Johnston Atoll

Midway

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Growth of Johnston Island

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Starr 080606-6956 Lepturus repens

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Punar-nava (Telugu- పునర్నవ) (4938290660)

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Starr 080605-6704 Tribulus cistoides

Johnston Atoll is a United States unincorporated territory located in the Pacific Ocean about 750 nautical miles (1,390 kilometers; 860 miles) southwest of the Hawaiian Islands. The atoll, which is composed of four islands on a coral reef platform, has been an important military outpost and was used for nuclear testing and as a chemical weapons storage and disposal site. The atoll's isolation and strategic location made it an ideal location for these activities. However, these uses have also led to significant environmental contamination issues.

History

The atoll was claimed by both the United States and the Kingdom of Hawaii in the mid-19th century, but it was formally annexed by the U.S. in 1858. Throughout its history, Johnston Atoll has served various military and civilian purposes, including as a refueling station for aircraft and ships, a World War II airbase, and a missile testing range.

In the 1960s, Johnston Atoll became a site for high-altitude nuclear tests as part of Operation Dominic. Later, it was used to store chemical weapons and as a disposal site for Agent Orange. The last military operations on the atoll concluded in 2004, and it was transferred to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for inclusion in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

Geography

Johnston Atoll consists of four main islands: Johnston Island, Sand Island, Akau, and Hikina. The total land area of the atoll is 2.67 square kilometers (1.03 square miles), with Johnston Island being the largest. The atoll is surrounded by a large coral reef, making it a significant habitat for marine life, despite the environmental damage from military activities.

Environment

The atoll's environment has been heavily impacted by its use for military and industrial purposes. Efforts have been made to remediate soil and water contamination, particularly from PCBs, lead, and asbestos. The area is now a habitat for over 300 species of fish, several species of seabirds, and other marine life. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the atoll as a wildlife refuge, focusing on restoring its natural environment and protecting its wildlife.

Legacy

Johnston Atoll's legacy is a complex mix of military history, environmental degradation, and conservation efforts. Its history reflects broader themes in U.S. military and environmental policy, particularly regarding the disposal of hazardous materials and the repurposing of former military sites for wildlife conservation.