Clearing History
Golden West’s UXO Mission on Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands
May / June 2024
The tranquil beauty of Wotje Atoll, a cluster of 75 islands within the Marshall Islands, belies a turbulent past. With a total land area of just over 3 square miles, it encloses a lagoon spanning 241 square miles, home to approximately 800 residents, including 200 school-aged children. This serene location, once a bustling operational hub during World War II, still carries the remnants of its violent history: unexploded ordnance (UXO) from that era, posing hidden dangers to its inhabitants. During WWII, the atoll was a strategic stronghold for the Imperial Japanese military. At its peak, it housed over 3,000 military personnel and 750 civilian workers, including many conscripted ethnic Koreans. The island was subjected to intense bombing and shelling by US forces, leaving behind a deadly legacy of unexploded munitions.
In May 2024, Golden West Humanitarian Foundation embarked on a critical mission to Wotje Atoll, to locate, recover, and destroy these hazardous remnants of war. The mission was funded by the US Department of State (PM/WRA).
Despite tough logistical challenges the team’s spirit remained high and upon arrival the team met with the Wotje Mayor and set up base camp. They focused their efforts both on land and in the shallow tidal waters. With great care, they recovered and destroyed a total of 21 explosive remnants of war (ERW), including several Japanese 60kg land bombs and a US 1,000lb GP bomb.
One of the more challenging aspects of the mission was locating and neutralizing bombs buried and modified to act as improvised beach mines. Several of the 60kg bombs had been buried nose up and fuzed to serve as improvised counter vehicle defense mines against possible Allied beach landings. These still posed significant risks to the local community. The Golden West team selected a disposal site at the northeast end of the island, next to a large Japanese bunker, to minimize the danger of fragmentation affecting populated areas.
Local residents played a crucial role, guiding the team to suspected UXO sites. While some items were found to be harmless due to erosion, others required careful handling and destruction. The team’s coordination with the RMI Cultural and Historic Preservation Office (CHPO) and local authorities ensured that all operations were conducted safely and efficiently.
A key component of the mission was education. Our team trained five Wotje Atoll police officers to use GPS devices to mark and report UXO locations and assisted the CHPO to conduct Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for the entire population. This training is essential for ongoing safety, enabling local authorities to manage future UXO threats.
Community outreach is vital. Working with the CHPO, the Golden West team distributed posters and printed EORE materials and conducted briefings at various public gatherings, including religious services and school graduations. Their efforts reached all residents, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper procedures when encountering UXO.
The operation was a resounding success. All known UXO on Wotje Island were located, recovered, and destroyed, ensuring a safer environment for the residents. Our mission on Wotje Atoll highlights the critical importance of UXO clearance operations, the team has not only removed immediate threats but also laid the groundwork for sustained safety education. Community cooperation and the Golden West team’s expertise made this possible.
