In February 1944, as the Americans were island hopping across the vast expanse of the central and western Pacific, they executed a destructive aerial bombardment known as Operation Hailstone (current literature states the American operation was known as Hailstorm, though this is incorrect). For two days, 30 waves of American bombers destroyed 250 Japanese planes, an estimated 60 vessels, and thousands of Japanese and Chuukese. Operation Hailstone set a two-day World War II record of destruction: 180,000 tons of shipping was sunk. Today, dozens of Japanese ships and artifacts can be seen in the clear Lagoon waters.

Remember that the Truk Lagoon is a monument and protected by law. There is absolutely no taking of artifacts. And, please, be very careful when diving near half-century-old munitions -- these are very volatile and can explode at any time.