The airfield was named in honor of Australian Lt. Col. K. H. Ward, who was involved with its construction and was KIA on 27 August 1942, during the fighting at Isurava on the Kokoda Trail.

Mainly used for cargo aircraft and larger planes, Ward's was nearest to Jackson Airfield (7 Mile Drome), and at its height, its taxiways actually connected with those of 7-mile.

Today, both the 5th AF logo and USAAF are partially broken, and the area is overgrown, but it still offers commanding views and an impressive remnant of the American era at the airfield.

This group was responsible for assembling crated aircraft delivered by ship docked in Fairfax Harbor from the United States.

For pilots wishing to pick up a brand new plane, they would have to go all the way back to Port Moresby One can still drive along the main runway.