Visiting the Bataan Recreation Area & Veterans Memorial Park

Carlsbad, New Mexico

I was impressed with the Riverwalk Trail and park facilities in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The first thing I wanted to see was the Veteran’s Memorial Park at the Lower Transill Reservoir and Bataan Recreation Area.

The Lower Transill Dam is the last dam in Carlsbad before the Pecos River continues on its way. This is the southern end of the Carlsbad Lake and Reservoir system.

This monument honors Carlsbad native and WWII Veteran Alejandro Ruiz for his receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in World War II, they invaded Luzon, Philippines in January 1942. The Bataan Recreation Area in Carlsbad is home to a wonderful veterans memorial to those who fought and died in the Battle of Bataan, and all veterans who served in any war.

Two sculptures of Korean War Soldiers on patrol stand as defenders of our nation, and forever defending Carlsbad.

A Duster Tank and a Vietnam Huey Helicopter are on display in the Veterans Memorial Park. The M42 40 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun, or “Duster,” is an American armored light air-defense gun built for the United States Army from 1952 until December 1960. Many Carlsbad Army National Guard Soldiers trained and served on the Duster.

Carlsbad native Dennis Bankson was the last pilot who flew this very Huey Helicopter in the Vietnam War. Today it sits in the park of his hometown.

Another amazing display is a 90 mm Aircraft Gun used in the Southwest Pacific Theater of WWII by New Mexico 200th Coast Artillery. This gun was the US Army’s primary heavy anti-aircraft gun from the opening of World War II into 1946.

A sidewinder missile, like the one in the photo below, weaves through the air toward an enemy target as if it has a mind of its own. It is a heat-seeking air to air missile carried by most fighter aircraft.

Norden Bombsight Storage Vaults like the one below, provided a secure space to store, maintain, and issue the Norden Bombsights, which were classified as secret during most of World War II.

The walkway continues along the river as it leaves the Lower Tansill Dam and travels east to the southern base of the Park before turning south.

Carlsbad has done a wonderful job commemorating their veterans by building a beautiful memorial park for all Carlsbad veterans who have honorably served their country.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the Bataan Recreation Area and Veterans Memorial Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Thanks for reading.