Aloha. Hafa Adai. Semper Fi. These three phrases pretty well capture the spirit of this expedition into the Pacific...a satisfying blend of wartime and pre-war history, island culture, real discovery, and relaxation island-style. Together they make for a Pacific experience of a lifetime.

Barely a week after the allies crossed the English Channel to launch the long-awaited assault at Normandy, a comparable American force was on the opposite side of the globe at Eniwetok atoll, on their way to assault Saipan as the opening phase of Operation FORAGER. For the 4th Marine Division on Maui, it was a four-thousand-mile leap across the Central Pacific.

Join historian/author Steven McCloud for an exclusive return to the Marianas.

Central Pacific Feature

BLACK DRAGON:

The Experience of a Marine Rifle Company in the Central Pacific

by Steven McCloud

Much has emerged from research for the book on 2-F-23 regarding specific combat paths on Saipan and Tinian. We'll visit both the signature big-picture sites, and very specific and historic sites for the first time as we follow the footsteps of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines.

We also have the honor of returning the ashes of one of our 2-F-23 Marines to Saipan, and contribute to the location of one of our Marines.

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Expedition Guide

Steve is the founder of Trident Leadership, and author of "Black Dragon: the Experience of a Marine Rifle Company Named 2-F-23." The former corporate trainer has also led tours to historic battlefields from Iwo Jima to Normandy, lauded by legendary Head of the Marine Corps History and Museums Division and Navy Cross recipient Colonel John Ripley, USMC (Ret) as "...far and away the very best historian/guide I have seen on any tour. Light years beyond the average." Steve has conducted hundreds of battlefield staff rides with corporate teams, and is a lecturer for the Marine Corps.