Jinamoc Seaplane Base Explained

Jinamoc Seaplane Base
Type:	Military Seaplane Base
Built:	1944
Builder:	Seebees
Used:	1944–5
Condition:	abandoned
Controlledby:	United States Navy

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 200feet steel and concrete ramp. Taxiways and hardstands were graded and surfaced and 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]
• VP-43 June 1945 – June 1946^[2]
• VPB-17 9 March-27 April 1945^[2]
• VPB-20 8–26 February 1945^[2]

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

See also

• Tacloban Airfield

Notes and References

1. Book: 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. 230.
2. Book: Roberts, Michael D.. Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 2000. 160–2.