Half of the 2d Airdrome Battalion was detached from duty on Nukufetau and sailed for Tarawa. The detachment went ashore four days after the 2nd Marine Division assaulted the beaches. The remainder of the battalion departed Nukufetau in March 1944 after being relieved by elements of the 51st Defense Battalion. The 2d Airdrome Battalion sailed for Hawaii landing at Nawiliwili Harbor on March 21, 1944.