Tinian’s critical role in the ultimate defeat of Japan
“SeaBees and Superforts” is another hefty hardbound book from Don Farrell, but for his fans that will not make a difference.
For new readers, Farrell’s books are easy to read, and well-researched – as the acknowledgements alone will tell you.
“SeaBees and Superforts” tells the story of “the reconstruction of Tinian as a forward operating base” as Farrell writes in his introduction. But first he takes the reader back to a pre-World War II Northern Mariana Islands and gives an interesting background to the history that preceded and surrounded the events in Tinian he describes. The book also offers a Chronology of events and related events and photos are liberally included.
Descriptions of the planning for and resulting bombing runs to Japan are gripping.
For anybody in the construction industry (who can contemplate the time projects take today) or indeed SeaBees, or anyone who has seen the runways and bomb pits in Tinian, the attractions of the book are several.
Farrell writes, “Paving West Field runways began on March 6, with the 110th Battalion taking the lead. West Field No. 1 was paved by March 7, and West Field No. 2 was completed on April 20. Fleet Admiral Nimitz, though Vice Admiral Towers provided Vice Admiral Hoover with a suggested list of priorities for Guam, Tinian, and Saipan on March 19.”
Farrell quotes Nimitz, “It is desired to point out that because of contemplated operations it may be necessary, about June 1945, to start withdrawing various construction units from the Marianas and preparing them for other assignments.”
In fact, Farrell writes, “Projects on North Field and West Field took the first thirty-two slots on the priority list for Tinian. The harbor took the next nine.”
Editor’s Note: Farrell is the author of “Tinian and the Bomb,” republished by Stackpole Books as “Atomic Bomb Island.”
A review of the book can be found on www.guambusinessmagazine.com in the July-August 2018 Media Update. “Atomic Bomb Island” can be ordered at stackpolebooks.com
Readers who wish to order “SeaBees and Superforts” may contact Farrell at [email protected]
Farrell is also interested in hearing from Guam businesses that were founded early in the island’s commercial history, for an upcoming book.
