The island and the airfield were used as a major command and control, as well as an operational fighter and bomber base from the summer of 1944 until the end of the war in September 1945.

The airfield was abandoned after the war and today is almost totally returned to its natural state.

Initially, Japanese pilots caused regular damage to the runway as they attacked the field and the air assets placed on the island.

On the linked satellite image the airfield is still clearly visible over 60 years after being abandoned.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency