Wreck Divers Heaven

Chuuk Lagoon is a wreck divers paradise.  It is home to over 60 WW2 sunken war, cargo and other ships.  Diving these wrecks is much much more than going through cargo holds and engine rooms.  I had no idea the beauty and serenity that would await us as we arrived in Truk pronounced (Chuuk)  thanks to the Germans pronunciation of the TR sound CH.  Immaculate oasis type grounds with an almost 360 degree view of the lagoon from the resort.  Palm trees are of course the foreground for the view to the South Pacific.  

Early in the 1900's the Japanese Army came and built many Army strongholds, airfields and bunker fortifications.  The native Chuukese people were employed and greatful to have them on the ISLANDS.  But when WW2 started to escalate the Japanese enslaved the people and took their food and Truk lagoon became a supply stronghold for the Japanese.  

Operation Hailstorm Feb 17 & 18 1946 caught the Japanese off gaurd and the American bombers took aim for two days and sunk over 60 vessels.  In speaking with the people here they say it was a very scary time but many of the them including the founder of the resort Kimiuo Aisek came out of his bunker protection to witness the bombing and sinking of the ships.  He was 17 years old.  Several years later in the early 60's he was employed as a skin diver to help wipe out a star fish infestation.  As he traveled to different parts of the lagoon he noticed oil floating to the surface.  he stopped his boat and dawned his early scuba equipment and dove one of the Japanese wrecks.  Soon he was mapping these dive sites and recovering different artifacts.  

In 2001 Kimiuo passed away a huge legend and employer of  hundreds of family and friends on his resort.

His picture is all over the resort and it is not hard to tell that he was loved.

When we arrived I noticed a nice looking Chuukese man in the background as we checked in.  He resembled the pictures of Kimiou.  Could he be a relative?  The next day he was walking past our table at dinner time and we stopped him and asked him who he was.  Sure enought he was Kimiuo's son who now runs the resort.  We asked if he would join us for dinner some time and he was really nice and agreed.  We spent and hour with Bradford out at the point of the lagoon with the the most beautiful sunset I have ever witnessed.  He spoke freely about his dad and his people.  His smile is broad and very comforting.  At 48 years old he has hosted many dignataries including a month with JFK jr.  John Mccain has been here three times with wife Cindy.  Bradfoed said that each time John McCain would come he brought many doctors and health care to his people on the Island.  He was very impressed with the McCains.  Lets hope he gets elected President!  We discussed the war, freedom, and of course diving.  In 1984 the Japanese Government came in and salvaged as many of the remains as possible.  He told us he was personally involved in the effort.  In the Akikou he witnessed 480 skulls removed.  Amazing!   He now employs mostly family in Uncles Cousins ect...

As you walk around the grounds it's easy to see that these people take pride in their unique part of the world.  It's immaculate and perfectly clean and manicured.  The only part that is hard for us is that we are a day ahead and sleep is hard to come by.  I am wide awake at 4:00 am truk time every morning.  

Well, we have had a blast and if it weren't for a job and children we would definitely stay here for a long time.haha  It is truly one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.  So now you know my story...  What an adventure.  Oh yeah today we dove the SanFrancisco freighter.  200 feet with lots of cool stuff on deck like 3 tanks 4 truks bombs and lots more bombs.   Steve