Rogue waves crashed into a bar at U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands on Saturday, Jan. 20, causing damage that could take months to repair. The first wave forcefully burst through doors, hurling them off their hinges and sweeping two individuals standing outside into the rapidly flooding interior.
The affected island, known as Roi-Namur, has been a crucial U.S. military facility in the Pacific since Marines took control away from Japan in World War II.
Recovery for the island’s civilian infrastructure might take years, impacting all Department of Defense personnel living there. Army-provided photos revealed widespread flooding on the island, with a dining facility submerged in mud.
120 military personnel call the island home and roughly 80 were evacuated during the incident, according to the Army.
Waves also damaged unaccompanied housing and a church and submerged an automotive complex and theater. The aftermath revealed a few minor injuries to individuals.
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The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site focuses on testing and evaluating ballistic missile defense systems and space surveillance operations. According to the Army, the recovery could span years.
Col. Andrew Morgan, garrison commander at Kwajalein Atoll, described the current situation as one of the most challenging times in the island’s 80-year history. He emphasized resilience, a marathon of recovery and the island’s vital role in national security.
Aerial photos showcase the extensive damage on Roi-Namur, the second-largest island on the Kwajalein Atoll, with parts still submerged.
The Kwajalein Atoll houses specialized instruments, including high-fidelity radars and optical sensors, making it the forefront of long-range missile testing and defense. Its remote Pacific location makes it one of the few places where the U.S. military can test intercontinental ballistic missiles. The annual Department of Defense tests examine missile flight characteristics, capabilities, and reliability.
Morgan emphasized the importance of clearing and assessing the safety of the runway. Once open, it will facilitate the movement of people and equipment, initiating the recovery process.
Restoring the island’s infrastructure is dubbed “Operation Roi Recovery,” with about 60 personnel remaining on the island to begin restoring utilities.
