Girua Airport

Girua Airport (IATA: PNP, ICAO: AYGR) is an airport serving Popondetta, a city in the Oro (or Northern) province in Papua New Guinea.

The airport was built during World War II as part of the Dobodura Airfield Complex during late 1942 and early 1943.

The main Dobodura complex had eleven airstrips, most interconnected for taxiing purposes.

At the height of the Battle of Buna-Gona supplies began landing at the airfields including artillery spotting planes, a 105mm and five Bren Gun Carriers used to assault Cape Endaiadere, After the battle, Dobodura was developed into a major airbase, with storage and repair facilities, and interconnecting taxiways to adjacent airfields.

[3][4] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

"Poopy II" P-40E Warhawk Assigned to 1st Lt. A.T. House,Jr. from the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group. He was an ace with a total of 5 victories. Photo was taken while preparing to take-off after getting an alert for enemy aircraft at Dobodura in May 1943.