Location
Located in the southwest corner of Arakabesan Island (Ngerekebesang). Seaplanes took off and landed along Kobasang Harbor.

Construction
During 1934, construction was begun by the Japanese South Seas Development Company as a seaplane base for commercial seaplanes flights via Palau. Further developed by the Japanese Navy. Base facilities were located on Arakabesan Island with a control tower atop a small hill. The seaplane base included a ramp and mooring blocks.

Wartime History
During the Pacific War, used as a Japanese Navy seaplane base and repair facility capabile of servicing H6K Mavis and H8K Emily flyingboats. Bombed by American aircraft during 1944-1945.

American missions against Arakabesan
August 28, 1944 - April 19, 1945

Today
The Palau Pacific Resort is built atop the former seaplane base and the Splash Palau Dive Shop is atop one of the taxiways. The seaplane ramp includes tie down rings for seaplanes. A memorial plaque is devoted to the history of the base.

References
YouTube "2005 Palau Seaplane Base"

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018