Wake Islands

Wake Island is a coral atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, place and an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located approximately 3,700 kilometers west of Hawaii and 2,430 kilometers east of Guam. Island, due to its strategic location, has historically been a important center for military and transportation purposes. Particularly during the Second World World War, it was a focal point of USA and Japan conflicts. Today, it is used by the United States as a military base.

Geographical Location and Natural Features

Wake Island consists of three small islets named Wake, Wilkes, and Peale. The total land area is approximately 6.5 square kilometers, and the lagoon rim is 12 kilometers long. The highest point on the island reaches a height of six meters. Surrounded by coral reefs, Wake Island has no natural harbor.

The climate is tropical, with warm and humid conditions prevailing throughout the year. Vegetation cover on the island is limited; palm trees, shrubs, and low-lying plants are common. Sweet water sources are absent, so drinking water must be imported.

Wake Island.

Historical Background

The earliest recorded discovery of Wake Island was made in 1568 by Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña. However, long for many years it remained under no nation’s direct control. It was annexed by the United States in 1899, though no permanent settlement was established during this period.

In 1935, Wake Island began to be used by Pan American Airways as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. During this period, a seaplane base and a small airfield were constructed on the island.

Representation of Wake Island on the map.

World War II and Japanese Occupation

Due to its strategic importance, Wake Island became a site of conflict between Japan and the United States during World War II.

• On 8 December 1941, hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces launched an air assault on the island.
• On 23 December 1941, Japan conducted a landing operation and occupied Wake Island.
• During the occupation, over 100 U.S. military personnel and civilian workers were killed, and many others were taken prisoner.

Japan used Wake Island as a military base for the duration of war. On 4 September 1945, Japanese forces surrendered, and the island was returned to U.S. control.

Postwar Period and Wake Island Today

After World War II, Wake Island was developed as a military base by the U.S. Air Force and Navy. In 1962, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Today, Wake Island is closed to civilian settlement and access is restricted to military personnel and select technical teams. The island is used primarily for missile testing, satellite tracking systems, and military exercises.