Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Rogers Airfield

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Type
  
Military airfield

Year built
  
1942

In use
  
1942

Rogers Airfield

Controlled by
  
United States Army Air Forces

Rogers Airfield (also known as 30-Mile Drome) is a former World War II airfield near Redscar Bay, Papua New Guinea. It was part of a multiple-airfield complex in the Port Moresby area, located 30 miles (48 km) north-west of Port Moresby by air, near Rorona (also spelled Rarona).

On November 15, 1942, the airfield was named in honor of Major Floyd "Buck" W. Rogers (C.O. of 3rd BG, 8th BS) who was KIA flying A-24 41-15797.

History

Rogers Airfield was built by American forces in mid-1942, and in use by the first week of June. The airfield served as both a crash strip and also based aircraft for short periods in the early stages of the war. Known units based at Rogers were:

  • Headquarters, 35th Fighter Group (July 22, 1942 – August 15, 1943)
  • 39th Fighter Squadron, P-39 Airacobra 40th Fighter Squadron, P-39 Airacobra 41st Fighter Squadron, P-39 Airacobra
  • 7th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group) P-40 Warhawk
  • After the war Rogers Field was used as a small commercial airport by Air Niugini. Its commercial use ended in the 1960s and today the airfield is unused.

    References

    Rogers Airfield Wikipedia