Interactive Outpost Experiences

Artillery

Taking out well defended targets at long range often required that the military bring in the big guns, as well as the artillerymen who fired them. Attend this free outpost to learn more about field artillery in the Pacific War.

Marine Assault Squad

As the Pacific War raged on, Japanese defenses only became stronger as American troops inched neared to the Japanese home islands. Visit this free outpost to learn about how the Marine Corps handled such defenses using everything from tanks to satchel charges, including live flamethrower demonstrations!

Communications

As America entered the Second World War, it quickly realized that communications were going to make or break the war effort. In response, American communications rapidly became some of the best developed and most coordinated the world had ever seen! Come to this free outpost to learn more about radios, field telephones, and other communications during WWII.

Food on the Front

Ever wonder what American troops ate while fighting in the Pacific? From K-Rations to steak and eggs, come to this free outpost to learn about eating on the frontlines in the Pacific War!

Hurry up and Wait

Ever wonder what soldiers and Marines did during their downtime? From baseball to radio shows, movies to magazines, visit this free outpost to learn more about how American troops passed the time when not on the frontlines!

First Person Corps

Step into history with our volunteers in the Pacific Combat Zone! With First-Person Living History, you'll be able to interact with history firsthand as our volunteers portray the real men and women who lived through World War II. From the heroic crew of our PT Boat to the brave pilots behind the controls of our TBM Avenger, this is your chance to experience history up close and personal!

The Manhattan Project

As WWII ravaged the globe, small groups of scientists across the country spent years developing the weapon which would help end the war: The Atomic Bomb. Come to this free outpost to learn more about the bomb itself, as well as the men and women behind it.

In the Service of the Emperor

One of the great enigmas of the Second World War was the fanatic fighting style of the Imperial Japanese forces who disdained surrender, even preferring suicide to the shame of defeat. Come to this free Outpost program to learn about the living conditions, equipment, and philosophy of the Imperial Japanese troops.

Gear Up

A Marine’s gear was his lifeline in the Pacific War, and everything he carried was useful in some way to him! Come to this free outpost for a close look at the equipment of an American Marine fighting in the Pacific!

Seabees

The Seabee's were established on March 5th, 1942. Originally dubbed Naval Construction Battalions, they were given the nickname Seabee based off the first two letters of Construction Battalion. This year, our Seabees Outpost will be a Birthday party with cake and activities! It will be held in the Historic Nimitz Ballroom on Saturday, March 1st from 2:00-4:00 pm. This is a drop in, family friendly event.

Heroes on the Homefront

As war raged across the globe during WWII, those Americans remaining at home did not sit idly by. From cultivating Victory Gardens to manufacturing machines of war, the people on the Homefront made fighting the Second World War possible for the American military. Come see this free outpost and get a taste of life on the American Homefront during WWII!

Skyjumpers: Paratroopers in the Pacific War

While divisions such as the 101st and 82nd Airborne are rightfully famous for their heroic drops into Europe during WWII, fewer people have heard of the 11th Airborne Division or the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Come to this free special outpost to learn about these daring paratroopers, their gear, weapons, and the unique challenges that the Pacific posed for airborne infantry.

War Machine

During the war in the Pacific, tanks served as the infantryman’s best friend when it came to tackling Japanese defenses. Their crews came together to work as a well-oiled machine through thick and thin. Visit this free outpost to learn more about our M3 Stuart tank, as well as the men who crewed them during the Pacific War.

The Spoils of War: Trophies in the Pacific

Wherever Americans troops went during WWII, they always hunted for trophies to take home as proof of their adventures. Anything that had belonged to the enemy and wasn’t nailed down was fair game for American troops. Learn more about the type of items taken as trophies in this special outpost.

Women at War

When war came to America in December of 1941, it wasn't only the men who answered the call to service. Thousands of women across the country gave their all to supporting the war effort at home and overseas. From victory gardens to airplane manufacturing, from rationing food to training fighter pilots, come to this outpost to learn how American women did their part during World War II!

Weapons of War

The war in the Pacific was fought with so much more than the M1 Garand and the Arisaka rifle. Come visit this free outpost to see a vast selection of weapons from our collection, from Tommy Guns to flamethrowers, including some demos throughout the day!

News from the Front

The Second World War was one of first wars in which Americans were constantly being supplied with photos and footage from the front lines. Units like the Army’s Signal Corps and Marine’s Photo Sections documented the war on behalf of the military, while numerous civilian reporters such as Ernie Pyle and Tom Lea worked on behalf of news agencies. Learn more about these brave combat documentarians, and the equipment they used to show America the war overseas.

In the Navy

The Pacific War posed an interesting problem for those fighting it: The vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The United States Navy played a critical role in navigating that vastness, from carrier duels near Midway to deploying Marines on Okinawa. Come to this free outpost to learn more about these brave service members, life at sea, and the various roles sailors took during the war.

Hand to Hand Combat

While a rarity on the European front of WWII, hand-to-hand combat was grimly common in the Pacific. Between the Japanese favoring close fighting, and the already close-quarters nature of combat in the jungles, American Marines and soldiers would need to be proficient in hand-to-hand fighting to survive. Learn more about the weapons used, how the men were trained, and even see demonstrations of hand-to-hand fighting technique.

Medical Miracles of the Pacific

For the men fighting in the Pacific, few things were more terrifying than being seriously wounded or contracting a debilitating illness. However, WWII was host to numerous medical advancements which saved thousands of troops’ lives over the course of the conflict. Learn more about these advancements, as well as the people who implemented them.

Merrill's Marauders

Created in 1943, the 5307th Composite Unit (nicknamed Merrill’s Marauders, after their commander) took to the jungles of Burma to fight the Japanese far behind the front line. An early special operations unit, Merrill’s Marauders engaged in jungle warfare, raiding, recon, and other long-range operations deep in enemy territory. Learn more about these daring soldiers, their gear, and the type of men to take up such a dangerous task.

Special Outpost: Lions in the Jungle: The British Army as Chindits

Officially known as Long Range Penetration Groups, Chindits were special operations groups within the British Army sent behind enemy lines to harass the Japanese in Burma. Come to this special free outpost to learn more about the Chindits and their role deep in the jungles of the Pacific War.

Special Outpost: We Are Prepared! The Boy Scouts of America in WWII

When America joined the Second World War in 1941, the Boy Scouts of America immediately volunteered to help however they could. Learn about Scouts serving as air raid wardens, coastal patrols, and in many other roles.

Special Outpost: Red Star, Red Sun: Soviet-Japanese Border Battles

Though more famous for their domination of the Eastern Front, did you know that the Soviet Union also fought in the Pacific? Come to this free special outpost to learn more about Soviet troops, their equipment and weapons, and the part they played in defeating Japan.