Marianas Battlefields LREC
In an effort to retrace the World War II island-hopping campaign, Colonel Pallotta and Captain Qu led a well-rounded and enthusiastic group of seven midshipmen to the Western Pacific. Over two weeks and across the International Date Line, the group explored Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and Tinian as part of the Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) program through the Center for ELD. While on the trip, the group explored the various battlefields of the Marianas, including a visit to the atomic bomb pits on Tinian, the Suicide Cliffs of Saipan, and the World War II Memorial to the People of Guam.
The midshipmen gained outstanding opportunities for professional development and an orientation to the contemporary Pacific security environment. The trip worked to make up for the Navy and Marine Corps community exposure that the Class of 2023 lost due to COVID-19.
"This battlefield study provided a fantastic orientation to the Western Pacific, which drew upon the region's rich culture and history. Walking the islands where so many had sacrificed provided a connection to World War II that transcended what any book could provide. The trip was certainly the highlight of my Naval Academy experience" - Carson Hillier, Class of 2023
