An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Videos

Videos of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

Play Play

Battle of Guadalcanal: 83rd anniversary of Operation Watchtower

  • Marine Rotational Force - Darwin
  • Aug. 8, 2025 | 1:04

Multinational service members, veterans, leaders of Solomon Islands’ government, members of the diplomatic community, and civilians, attend the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2025. The ceremony commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Anita Ramos)