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Stories from Santo
From major milestones to quiet discoveries, our news archive captures the ongoing story of the South Pacific World War II Museum. Here you’ll find updates on new exhibits, research developments, community contributions and the many moments that continue to shape the Museum’s journey. Each story offers a glimpse into the people, places and history behind the project—building a record that grows richer with every passing year.
Bunkers, Wrecks and Wonders
Local tour operator and long-time Luganville resident Mayumi Green is now offering fully customised World War II history tours across Espiritu Santo, designed especially for visitors who want a deeper, more personal connection to the island’s wartime past. With over three decades of experience living on Santo, Mayumi has developed an extraordinary understanding of the island’s rich World War II history, shaped by its role as a major Allied base during the Pacific campaign. Her boutique tour company is widely regarded as one of the most respected and knowledgeable in the region. What sets Mayumi’s tours apart is not just her local expertise, but the personal care and attention she brings to each visitor’s experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a returning descendant of a WWII servicemember, or simply curious about the wartime remnants scattered across the island, Mayumi will tailor the journey to suit your interests. Yoshiyuki Takahashi & Aiko Tomioka. Visiting a crashed B-17 bomber. The old Aviation Supply Depot. The South Pacific WWII Museum. Visiting a WWII ammunition bunker. The images shown here are from her most recent bespoke tour for Japanese visitors Yoshiyuki Takahashi and Aiko Tomioka. They asked Mayumi to take them to surviving wartime
Honouring the crew of the USS Strong
On 10 March 2021, Tammi Johnson from Project USS Strong DD467 contacted the South Pacific WWII Museum. Tammi, a long-time supporter, had a personal connection
Museum doubles its size
Following weeks of exceptional dedication from a committed team of tradesmen and our museum staff, the Museum’s latest gallery was unveiled on Friday, 12 January.
NZ High Commission assists Museum
Following the significant financial support, facilitated by New Zealand High Commissioner Nicola Simmonds, our upcoming renovations are set to transform and expand the museum. The
Swire shipping container
In yet another major donation to the South Pacific WWII Museum, Asia-Pacific shipping giant Swire Shipping has provided the Museum with a shipping container. You
Reserve Bank funding
The South Pacific WWII Museum has much pleasure in announcing that the museum has been presented with a grant from the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu.
The Museum’s Dauntless wreck
A huge thrill for the South Pacific WWII Museum this week following the discovery of aircraft wreckage in Port Vila. During a recent visit to
Jeep for Museum
Not all the news this week is Coolidge related. Those with an eagle eye, may have spotted a new addition to the Museum’s collection at
Museum Renovations
In the lead up to the S.S. President Coolidge Commemoration and Exhibition on October 26, the South Pacific WWII Museum required quite a makeover to
Message in a bottle
Millie Ogden, CEO of 3 Link Communications in Port Vila offered to help the museum with planning for the Coolidge commemoration and exhibition. Her company