I grew up on Wake Island from 1961 to 1972. After WWII Wake Island was rebuilt and became a thriving "city" with a population of about 2,000 people at the its height. This included families with children and even had a school to educate kids from Kindergarten through 9th grade. At that time the Island was run by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) until 1972 when command was transferred to the Air Force. The once thriving city disappeared within months and its population scattered throughout the world. Wake Island was a unique place to live and grow up. I had held several Wake Island reunion throughout the years which were well attended by former Islanders who shared the same sentiment. We even have an FB account, "Wake Island Spirit" which keeps former Islanders and those who's brothers, uncles, fathers and grandfathers fought bravely on Wake in touch with each other. If there is any way of us going back to Wake even for a day, we could jump at the chance.

@carlalongerbeam774

9 ай бұрын

We were there from 69 -71. My middle sister & I (the oldest sister) went to school. Loved playing in the bunkers on the beach and collecting the glass balls that would wash up on shore. My father was a meteorologist there. The only bummer was no TV. 😅

Wake island can be many things a battlefield a bird sanctuary a fuel stop or an emergency airfield. For most of civilian history nerds it will occupy a special remembrance place in our hearts 😊

I took an Air Force hop from Okinawa to Wake and onward to Hawaii in 1971. I was there for 45 minutes while we refueled and grabbed a bite to eat. I saw the two memorials that are there and very briefly a view of the beautiful ocean. It's always been in my memories!

In the 60’s while stationed with the Navy’s “Typhoon Trackers” of flying squadron VW-1, our crew overnighted 3 different times on Wake. The most relaxing times I’ve ever had! The chow had excellent food, the beach bar was spectacular and the weather beautiful. The bar was especially delightful and sat really close to the lagoon with it’s pristine water and the bar had palm fronds everywhere which gave you a true feeling of the Tropics. We Navy Men couldn’t have found a better place to wind-down from the rigors of flying into the eye of a dangerous Typhoon. Although Wake has reduced it’s role as a stop over for commercial airlines and other aircraft transiting the Pacific, it still would be a wonderful place to visit. Tourism could be encouraged for the historical value alone, not to mention the most peaceful and serene location in the Pacific. I’d go back! Bill Williamson, USN (Ret), Radio Operator, VW-1 Typhoon Trackers, 1962-1964

Any chance of allowing former residents to return for a short visit or volunteer work?! I was born there, lived and went to school. Miss this Atoll....definitely rich in history.

Dang, what a great story. Easy to forget what life is like in the far reaches. Great reporting idea!

Got to go there once. I was on a military flight to Guam and we had a small layover on Wake Island. Love seeing national stories about pacific islands :)

@robertrowland1061

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Jesse, me too! I spent a few hours there in late December '72 on my way to Iwakuni Japan.

@springertube

8 ай бұрын

Landed on Wake Island at about 2 in the morning in June 1962 on an Air Force MATS C-118 (DC-6) as an eight-year-old with family for our last refuel on our way to Japan, my father's new Air Force duty assignment. Same here, there just about long enough to stretch our legs and grab an omelette in the cafeteria. It was about 99° and 99% humidity as I recall!

5:06 what a brilliant way to end that report , almost brought a tear to my eye. Greetings from northern France

As a civilian, I would cherish the opportunity to walk the beaches there in quiet solitude for my soul to pay homage to all the brave one military and civilian that fought there and died there. Americans like those brave men are almost nonexistent now days. I would like to go there.

Wow! Great story.

I got to visit 2 times. I just wish i could have stayed.

CBS: the network that time forgot

Career ending assignment.

@zachburkey447

4 жыл бұрын

I'd rather work there over a station in Afghanistan lol

Tsunami Warning!

Yerlerin ve göklerin ve herşeyin sahibi yüce Allah CC Allahtan başka ilah yoktur Allah katında hak din islamdır Muhammed Allahın resuludur

Why are Thai contractors working on Wake Island? Shouldn't those jobs be going to Americans?