第125海軍建設大隊 (125th NCB) メモリアルブック
TYPHOON STRlKES OKINAWA
On October 9-10, 1945 Okinawa was struck by the worst typhoon recorded in the history of the island. The results of the storm, which started to blow early in the morning of October 9 and continued for nearly 24 hours, was complete and devastating to nearly all above surface structures on the island.
Camp Allan, even though well sheltered by surrounding hills, was damaged considerably by the winds. A survey of the camp on the morning following the storm dis- closed between 50 and 75 percent of the tents were down, electrical and telephone facilities were completely disrupted, several shops and warehouses in the area were destroyed, and the roof was off the galley and mess hall. Winds up to 130 knots were recorded with gusts reaching up to 150 knots. At least six inches of rain fell during the storm adding to the damage caused by the winds.
Members of the battalion displayed typical seabee ingenuity and aggressiveness on the day following the storm. New tents were procured from various sources early in the morning and all hands pitched in to rebuild their own tents. During the day all usable lumber in the supply yard and in the vicinity of the camp disappeared as yeo- men and storekeepers, carpenters and plumbers all united in an effort to reconstruct a roof over their heads by nightfall. By the evening electricians, plumbers, and car- penters had repaired the galley sufficiently so that hot chow could be served.
On October 11 the morning broke clear and the sun shone all day. Bedding and blankets and clothes could be seen all over the area as everyone put their wet gear in the sun to dry. Reconstruction of the camp continued and by nightfall many facilities were back in operation including the movie.
The storm did a great deal of damage to structures on the island. At NAB all housing facilities constructed by this battalion were damaged, the enlisted men's mess and the officer's galley, both 40 x 100 quonset huts, were completely destroyed. On the airfield the two 40 x 100 quonset hut warehouses and the Mae West building at NATS were destroyed. The airstrip itself was not damaged.
Many camps on the island which were in more exposed locations suffered complete or almost complete destruction. The larger buildings all over the island were completely destroyed while those smaller buildings that stood up were either moved from their foundations or badly damaged. Every building on Yonabrau airfield except the smaller 20x48 quonset huts were demolished.
All Seabee personnel were frozen on the island for a period of about two weeks after the storm to recon- struct the essential buildings and facilities destroyed by the storm.
Camp Allan After the Typhoon
