Wartime History
During WWII, there was a US Navy base and repair facilities located here, including slipway and hanger facilities. A repair base for the USN Fleet Air Wing 17 in mid-1943, that operated PBYs. At the end of the war, all the aircraft remaining there were sunk, bulldozed or rendered unserviceable and abandoned.

Units Based at Palm Island
VP-34 Relocated to Palm Island, under the operational control of FAW-17 starting Dec 18, 1943, with forward bases at Port Moresby and Samarai

VP-101 Squadron headquarters were established at Palm Island, with advance bases at Port Moresby and Samarai

PBY Catalina Wreckage

Justin Taylan July 2000 Wartime History PBY Catalina part were abandoned at Palm Island. Recovery A variety of aircraft wreckage was recovered in 1998 by RAAF Amberly for their PBY restoration. Despite nearly a half century exposed to the elements, many of the components were in mint condition and will be used in this beautiful restoration. Recovered were PBY, and Super Catalina parts. The pontoon was used as a canoe by islanders. PBY