The U.S. Navy has hosted a Naval base on Kwajalein (Kwaj for short) since WWII (1950’s). Since then and continued today, the Navy base is widely used for all sorts of missile tests. It is part of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, with various radars, tracking cameras, missile launchers, and many support systems spread across many islands. One of the five ground stations used in controlling the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system is located on Kwajalein.
Kwajalein atoll is one of the largest atoll in the world and has a 90+ small islands surrounding the world’s largest lagoon which covers 2,174 sq. kilometers (839 sq. miles). It is home to many wrecks from WWII including over 160 planes and more than 25 ships.
Photo by underwaterkwaj
How to Visit Kwaj
Kwajalein (Kwaj) is very difficult to visit. Here are the many steps we had to take to get approved for a visit.
- Identify a sponsor. The sponsor is 100% responsible for you during your visit. This includes your actions, behavior and expenses. The sponsor is responsible for any and all medical treatment including evacuation.
- Complete the USAG-KA 480 form
- Answer a lengthy list of questions.
- Pass the background check.
- Obtain medical evacuation insurance.
- Solidify the dates of your visit.
It took me 3 months to find someone who was interested in sponsoring us. He was apprehensive at first because he did not know us. However, he spoke to our friends on Hoptoad who told him we were good people.
Photo by USGS.gov
The Plan to Visit Kwajalein
In December through February we were sailing in the northern atolls. We thought we could sail down to Kwaj then try to find a way to sail to Majuro. We requested our visiting period to be 1/28-2/20.
Our plan was to arrive late January, stay for a few days, then use three weeks in February to get back to Majuro. The problem is that the passage is almost due east (into the wind/seas). We mapped out alternatives such as Kwaj to Rongerik to Majuro and Kwaj to Likiep to Majuro. Each option added hundreds of miles to our return trip back.
I started getting anxious because I had to be back in Majuro to catch my flight back to the states. The chances of a good weather window occurring is rare and unusual. We were gambling.
We decided to wait for the approval until the 29th January. That would give the government 2 weeks to approve the application. We did not hear anything on the evening of the 28th January. So, we made ready to depart Alinginae and head direct to Majuro on this weather window.
And wouldn’t you know it, the approval came on the 29th while we were at sea. It was too late to change our trajectory.
Such a Disappointment
We both had really wanted to visit this unique atoll and military base. But it was not meant to be. Our sponsor was incredibly kind and understanding. We felt horrible because our sponsor put in a lot of effort and time into our application.
What Can you do on Kwaj
- Hear about the rich history of Kwaj.
- Visit the monuments around the island.
- We needed to get fuel, propane, and provisions.
- The cool factor of visiting an active military base.
Fun link: Underwater Kwaj: www.underwaterkwaj.com/Marshalls.htm
Our blog posts run 4-6 weeks behind live events. We tried to go to Kwaj in early February 2025.
We blogged about our passage between the two island chains. Check it out.
