| Diego Garcia British Indian Ocean Territories (B.I.O.T.) |
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago. It's an atoll about 15 miles long and 7 miles wide. It
was used as a copra (coconut) plantation in the 18th century. In 1971 it became a military base with ships anchoring in
the lagoon and P-3 squadrons based on land. During the Gulf Wars the base was also used by the Air Force as a
bomber staging site. It is also a Space Shuttle Emergency Landing Field.
I made three full deployements and several detachments to the island during my Naval career. During the late 70's
and early 80's there wasn't a lot thee on the island. There was the airfield which, the first time I was there, consisted of
a taxiway that doubled as the runway. Since then the airfield was expanded to include a separate runway. We flew
missions mostly to the Arabian Gulf doing anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations. We would also send
detachments to various sites in the Middle East including Oman, Djibouti, and Somalia.
was used as a copra (coconut) plantation in the 18th century. In 1971 it became a military base with ships anchoring in
the lagoon and P-3 squadrons based on land. During the Gulf Wars the base was also used by the Air Force as a
bomber staging site. It is also a Space Shuttle Emergency Landing Field.
I made three full deployements and several detachments to the island during my Naval career. During the late 70's
and early 80's there wasn't a lot thee on the island. There was the airfield which, the first time I was there, consisted of
a taxiway that doubled as the runway. Since then the airfield was expanded to include a separate runway. We flew
missions mostly to the Arabian Gulf doing anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations. We would also send
detachments to various sites in the Middle East including Oman, Djibouti, and Somalia.
Wildlife on the island consists of donkeys left when the copra plantations shut down, feral houscats, chickens, and
crabs. Birds, incuding albatross and terns also abound on the island. All the wildlife is protected and it is illegal to
harm them.
Swimming and snorkeling are allowed only inside the lagoon. Wading only is allowed on the ocean side since there
are tide, current, and shark dangers.
Fishing for many tropical species of fish is a very popular past time. The first time I was there shore fishing was to
only method alowed. Since then a landing craft has been converted into a head boat and there are several charter
boats run by civilain contractors. Small motorboats and sailboats are also available for rental. An outdoor movie
theater and a 4 lane bowling alley and a golf course are about the extent of the entertainment facilities. Dining facilities
cinsist of the "Chow Hall", the U.S.military nightclub/bar/restaurant, the "Brit" club, as well as the Merchant Marine
Club.
crabs. Birds, incuding albatross and terns also abound on the island. All the wildlife is protected and it is illegal to
harm them.
Swimming and snorkeling are allowed only inside the lagoon. Wading only is allowed on the ocean side since there
are tide, current, and shark dangers.
Fishing for many tropical species of fish is a very popular past time. The first time I was there shore fishing was to
only method alowed. Since then a landing craft has been converted into a head boat and there are several charter
boats run by civilain contractors. Small motorboats and sailboats are also available for rental. An outdoor movie
theater and a 4 lane bowling alley and a golf course are about the extent of the entertainment facilities. Dining facilities
cinsist of the "Chow Hall", the U.S.military nightclub/bar/restaurant, the "Brit" club, as well as the Merchant Marine
Club.
This PBY Catalina was wrecked during WWII.
This photo was taken during one of my first visits to
Dodge. The last time I was there the sand had
nearly covered the wreck. Only the top foot or so
of the fuselage was visible and the wing was almost
completely destroyed.
This photo was taken during one of my first visits to
Dodge. The last time I was there the sand had
nearly covered the wreck. Only the top foot or so
of the fuselage was visible and the wing was almost
completely destroyed.
Sunset as seen from the Officers Club
through a filter.
through a filter.
| Detachment Sites |
Muscat,
Oman
Oman
Djibouti
Al Masirah Is.
Oman
Oman
Mogadishu,
Somalia
Somalia