Yonabaru Airfield was originally established by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force.

The 145th Naval Construction Battalion (Seebees) began to improve the airfield for service as a patrol/bomber airstrip in June once the fighting had moved further south.

On 15 August 1945 the base with its 6,500 feet (2,000 m) runway was ready for use by US Navy aircraft.

The base was severely damaged by Typhoon Louise on 9 October 1945.

On 27 February 1957, the Deputy Governor announced that the Yonabaru airfield site would be used as a Marine helicopter installation.