major naval battles between August and December 1942 which resulted in the loss of over 20,000 lives, 111 naval vessels, and 1,450 planes. These underwater cultural heritage sites now rest on the seafloor offshore Honiara in a confined area less than 25 nautical miles wide, 40 nautical miles long, and 1,400 meters deep.
