Google street view - Midway Atoll...

[Truckman]

Not much is there that will pass for streets, but Google Map makes the attempt with 360 degree panoramic views...

Sand Island...

Eastern Island...

The view looking west 77 years ago...



...Ben

[TxMusky]

Wow, and to think of all of the history that happened there. Birds seem to like it now.

[UTAH]

It's amazing to see such historical sites visited by people (and many birds). You did a good job, Ben. Thank you.

Hunter

[Truckman]

You did a good job, Ben. Thank you.

Hunter

Thanks, and you're welcome, Hunter...Keen observers may note that in the 1941 photo Henderson Field is located on Eastern Island, while today the facility is located on Sand Island to the west...Both airfields were named for USMC aviator, Major Lofton Henderson, for whom the other Henderson Field on Guadalcanal was also named...Major Henderson was KIA leading a squadron of Douglas SBD's on a glide-bombing attack against the JIN Hiryu, one of four JIN aircraft carriers sunk in the Battle of Midway...I have not researched it, but he may be the only person so honored by having three military airfields named for him...

The Sand Island location is now used by civilian aircraft, and the entire atoll is under the management of the US Fish & Wildlife Service as a national wildlife refuge...It is the home of the largest nesting site in the world for the albatross (or gooney bird)...The airfield has no tower, and during the albatross nesting season, November to June, flights are permitted to land and depart only at night when the birds are nested...About 50 people are permanent residents......Ben

[Dave Grubb]

Very interesting---thank you

[mgrist]

Thanks, and you're welcome, Hunter...Keen observers may note that in the 1941 photo Henderson Field is located on Eastern Island, while today the facility is located on Sand Island to the west...Both airfields were named for USMC aviator, Major Lofton Henderson, for whom the other Henderson Field on Guadalcanal was also named...Major Henderson was KIA leading a squadron of Douglas SBD's on a glide-bombing attack against the JIN Hiryu, one of four JIN aircraft carriers sunk in the Battle of Midway...I have not researched it, but he may be the only person so honored by having three military airfields named for him...

The Sand Island location is now used by civilian aircraft, and the entire atoll is under the management of the US Fish & Wildlife Service as a national wildlife refuge...It is the home of the largest nesting site in the world for the albatross (or gooney bird)...The airfield has no tower, and during the albatross nesting season, November to June, flights are permitted to land and depart only at night when the birds are nested...About 50 people are permanent residents......Ben

I was just reading about that, the only thing you missed was the elevation. 40 feet for Midway......and three feet for Sand
I was double checking Midway...no idea where I saw 18 anything, I fixed it. I think all but the high point where they put the radar was 18 feet maybe? Close enough, this is the third time I've edited

[Truckman]

I was just reading about that, the only thing you missed was the elevation.

I had to leave something for you to say, Mike......Ben

[Dave Grubb]

I was just reading about that, the only thing you missed was the elevation. 40 feet for Midway......and three feet for Sand
I was double checking Midway...no idea where I saw 18 anything, I fixed it. I think all but the high point where they put the radar was 18 feet maybe? Close enough, this is the third time I've edited

Henderson field has an elevation of 18'.