Commemorating 80 years in the Pacific
On May 14, 1945, Stars and Stripes published its first newspaper in the Pacific. To commemorate 80 years serving the military community in the theater, we're taking a look back at Stripes history through the writing and photography of a dedicated staff spanning generations. Stars and Stripes has proudly supported the Pacific military community since the beginning and will continue to serve the troops and families at the heart of our work.
Photo of the day
Mark Hamill in Yokosuka, Japan, 1978
Mark Hamill, better known to many as young Jedi Luke Skywalker of Star Wars fame, chats into a reporter's microphone during an interview at Nile C. Kinnick High School. Hamill - in Japan on a publicity junket for the July 1st opening of "Star Wars" in Tokyo and Osaka - took a sentimental detour to his old alma mater which he attended as a military brat when his father - a Navy Exchange officer - was stationed at Yokosuka. He told the gathered crowd how he and several other seniors violated curfew on prom night and wound up in Shore Patrol headquarters - in tuxedos and formals.
This week in Pacific history
September 6th - September 12th
September 6th, 1976 – U.S.S.R pilot, Viktor Belenko, lands his jet at Hakodate in Japan and requests political asylum.
September 7th, 1945 – World War II: Japanese forces on Wake Island, surrender.
September 7th, 1965 – Vietnam War: U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Piranha.
September 8th, 1945 – U.S. troops arrive in the southern part of Korea in response to Soviet troops occupying the northern part a month earlier and the division of Korea begins.
September 9th, 1948 – Kim Il-sung establishes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
September 11th, 1950 – Korean War: President Truman approves military operations north of the 38th parallel.
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This week in Pacific history
September 6th - September 12th
September 6th, 1976 – U.S.S.R pilot, Viktor Belenko, lands his jet at Hakodate in Japan and requests political asylum.
September 7th, 1945 – World War II: Japanese forces on Wake Island, surrender.
September 7th, 1965 – Vietnam War: U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Piranha.
September 8th, 1945 – U.S. troops arrive in the southern part of Korea in response to Soviet troops occupying the northern part a month earlier and the division of Korea begins.
September 9th, 1948 – Kim Il-sung establishes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
September 11th, 1950 – Korean War: President Truman approves military operations north of the 38th parallel.