To have a naval base you would need a deep water harbor. I don't think the little island has one. The island stretches 34 miles from tip to tip, with an opening to the north- northwest. Three small islands dot the mouth of the lagoon, which is approximately 13 miles long and up to 6 miles wide. The lagoon is from sixty to one hundred feet deep with numerous coral heads in most areas.
Shallow reefs surround the island on the ocean side, as well as in the lagoon.
The island's mean height above sea level is 4 feet. From Island Histroy. Yes, it's small. No, it's not Air Force. WITH long range carriers and steam launch catapults and limited only by the age and design of their aircraft.