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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.

Couple on a deserted airstrip, Guam, part of the Bunkers, Wrecks and Wonders blog.

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

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Brass steam whistle on a metal stand, ready to sing.

Whistle set to sing

Last month we reported on the amazing progress being made with the restoration of the S.S. President Coolidge whistle in Luganville. We are delighted to

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Alma ambulance vehicle, a white 4x4 with red and white stripes and "AMBULANCE ALMA" text.

Alma Ambulance

Earlier today in Espiritu Santo, the Ambassador for Japan Mr Hirohisa Chiba handed over the keys to a brand new, state-of-the-art Toyota 4WD ambulance to

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Rosie the Riveter poster: "Donate Today!" Call to action for WWII donations.

Fundraiser

It’s been quite a year for the South Pacific WWII Museum. With Vanuatu’s borders closed, one of our major sources of income has all but

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Mayor presents award to a man in a green shirt

Mayor Award

Saturday in Luganville started like any other for South Pacific WWII Museum Project Office Manager Lengkon Tokon and Support Officer Marina Moli. And then the

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