Jinamoc Seaplane Base

World War 2 base

Jinamoc Seaplane Base is a former World War II seaplane base on Jinamoc Island, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines. Jinamoc Seaplane Base was part of the Leyte-Samar Naval Base.

History

Construction on the base commenced in December 1944 with grading for a seaplane ramp, a pontoon barge was then floated into position and submerged. In May 1945 construction was started on a more permanent 200-foot (61 m) steel and concrete ramp. Taxiways and hardstands were graded and surfaced and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of access roads constructed. Facilities at the base included 75 Quonset huts for accommodation, a 200-bed dispensary, water supply and utilities. While construction was not completed until May 1945, the base began operation on 14 January 1945.^[1]

US Navy units based at the base included:

• VP-25 6–25 February 1945^[2]
• VP-33 1–16 March 1945^{[2]: 212–7}
• VP-43 June 1945 – June 1946^{[2]: 240–2}
• VPB-17 9 March-27 April 1945^{[2]: 418–20}
• VPB-20 8–26 February 1945^{[2]: 425–7}

No. 42 Squadron RAAF maintained a detachment at Jinamoc from March to May 1945.

See also

• Tacloban Airfield

References

1. Building the Navy's Bases in World War II History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Civil Engineer Corps 1940–1946. US Government Printing Office. 1947. p. 230.
2. Roberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. pp. 160–2.