Location
This atoll is known by several names: Apamama atoll (also called Hopper atoll, Abemama, and Apemama) lies 76 miles south of Tarawa. Across the southwestern side of the atoll there is a reef, through which are two passages suitable for small ships. The southwestern side of the atoll is guarded by two islands separate from Abemama, called Abatiku and Entrance Islands. To avoid confusion, the six portions of Abemama were given code names the north segment was named STEVE; next OSCAR, then OTTO, ORSON, JOHN, and finally JOE. Entrance Island was named NICK and Abatiku was called MATT.

Apamama Island (Abemama, Hopper)
Long island that is is broken in five places so that it appears that there are six islands closely joined together

Wartime History
Occupied by a small Japanese force. A USMC reconnaissance company of the V amphibious Corps landed at the south-east corner of the atoll at 4:45am on November 21, 1943, a landed on Abemama, Gilbert Islands, from submarine Nautilus (SS-168).

Later, an aphibious landing was made on November 24, 1943. The 95th Battalion followed on November 28, after minor enemy resistance had been overcome, and began building an airfield.

The islands were developed into a major base area. The Seabees also constructed 19 miles of coral-surfaced roads, a 12,000-barrel tank farm with a 5,000-foot submarine pipe line, and a causeway to serve an as access pier for unloading and making minor repair to LST’s and smaller craft. Storage space was provided by six prefabricated huts; quonset huts were erected for hospital facilities, offices, and work shops. Personnel were housed in tents. The total number of natives employed at the peak of construction operations was 426.

Apemama Airfield (O'Hare Field)
Built December 1943 used as an active airfield until late 1944.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009