MISSIONS: Tinian

U.S. Marines’ capture of Tinian from Japan on July 24, 1944 (just following capture of neighboring Saipan and Guam) strategically put U.S. forces within striking range of the Japanese mainland by its new B-29 long range bomber. In a “Miracle of Construction”, 15,000 U.S. Seabees constructed Tinian’s North and West Field airbases, their runways, operation buildings, camps and roadways in record time, allowing B-29 combat missions over Japan from North Field to begin Feb. 4, 1945. Battalion runway builders hauled, blasted and packed down enough coral to fill three times the volume of Hoover Dam in six 8500 foot runways.

North Field was home to the Army Air Force 313th Bomb Wing, the top secret 509th Composite (atomic bomb) Group and associated Air Service Groups. The field had four 8500 foot runways and B-29 hardstands assigned to the 6th, 9th, 504th and 505th Bomb Groups. The 509th area of the field was isolated, heavily guarded and included atomic bomb assembly buildings and loading pits.

Each of the nine B-29 bomb groups stationed on Tinian Island in 1945 operated from independently functional group camps. Each camp included housing, medical, dental, operations and briefing facilities, entertainment and recreation facilities, mess halls, PX, shops, motor pool, post office, clubs and a religious chapel.

Prior to Seabee completion of the camps, aircrews housed in tents with dirt floors and primitive outdoor toilet facilities. Aircrews thereafter lived rather comfortable lives between combat missions, enjoying days at the beach, taking classes, going to clubs, church and recreation facilities provided in each camp. While brothers in flight, aircrews were separated into officer (flight deck) and enlisted men (gunners, radio operators) camp areas, including separate living quarters, mess halls and clubs.