Welcome to the Battle for Saipan WWII Maritime Heritage Trail Website

The Battle of Saipan

The Battle of Saipan

The Wrecks

The Wrecks

Protecting Our Heritage

Protecting Our Heritage

The Trail

The Trail

The battle for Saipan was fought between U.S. and Japanese forces in what is today known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For both sides it was one of the most politically and militarily significant battles fought during WWII. The massive operation involved thousands of troops from all branches of the Japanese and U.S. military and hundreds of vehicles, vessels and weapons. Loss of life was tremendous for both sides with accounts indicating the loss of 3,426 of 67,451 U.S. troops and 29,500 of 31,629 Japanese troops. U.S. capture of Saipan brought land-based, long-range B-29 bombers within range of Japan. An intensive strategic bombing campaign, culminating in the first use of the atomic bomb brought an end to the war without an invasion of Japan.


AICHI E13A “Jake”, Battle of Saipan

Aircraft

Several aircraft wrecks remain from the battle over Saipan

Ships

Ships were the primary transportation to and from Saipan.

Submerged LVT-4, Battle of Saipan

Assault Vehicles

Several assault vehicles were need for the battle for Saipan