Location
Lat 21° 14' 28S 175° 8' 59W  Tongatabu Airfield (Auxiliary Landing Strip) is located in the center of Tongatapu (Western Tongatapu) in Tonga. Also known as "Crash Strip". To the east is Tongatabu Airfield (Tonga Tabu, Fua Amotu Airport, Fua'amotu Airport). To the northwest is Veitogo. To the northeast is Vaini.

Construction
Built by the U.S. Navy (USN) 14th Construction Battalion (Seabees), with assistance and labor provided by the U.S. Army 147th Infantry Regiment, Carlson's Riders, 134th Field Artillery, 246th Field Artillery, 50th Coast Artillery, 77th Coast Artillery, 812th Enginner Company, 825th Enginner Company and 404th Engineer Company provided additional support.

Wartime History
During 1942, used as a fighter airfield to defend the area. Later, only used as an auxiliary landing field or crash strip. Disused later in the war.

Allied units based at Tongatabu (Tonga Tabu)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF)
7th AF 58th FG, 68th FS (P-40) Amberly arrives May 16, 1942 - late October 1943
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)
15 Squadron (21 x P-40E and P-40K) October 27, 1943 - ?

Today
Disused since the war. There is a single 3" anti-aircraft gun emplaced at the airfield.

References
The United States Invasion of Tonga In 1942 by Tom McLeod
Always Ready - The Story of the United States 147th Infantry Regiment by Tom McLeod
Thanks to Tom McLeod for additional information

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Last Updated
July 19, 2024