Iron Bottom Bay

Today we have arrived in the Solomon Islands. Another beautiful island with sapphire blue water set against mountains. We arrived in the Solomon's between Savo and Guadalcanal islands, escorted by the USS Mustin, a missile guided destroyer. The destroyer was mainly for show as several high ranking military officers were stationed. They were here to celebrate Guadalcanal day with a welcoming ceremony onboard the Mustin.

This time of year 67 years ago U.S. and Australian navies were pulling into the Guadalcanal region to battle the Japanese forces. Allied forces engaged in naval, aerial, and ground battles starting August 7, 1942 against the occupying Japanese Forces. The naval forces were engaged in the middle of the night and the superior nighttime warfare of the Japanese naval forces dealt heavy casualties. Twenty nine Allied cruisers and destroyers sunk to the bottom of the canal. Thus the name, Iron Bottom Bay.

Even though Allied forces sustained heavy casualties, the Japanese sustained even heavier casualties attempting to reinforce their ground troops. The Japanese lost 38 ships and 31,000 lives (compared to the 7000 Allied). This was the turning point for the Pacific front as the Allies now were pushing the Japanese forces backwards.

It is quite the honor to be here at this time and traveling the same route the Allied forces used in their assault.

Hope you enjoyed the history lesson. Dr. Marks and I just found out we will be putting boots to ground in a couple of days so look forward to hearing about the clinics we will be participating in.