New Georgia Campaign
The Segi Point area was secured by the 4th Marine Raider Battalion on 30 June 1943 in the opening phase of the New Georgia Campaign. The 47th Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) landed with the Marines and immediately began construction of a fighter airstrip. Bad weather and poor soil conditions delayed construction, but by 18 July a coral-surfaced by runway was ready for use. By the end of July taxiways and revetments had been completed. In August the runway was widened to and two gas tanks had been constructed and by September 52 hardstands had been completed.