Torokina's WW2 Ordnance Clearance Mission in Pictures

In April 2009, the PNG and ABG governments made a joint request to the US embassy seeking assistance to clearing the Torokina area from arms and ammunition.

Torokina map in WW2 showing concentration of US military sites

In response an American team of weapon specialists led by Charles A. Stonecipher left for Torokina on mission costing $1 million in September to October of 2009. They identified 144 sites with surface contamination that warranted clearance of the unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Barge ladened with UXO clearance equipment heading for Torokina

Welcome in Torokina

US ordnance expert shares with a local WW2 carrier

Tour of duty around Torokina

WW2 mortar cells

Arial bombs

Artillery shells still intact in a pile left in the 1940s

UXO infested jungles

Local with his re-conditioned rifle

This re-conditioned Owen gun, lost automatic fire capability but still fires singles for a Bougainvillean

Locals show a range of weaponry

Chained ammo and personal stuff like helmets

Japanese items further inland from the then US controlled coast

WW2 Ammunition for the local market

UXO team labour with their find

UXO placed in sand for safe transport to detonation areas

The project is not now active. It did not clear the whole Torokina area of UXO and other items that still threatens the lives of Bougainville.

Retrieved from: The European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (http://www.bougainville-copper.eu/bougainville-problem-2.html)