Many people find the different names of Truk and Chuuk confusing, so in this article we will try to clear the waters once and for all.
Chuuk Lagoon, also known as Truk Lagoon, is a sheltered body of water in the central Pacific. The lagoon lies at about 1,800 kilometres north-east of New Guinea and is halfway between the Philippines and Hawaii. The lagoon is part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and is considered THE mecca for wreck divers. It is part of Chuuk State whose capital is Weno City on the island of Weno.
The lagoon lies within an atoll consists of a protective reef, 225 kilometres in diameter, enclosing a natural harbour.
‘Chuuk’ means mountains in the Chuukese language. You will directly see upon your arrival why it got this name – literally as you land! The mountain Tonnachau is a large landmark rising above Chuuk International Airport (TKK).
The lagoon, however, was known mainly as Truk (a mispronunciation of Ruk) until 1990. Other names for the lagoon include: Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus. It is unknown why there are so many names for this particular region.
What happened in Truk…or Chuuk?
The lagoon is of course (in)famous for the insane amount of wrecks it contains. During World War II, the lagoon was a Japanese stronghold and the main jumping off point for many of its Pacific campaigns. It was also the base for much of the Japanese fleet. The islands were fortified with infrastructure like roads, caves, anti-aircraft and anti-ship weaponry, and airstrips.
In 1944, the base came under naval and air attack by American forces. Operation Hailstone, as command named it, lasted for three days sinking twelve warships, thirty-two merchant ships (Maru), and destroying 275 aircraft.
So, which is it?
These days, the most common usage and spelling are ’Chuuk’ when you want to refer to the state and the land; whereas most people use the word ‘Truk’ for the lagoon, dive sites, and the wrecks.
If you are into wrecks, diving in Truk Lagoon should really be on your bucket list. Check out our Truk Lagoon diving itinerary!
