Here at the Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial lie granite blocks. They stand as silent witnesses to a tragedy. This is more than stone. It is a place where sorrow meets remembrance.
The Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial marks a very sad event. On February 9 2001 the USS Greeneville submarine collided with the Ehime Maru. The Ehime Maru was a Japanese high school fishery training boat. The collision occurred nine miles off Diamond Head. The submarine surfaced beneath the Ehime Maru. Tragically nine people died.
The Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial was unveiled in February 2002. It stands in Kakaako Waterfront Park. The Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial is a place for reflection.
Look around at the nine granite blocks. They represent the nine lives lost that day. Notice the engravings. They depict the outline of the ship and a map of the accident site.
Consider the ship’s anchor beside us. Nine links from its chain lie nearby. Each link symbolizes a lost soul. The names of those who perished are etched in stone.
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii maintains this sacred place. Volunteers from the community help. Their dedication ensures that this memorial remains a tribute to those lost. It also honors the bond between Japan and America.
Imagine the Ehime Maru on its 74-day voyage. It departed from Uwajima Fisheries High School on January 10 2001. Thirty-five people were aboard including students and teachers. Their curriculum included tuna fishing and maritime navigation. The ship docked in Honolulu on February 8.
Picture the USS Greeneville preparing to depart Pearl Harbor. It was part of the Distinguished Visitor Embarkation program. This program showcased the submarine’s capabilities to civilians.
Consider the events that unfolded that day. The submarine performed an emergency ballast blow surfacing maneuver. It struck the Ehime Maru. The Ehime Maru sank within ten minutes.
Think about the aftermath. The U.S. Navy raised the Ehime Maru from the ocean floor. Divers recovered the remains of eight victims. The U.S. Navy compensated the victims’ families.
The Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial also serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the importance of safety and communication. It also speaks to the need for understanding between nations.
Commander Scott Waddle traveled to Japan in December 2002. He apologized to the survivors and the families of the victims. His act showed remorse and respect.
Each year memorial ceremonies take place. They are held at Uwajima Fisheries High School and here. These ceremonies honor the victims and promote peace.
The Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision Memorial is a place of respect. It is a place for quiet reflection. It is a place of remembrance. Let us honor those who were lost. Let us strive for a future of understanding and peace.