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Pacific Islands Report
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Posted on Jun 07 2000
Hellcat found in Majuro lagoon
MAJURO, Marshall Islands—A U.S. Navy F6F Model Hellcat fighter used to fight the Japanese stationed on the outer islands during World War II was found in Majuro Lagoon near the Outrigger Resort, the Marshall Islands Journal reported.
Diver Matt Holly found the aircraft 107-feet deep and nearly 500 yards offshore in the lagoon while searching for an anchor lost by the cargo vessel Neptune Gale.
The hellcat fighter was a common U.S. Navy fighter built to out fly the famous Japanese Zero fighter.
These fighters attacked the outer islands of Jaluit, Mili, Wotje, and Maloelap and escorted bombing missions by the U.S. military.
A. Samoa birth certificate scandal
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa—A church minister was arrested and charged in connection with the use of fake birth certificates and travel documents.
Rev. Iasaako Matautia of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa Talalelei Church allegedly took part in a fraudulent scheme to obtain American Samoa birth certificates and certificates of identities for Samoan nationals traveling to the United States.
Rev. Matautia was in Hawaii when the arrest warrant was issued, but has since returned to the territory.
He allegedly obtained certificates for Samoan members of his church youth group whose visas to travel to Hawaii had been denied.
Guam land stays with U.S. Navy
HAGATNA, Guam—After a meeting with Commander Naval Forces Marianas Rear Admiral Tom S. Fellin, acting Governor Madeleine Z. Bordallo announced the cancellation of a scheduled land transfer of the former Naval Ship Repair Facility.
Bordallo said the facility will stay in the Navy’s possession when the seven-year lease of the SRF property ends.
Guam has engaged in negotiations for the return of federal excess property, including the ship repair facility.
Bordallo said the Navy presence on Guam will benefit the island economy. But some lawmakers wanted to use the 100-acre site for economic and tourism development projects.
