Last Command Post Traditional Cache
ellysto: Currently not located on the island to maintain the cash
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Saipan's Last Command Post is a very important historical WWII site situated at the northern end of the island, at the base of Suicide Cliff. The Post was the last stronghold held by the Japanese military force that occupied Saipan before the American military took full control of the island. To this day, the site is marked by original cannons and other weaponry, including tanks, that were present during this final major battle in the struggle for control of Saipan.
On the North side of the island, just across the entrance to Banzai Cliff, you will find the Last Command Post. The cliffside bunker housed the last remnants of an organized Japanese military defense during the WWII invasion of Saipan by the Americans. Gaping holes in the bunker are the result of shelling by American battleships. Tanks, anti-aircraft guns, large artillery pieces, torpedos, and other relics of the WWII battles, mostly of Japanese origin, can be seen at the base of the command post. Remnants of a sugar train car and train tracks, and a fine example of a prehistoric Chamorro basalt pestle, can also be seen on the grounds. The site also contains various memorials to the various groups that fought and gave their lives at this site, over 65 years ago: the Korean Peace Memorial, The Okinawa Peace Memorial, the Japan Peace Memorial. It serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of war, and of those who paid the ultimate price for their country.
The trailhead for the "Banadero Trail", a hiking path that leads to the top of Suicide Cliff is located at the Last Command Post. This trail lead also up to the Suiside Steps cache (attention: the trail can be dangerous and one need to be in a very good physical condition to climb it up).
While visiting the Last Command Post, other sites in the nearby area at the northern tip of the island that may be of interest are Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff, the Grotto, and Bird Island. Learn more about the dramatic history of Saipan while geocaching in one of the most beautiful areas of the island.
The cache is located some 20 to 30 steps behind the Last Command Post bunker itself. Go upstairs and walk through the bunker. Stop for a minute or two in the bunker to feel the place, imagine how was to be a soldier here. Check the bullets stuck in the walls and look through the halls in the walls from the bombing... The cache is hidden in the near forest, in a place that would allow you to search and log, and be able to hide from the eyes of the visitors.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va n penpx va n ovt ebpx/ovt gerr.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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