During World War II, occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army in January 1943, as a forward operating airfield for aircraft based at Wewak.

The airfield was repaired and used by the Royal Australian Air Force until the end of the war.

Knitted woven bark for the walls was floated downstream, made by the natives, who were paid in cash.

When the bark hut accommodation was ready, motor mechanics, radio technicians and other workers arrived along with wives and children.

Eventually packaged Hawksley houses arrived from Britain and were built in the township of Madang.