the 7th naval construction battalion arrived on santo on 11 august 1942 and began construction of more extensive air facilities to support the guadalcanal campaign. after completing a second fighter airfield at turtle bay they began constructing a bomber field at palikulo bay. the runway was by built of psp over a coral base. the 15th naval construction battalion arrived on santo on 13 october 1942 and added taxiways, revetments, and a extension to the runway for air transport operation.