Bora Bora must have been one of the best places to be based during World War II, partially because no combat took place on the island. Up to 6,000 American troops at a time were stationed here from 1942–1946 as part of “Operation Bobcat.” The garrison generated romantic stories like Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, and the airstrip built during this period was the country’s first. Few remnants of the Americans’ presence remains today—mostly abandoned guns and bunkers—but if you do want to explore what is left you can take a four-wheeler tour, easily organized through your hotel.
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Explore the island’s WWII history
Bora Bora must have been one of the best places to be based during World War II, partially because no combat took place on the island. Up to 6,000 American troops at a time were stationed here from 1942–1946 as part of “Operation Bobcat.” The garrison generated romantic stories like Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, and the airstrip built during this period was the country’s first. Few remnants of the Americans’ presence remains today—mostly abandoned guns and bunkers—but if you do want to explore what is left you can take a four-wheeler tour, easily organized through your hotel.
