Location
Sitka Seaplane Base was located on Japonski Island in Alaska in the United States. Borders the Sitka Channel and Sitka on Baranof Island. Also known as Naval Air Station Stika (NAS Sitka) or Sitka Naval Air Station.

Construction
During 1937, the U.S. Navy (USN) established the its first seaplane base in the Territory of Alaska at this location. With Japan fighting in Asia, the plans were made to expand the military presence in Alaska. On October 1st, 1939 the seaplane base formally became a Naval Air Station. It was the first of only three defending Alaska (the other two were Kodiak and Dutch Harbor.

Wartime History
The Air station in Sitka was upgraded to Naval Operating Base on July 20th, 1942 Because of the importance of the stations, the army was put in charge to defend them along with other important ports and cities across the country.

American units based at Sitka
VP-17 (PBY Catalina) 1943

Today
Disused since the Pacific War as a seaplane base.

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Last Updated
July 19, 2024