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 USN c1943   USN c1943 |
Location Samarai Seaplane Base was located at Samarai Island with other shore facilities on Sariba Island. Also known as "Samarai Island Seaplane Base". Construction On July 31, 1943 a detachment from U.S. Navy (USN) 84th Naval Construction Battalion (84th NCB) "Seabee" were sent to Samarai to build a small seaplane base. Despite material shortages, the base was built in 42 days and included a 50' ramp with a hanger and 40,000 square feet of parking. Barracks and accommodations for 220 men and 50 officers and the installation of four x 1,000 barrel aviation fuel tanks. Wartime History Used by the United States Navy (USN) as a seaplane base and operating area. USN units based at Samari VP-34 (PBY Catalina) arrived December 26, 1943 where it began its first offensive combat operations against the enemy as a Black Cat squadron. On August 1, 1943 Patrol Squadron 101 (VP-101) operating PBY Catalinas was assigned to Task Group 73.1 under Commander Dunlap supported by USS San Pablo (AVP-30) and Aircraft Rescue Boat C-9485 operating from Samarai Seaplane Base on Samarai Island. VP-101 Catalinas from VP-101 flew combat patrols, escorted covoys and conducted crew training. On December 28, 1943 VP-101 departed for Perth. On December 31, 1943 US Navy (USN) Fleet Air Wing 17 departed Australia and set up headquarters at Samarai. VP-33 (PBYs) Based from February 15, 1944, under the operational control of FAW-17. The squadron was assigned night search patrols and attack missions against enemy shipping in the Bismarck Sea. Today Disused as a seaplane base since the Pacific War. References NARA "War Diary Aircraft, Seventh Fleet From: 1 August, 1943 To: 31 August, 1943" pages 1-4 Contribute
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