Landmark

USS Serpens (AK-97)

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The USS Serpens (AK-149) memorial stands on the Honiara waterfront, commemorating the 29 January 1945 explosion of the Liberty ship that killed 198 Coast Guardsmen and Army stevedores. Visitors can view the white marble monument inscribed with names of the fallen, set against the backdrop of Ironbottom Sound. This quiet site offers a place for reflection on the human cost of the Pacific War, distinct from other WWII memorials due to its focus on a single catastrophic accident rather than a battle.

Don't miss

  • White marble monument listing the names of the 198 victims
  • Waterfront location overlooking Ironbottom Sound
  • Interpretive plaque explaining the explosion and its aftermath

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Ways to visit USS Serpens (AK-97)

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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