Built in 1942 as a US Army Air Force base during World War II, the airfield had two runways, with a complement of taxiways, hardstands and a containment area.
[2] A major US Army Air Force Base during World War II, Mareeba housed both heavy bomber and fighter squadrons of that Service in 1942 and 1943.
Following their departure in early July, the airfield was occupied by USAAF heavy bomber squadrons from the US 5th Air Force which flew hundreds of bombing raids on enemy targets in the South Pacific; most notably Rabaul.
Today, the airfield hosts a museum with several World War II vintage airplanes on display in a flyable condition,[5] and a major maintenance facility for Mission Aviation Fellowship.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency