Nopuko's Store: Micronesia Books WW2 Books Micronesia Shirts Island Videos Cell Phones & Service Computer & Video Games Cameras & Photo

Saipan Tribune, Saturday, May 12, 2007 “Mission accomplished.” That is how Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez characterized his presentation at the May 4 reunion of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association in Cincinnati. The 73rd Bomb Wing was stationed on Saipan during World War II, operating B-29s that significantly influenced the outcome of World War II. “My goal in accepting the association's invitation to speak at the reunion was to convey the gratitude of the CNMI for their service during World War II and to generate interest in visiting our islands,” said Villagomez. “We were successful on both fronts.” Nanny State: How Food Fascists, Teetotaling Do-Gooders, Priggish Moralists, and other Boneheaded Bureaucrats are Turning America into a Nation of Children At the reunion, Villagomez made a PowerPoint presentation featuring Northern Mariana Islands history through World War II, the political and economic evolution of the islands since the war, and the new opportunities and challenges facing the islands. The presentation also highlighted World War II sites as they appear today, including the former B-29 airbase at Isely Field (now Saipan International Airport). From left, Joe Swann, Bill Lind and Bob Stangland wear the commemorative medallions presented to World War II veterans by CNMI Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez at the reunion of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association in Cincinnati on May 4, 2007. Swann's father, Sgt. Joe Caner Swann, pilot Lind and gunner Stangland served aboard the same B-29 bomber on Saipan during the war. (Contributed Photo) The lieutenant governor personally presented nearly 200 73rd Bomb Wing veterans and surviving family members with a medallion minted by the CNMI for service members who served in the Northern Marianas from 1944-1945. As they walked onstage to receive their medallions, many of the recipients were moved to tears. Joe Swann received the medal on behalf of his father, Sgt. Joe Caner Swann, who served as right gunner with the 870th Squadron, 497th Group. Sgt. Swann completed 30 missions between December 1944 and June 1945. Following the reunion, the younger Swann e-mailed Villagomez to express his gratitude. “This reunion has been a very special time in my life, and I appreciate your being a part of that,” said Swann in his e-mail. “When I got home I said to my wife, 'You know that vacation in Hawaii we dream about taking some day? Well, I think we should set our sights a little farther west.'” The 73rd Bomb Wing was comprised of 15,000 men and was headquartered along the Obyan ridgeline near Ladder Beach. The B-29 was the primary aircraft in the U.S. campaign against Japan in the final months of World War II. “For your service to country, and for your part in the history of our Commonwealth, I thank you,” Villagomez told the veterans. “Remember, you are always welcome in our islands, where we continue to honor the memory, and celebrate the freedom, of your service.” The presentation also featured a showing of the new destination DVD from the Marianas Visitors Authority and the presentation of a CNMI flag to the association. Medallions for the event were donated by VFW Post 3457.