Long Airfield (RAAF)

The airfield was closed because it was no longer required following the end of World War II. Long Airfield was constructed as a temporary, forward-operating base specifically for wartime operations. With the surrender of Japan in August 1945, the strategic need for a large heavy bomber base in this location ceased to exist. The USAAF units had already begun relocating to other Pacific theaters in 1944, and the base was officially abandoned as part of the general demobilization and consolidation of military assets in post-war Australia.

The site of Long Airfield is currently abandoned and in a state of decay, though its layout is still clearly visible from the air. The two main runways and the extensive network of taxiways remain largely intact but are unmaintained, overgrown with vegetation, and unusable for aviation. Many of the concrete aircraft revetments (protective enclosures) are also still present. The land is now part of a pastoral lease (cattle station) and is considered private property. There are no remaining buildings or active infrastructure on the site. It is recognized as a significant heritage site by the Northern Territory Government and is a point of interest for military historians and tourists exploring the region's WWII history, though access may be restricted by the landowner.

Long Airfield was a highly significant Allied heavy bomber base during World War II. Constructed in 1942 by the US Army's 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion and the RAAF's No. 1 Airfield Construction Squadron, it was one of several crucial airfields built along the North-South Road (Stuart Highway) to defend Northern Australia and project air power into the South West Pacific Area after the bombing of Darwin.

Its primary role was to host long-range strategic bombing missions. The most notable unit stationed at Long Airfield was the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy), nicknamed the 'Flying Circus'. From May 1943 to August 1944, the 380th flew Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers from Long Airfield on some of the longest and most dangerous bombing raids of the war. Their targets included key Japanese-held facilities, such as oil refineries in Balikpapan (Borneo) and naval bases in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). These missions were critical in disrupting the Japanese war effort. The airfield featured two sealed runways, extensive taxiways, and over 60 aircraft revetments designed to protect the bombers from air attack. It also hosted RAAF units, including No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, which flew missions in support of the bombing campaigns. The airfield stands as a testament to the massive engineering and logistical effort undertaken by the Allies in the Northern Territory during the war.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Long Airfield. The infrastructure is completely derelict and would require a total rebuild to meet modern aviation standards. Its remote location and the absence of any commercial or strategic need make its reactivation economically and logistically unfeasible. The modern aviation needs of the region are well-served by RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal (near Katherine), which are fully equipped, modern military airbases.