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 Tom McLeod 1997 |
Location Tongatapu Harbor (Tongatabu Harbor) borders Nukualofa (Nuku'alofa) on the north coast of Tongatapu (Western Tongatapu) in the Tonga Island Group (Tonga Islands) in Tonga (Kingdom of Tonga). Also known as "Nukualofa Harbor" or "Nuku'alofa Harbor". To the east is the Piha / Biha (Eastern Passage). To the north is Makaha'a, The Narrows and Ava Lahi (Great Passage). Pronounced "Nuke-ahh-lofa". Construction At the start of the Pacific War, Tongatapu Harbor was deemed to be undeveloped by the U.S. Navy (USN). On May 10, 1942 the first U.S. Navy (USN) convoy and personnel landed at Nukualofa. The U.S. Navy Seabees from the 1st Naval Construction Battalion (1st NCB) "Seabees" built a concrete pier (main wharf), coral pier built and mine layer pier at Nukualofa. Wartime History At the start of the Pacific War, Tongatapu Harbor was an undeveloped harbor and was used by U.S. Navy warships and transports in transit from Pearl Harbor to the South Pacific. During April 1942, USS Yorktown CV-5 anchored in Tongatapu Harbor for upkeep as a result of being at sea continuously until departing April 27, 1942 bound for New Hebrides then participates in the Battle of the Coral Sea. On September 6, 1942 damaged USS Saratoga (CV-3) arrives for six days of repairs then departs bound for Pearl Harbor. Nukualofa Harbor Seaplane Base Seaplane operating in Tongatapu Harbor with shore facilities at Nukualofa References The United States Invasion of Tonga In 1942 by Tom McLeod Thanks to Tom McLeod for additional information Contribute
Information Last Updated
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 Map 1943 |
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