Loring Air Force Base
In 1951, the Department of Defense (DOD) allocated funds for the construction of an ordnance storage site at Loring AFB. The designs called for a self-sufficient "maximum security storage area for the most advanced weapons of mankind". The mission of the facility would be the protection and maintenance of the weapons used by SAC. The facility was in the northeast corner of the base, and construction began on 4 August 1951. In addition to 28 storage igloos and other weapons storage structures, the facility included weapons maintenance buildings, barracks, recreational facilities, a warehouse, and offices.
Cape Gloucester Airport
Construction of Cape Gloucester Airport originally began in 1942 by the Australians. When the area was seized by the Japanese, it was improved into a two-runway airfield. Later, the area was liberated by the United States Marines on 30 December 1943. Three American aviation engineer battalions were sent to the airfield where they found their work impeded by heavy rains. Marine L-4 aircraft (military versions of the Piper Cub) began operating from a road near the airfield as early as 2 January, and other aircraft made emergency landings. The available engineering forces planned to have the airfield operational for fighters by 1 February but American aircraft did not start operating from the strip until February 1944, but moved out by the end of March.