[1] Emirau was seized unopposed by two Battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment on 20 March 1944.

[2] Naval Construction Battalions arrived shortly after the landings and began construction of two coral-surfaced 7,000 feet (2,100 m) by 150 feet (46 m) airfields on the island.

Inshore Airfield had 35 double hardstands capable of parking 210 fighter or light-bomber planes, while North Cape Airfield had 42 hardstands with space for parking 84 heavy bombers.

[2]: 304  Emirau was the staging point for attacks on the Japanese strongholds at Rabaul and Kavieng.

US Marine Corps units based here included: Royal New Zealand Air Force units based here included:[7] There was also one Australian unit located on the island - the 474 Heavy Anti-aircraft Troop.