Earthmovers level out the runway
Both American and captured Japanese equipment were used to prepare Henderson Field for the arrival of the Cactus Air Force.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
Earthmovers level out the runway
Both American and captured Japanese equipment were used
to prepare Henderson Field for the arrival of the Cactus Air Force.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
Another earthmover in action
This expanse of dirt would turn into an ocean of mud
with the upcoming rains.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
Laying down the Marston matting
Seabee's from the 6th Battalion lay down Marston
matting. The pierced steel Marston matting provided a solid surface for aircraft to use in
the rain-drenched tropics. The mats arrived in late September 1942, and were soon put into
use for runways and walkways.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
Repairing the Marston matting
Day and night, Japanese planes attacked Henderson
Field. Here U.S. Navy, Marine, and Army men band together to repair the bomb-wrecked
steel-matted runway. Note the B-17 in the background.
(U.S. Air Force photo)
Another example of cratered Marston matting
This section of Marston matting (also called PSP, for
Pierced Steel Planking) was holed by the big shells from a Japanese naval attack.
(Source: Wings magazine, April 1992)
A Seebees' bulldozer helps keep the runway in business
The Seebees and others worked endlessly to keep the
runways (this one is Fighter Two later in the war) flat and free of holes and other
hazards. This was no easy task in 1942, given the frequent Japanese air attacks and
bombardments by sea.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
Air raid warning bell
This bell was captured from the Japanese, possibly from
one of the Japanese ships that beached
themselves on the island. It was used by the Seebees to help warn of incoming
Japanese air raids.
(Source: Stan Jersey)
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