Location
Lat 9° 28' Long 148° 46'  Located at Embessa along the Musu River. Located a few miles north of Abel's Field.

Construction
During November 1942, built by the US Army, 114th Engineering Battalion, C Company under the command of Col. Leif Sverdrup with the help of native labor and assistance from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Squadron Leader Michael "Mick" Leahy.

Wartime History
Used by C-47 Dakota transport to air lift troops and supplies to support the Allied advance to Buna-Gona-Sanananda, along with Pongani Airfield, Kinjaki Barige Airfield and Abel's Field (Gasari).

Today
During the 1970s, Embessa Airfield was reopened by the Oro Province government for use by light aircraft. Status today unknown, likely closed.

Richard Leahy adds:
"I traveled to Embessa village by boat whilst hunting crocodiles during the 1960s, specifically 1964. I have also flown myself into the strip sometime during the 1970s. Embessa strip closed at the end of the war and was re-opened during the 1970s by the Oro Bay / Popondetta Local Government. Don't know if it is open today. I rather think not."

References
HyperWar US Army in WWII - Victory in Papua pages 116
Thanks to Richard Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
July 19, 2024