Yandina Airport is an airport on Mbanika in the Solomon Islands.

History

The 33rd Naval Construction Battalion arrived on Banika Island in late February 1943 and commenced construction of a fighter airfield. By 13 April a basic airfield known as Airfield 1, Renard Airfield or South Field was usable. The 35th Battalion took over construction and by mid-May had completed a coral 3100 ft by 150 ft runway. By the end of June a taxiway, two warm-up areas, 60 ft by 450 ft, and 25 revetments had been completed and work had commenced on lengthening the runway to 6000 ft to make it usable by medium bombers. The 33rd Battalion had also erected an aviation-gasoline tank farm of eight 1,000-barrel tanks, together with piping and fittings. Enemy bombing on June 25, 1943, caused considerable damage to the Tank Farm. One tank was set on fire and was completely destroyed; three others were punctured by shrapnel. The piping was also damaged. Repairs were completed in five days. Gasoline service to the airfield was maintained without interruption. USAAF units operating from the base included: US Navy operating from the base included: