Landmines, Hand Grenades, Ammunition Uncovered at Micro Beach

A large amount of unexploded ordnance was removed from a bunker buried in the sand for more than six decades. The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Historic Preservation Office, the National Park Service, and EOD Detachment Saipan collaborated closely to carefully remove UXOs from August 12 to 15, 2025, at Micro Beach along American Memorial Park.

“When Tropical Storm Krosa hit Saipan in late July 2025, the oceans devastated the beaches. Erosion played a big factor in unearthing the UXOs at American Memorial Park. Land mines, hand grenades, mortar, artillery rounds, and rifle ammunition among the items found. The dig took about four days, working against the sun, rising tides, and the delicate handling of UXOs to complete. The bunker was emptied out, and all UXOs found were taken to a holding point controlled by DFEMS and Det. Marianas. A scheduled detonation will be taken into effect soon,” said DFEMS Public Information Officer Robert Mojica.