Naval Base Fiji

Asia-Pacific Mediterranean and Middle East Other campaigns Coups Second Sino-Japanese War Naval Base Fiji was a naval base built by the United States Navy in 1942 to support the World War II effort.

The US Navy built seaports, seaplane bases and airfields used for staging in the Pacific War.

New Zealand built a system of underground bases with a hospital, supply depot, headquarters and more.

Japan had made plans to invade Fiji, called Operation FS, but this was canceled after the major defeat at the Battle of Midway.

United States Armed Forces took over much of the operation of the airfields and seaplane bases.

On 13 May 1942, the United States issued a document called "Joint Army and Navy Plan for the Relief of New Zealand in Fiji and Tonga".

Part of the plan called for the US Navy to build an 80,500-barrel tank farm near Nandi, on Fiji's west coast.

On 28 July 1942, the US Navy and US Marine did a practice amphibious landing at Fiji's Koro Island.

The US Navy built a new advance naval base and camp at Nadi, code name Jampuff.

The port base also supported the Nadi airfield built by New Zealand forces.

VP-23, Patrol Squadron 23, known as the Seahawks was stationed at Seaplane Base Nadi with Consolidated PBY Catalina, including black Cats, night fighters.

[12] Port of Lautoka on the western coast of Viti Levu Island was built by the Navy.

Tomba Ko Nandi Port is located on the west shore of Viti Levu Island, near the city of Nasoso, at 17°43′43″S 177°25′29″E / 17.7286°S 177.4247°E / -17.7286; 177.4247.

During 1945, The Royal New Zealand Air Force operated Short Sunderland from the base in 1945.

The Base was operated by Naval Construction Maintenance Unit 503, which depart at the closure.

[16] The US Navy Seabees built a Fleet Recreation Center at Vunda Point on the west shore of Viti Levu.