Namber Airfield

The airfield was closed due to military demobilization following the end of World War II. It was a temporary, purpose-built military airfield constructed for the Pacific Campaign. With the cessation of hostilities, the massive strategic need for three separate airfields on Numfoor Island vanished. Allied forces consolidated their remaining operations at the nearby, more developed Kornasoren Airfield (now Yebrurro Airport, WABO), rendering Namber Airfield redundant.

The airfield is completely abandoned and disused. Satellite imagery of the coordinates shows the faint but distinct outline of the former runway and taxiway system. The entire area is heavily overgrown with grass, shrubs, and trees, and has largely reverted to nature. There is no remaining infrastructure such as buildings, hangars, or a control tower. The site is not used for any aviation purposes.

Namber Airfield holds significant historical importance as a key United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) base during the latter stages of World War II.

- **Construction:** It was constructed rapidly by US Army Aviation Engineer battalions in July and August of 1944, immediately following the Allied amphibious invasion of Numfoor Island (Operation Cyclone). Unlike the other two airfields on the island (Kamiri and Kornasoren), which were captured from the Japanese and improved, Namber was built entirely from scratch by the Allies.

- **Operations:** The airfield became a major forward operating base for the USAAF's Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces. It was home to numerous bomber and fighter squadrons critical to the New Guinea Campaign. Notable units based at Namber included the 345th Bombardment Group (flying B-25 Mitchells), the 417th Bombardment Group (flying A-20 Havocs), and elements of the 38th Bombardment Group (B-25s).

- **Strategic Importance:** From Namber, Allied aircraft conducted extensive bombing and strafing missions against Japanese bases, shipping, and troop concentrations in western New Guinea, the Vogelkop Peninsula, the Halmahera Islands, and as far as the southern Philippines. The control of Numfoor's airfields, including Namber, was crucial for providing air superiority and supporting General MacArthur's island-hopping strategy, effectively isolating and bypassing strong Japanese garrisons and accelerating the Allied advance.

There are no known plans or realistic prospects for reopening Namber Airfield. The aviation needs of Numfoor Island are adequately served by the single active airport, Yebrurro Airport (IATA: FOO, ICAO: WABO), which is located on the northwestern side of the island. Given the island's small population and limited economic activity, there is no demand that would justify the immense cost of clearing, rebuilding, and certifying a second airport on the opposite side of the island.