World War II
Virtual Museum |  |
Marianas Airdrome Construction
Construction of the Marianas Airdrome, at the southern end of Saipan,
began immediately upon capture by American forces. Later, the airdrome
was renamed Isley Field, in honor of the first American fighter pilot
lost over Saipan at the onset of the air attacks on Saipan.
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Wrecked Japanese aircraft bulldozed and pushed aside for construction
work to begin at Iseley Field, June 1944.
Source: Bach, E.R.
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Two images at Marianas Airdrome immediately after capture by U.S.
forces. Navy Seabees setting to work repairing runways after capture.
Second picture: Japanese aircraft standing after capture by U.S.
forces.
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Construction workers follow right behind combat troops, and begin
construction immediately.
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American fighter aircraft begin arriving immediately as soon as
the runway is repaired. Note the heavily damaged Japanese hangars
in background.
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Two images at Marianas Airdrome immediately after capture by U.S.
forces. Lt.Col. McLean, pilot of first plane to land on Saipan during
the battle. Soldiers clustering around a water carrier filling canteens.
Water was a precious commodity during the battle.
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Aerial photograph of Isley Field, Saipan 1945. "This is a mid-1945
aerial view of the southern-most tip of Saipan, showing the tent
and quanset hut housing area of the 73rd Wing and the runways of
Isley Field. The runways continue in use as the Saipan Municipal
Airport (in later years). Boeing B-29's are lined up on one of the
two runways for take off, loaded not with bombs, but rather with
medicine, food, and clothing which was dropped by parachute to our
men held in concentration camps on the Japanese home islands. Many
such life saving missions were flown in 1945."; "In memory of the
men of the 882nd Squadron, 500th Group, 73rd Wind, 20th Air Force."
Source: Unknown.
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