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Waikiki, Hawaii has the reputation of being the center of tourism
on Oahu and is one of the most popular beaches in the world. Its
idyllic backdrop and soft ocean waves make it the dream of many
people around the world to come and visit.
It is easy to forget that in 1795, Waikiki was the site of King
Kamehameha's invasion to unite the Hawaiian Islands. 1st Battalion,
14th Infantry Regiment, explored Waikiki, Punchbowl, and Pali
cliffs, looking at it from a different viewpoint.
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May 16, 2016 - Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1-14 Infantry
Battalion on Pali Cliffs where the conclusion of the Nu'uanu Battle
took place. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Simpson, Alpha Company,
1-14 Infantry Battalion)
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“Being able to see the tactics the Hawaiians used help us in our
own battle drills,” Staff. Sgt. Scott Simpson, an Alpha Company
squad leader, stated. “I have a new level of respect for the
Hawaiian culture.”
“The battle of Nu'uanu is important
because of where we live, said Staff Sgt. Richard Dyal, an Alpha
Company Platoon Sgt.
The local community have deep ties to
those who were in the battle and it is important to understand their
history.”
The Alpha Company Soldiers prepared to make the
most of their time while visiting the battle sites. They began with
a 45-minute video and divided different parts of the battle for
research.
A total of 33 Soldiers participated in the training ensuring
their junior and senior Soldiers were involved in this professional
development opportunity.
“As a leader, it was good to get
Soldiers involved in something they would not normally do,” Dyal stated. “The junior
Soldiers were able to join in the discussion and build
confidence.”
“Because we went over a board overview, they
were able to see the bigger picture. It also allowed them to
work on their communication skills. It was a good learning
environment because they were around their peers,” Simpson
said.
The company also enlisted the aid of Professor
Brendon Bliss, Hawaii Pacific University, to expand upon the
company's self-study.
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May 16, 2016 - Professor Brenden Bliss from Hawaii Pacific University joins Alpha Company, 1-14 Infantry Battalion at the Punchbowl National Cemetery to discuss the main defenses and strategy of the Oahu Allies. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Simpson, Alpha Company,
1-14 Infantry Battalion)
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“Written history is vague. Having someone who studied the culture
and battle helped clear up what actually happened,” Simpson said.
The battle had approximately 25,000 Warriors.
Comparatively, the Battle of Bunker Hill had only 5,400
Soldiers involved. This makes the Battle of Nu'uanu one of
the largest battles in the world at the time.
“I
have a new level of respect for culture on the island. Their
history is as colorful as those in the lower forty-eight,”
Simpson said.
By U.S. Army 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25ID
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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