Construction
Japanese construction began in 1934 and required leveling half the island. After the expiration of the Washington Naval treaty in 1937, more construction begain with help of the Japanese Navy and South Seas Government. In 1939 work intensified, with conscripted labor, Koreans, and Japanese prisoners also used. All construction was completed by late 1943. Eten's fighter field was the best and the islands principal airfield. Its concrete 270 x 3,440 foot runway had lights for night flights. Support buildings for repair, HQ, power plant and a two story reinforced concrete administration, radio and control tower surounded the runway.

Wartime History
At its height 1,200 personnel had lived and worked here. 40 fighters and 7 double bomber revetments were adjacent to the runway along the hillside. Major repairs were done to Dublon. Eten was the temporary home for the 21st, 22nd, 25th 26th and Koku Sentani, Air Flotillas during the war.

Today
Portions of the abandoned Japanese fighter airstrip still remain, where the jungle has not reclaimed them.