East Field, World War II airfield in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
East Field was a military airfield built with a 5,100-foot runway, parallel taxiways, and numerous aircraft shelters designed for combat operations. The site contained all the necessary infrastructure to support intensive air operations during the war.
The airfield was constructed in 1944 by the 51st Naval Construction Battalion following the American capture of Saipan from Japanese forces. Its rapid completion proved essential for sustaining air operations across the central Pacific theater.
The site served as a gathering place for American military personnel from across the country who operated heavy bombers and fighter planes. Visitors today can sense the military legacy through the flat terrain and scattered remnants that shape the landscape.
The site is easy to access since it sits near Saipan's main town and occupies open, flat terrain. Visit in early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and light brings out details of the remaining structures.
The 318th Fighter Group and 6th Night Fighter Squadron operated specialized aircraft here, including the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-61 Black Widow. These squadrons became known for their night operations and long-range escort missions across the Pacific.
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