'Remarkable' Japanese structures on Saipan

In Lower Base, on Saipan, an archaeological inquiry unearthed substantial constructions erected by the Japanese at what was once a seaplane base long before the 1944 invasion.

David G. DeFant, an archaeologist with a rich background in historic preservation across several regions, including the CNMI, Palau, and American Samoa, and serving as a principal investigator for Southeastern Archaeological Research Inc. based in Guam, described these surviving edifices as truly “remarkable”.

During his presentation at the inaugural Marianas History Conference, DeFant expressed, "The evidence of construction on the ramps and other structures is quite remarkable. The engineering is of high caliber."

iHe highlighted a stark contrast between these structures and those hastily erected by the Japanese shortly before the invasion.

The initial investigation in 1987 by the CNMI Historic Preservation Office led to the recognition of 14 features of the former Japanese seaplane base. Subsequent efforts in 2011 by Micronesian Archaeological Services (MARS) and ARCGEO Inc. uncovered additional features previously unknown, including seaplane ramps, air raid shelters, cisterns, and fuel bunkers near Commonwealth Utilities Corp. power plant facilities.

DeFant speculated that more buried features of the former seaplane base might exist and advocated for preserving the existing structures.

In awe of the quality of these structures, DeFant pointed out how meticulously engineered features like the concrete drainages are still operational today.

Distinguishing between structures built by civilian Japanese, military Japanese, and the U.S. military proved challenging, underscoring efforts made to definitively identify their origins.

DeFant acknowledged a reliance on American military sources for his research, regretting the exclusion of Japanese and indigenous perspectives. However, he remained optimistic about rectifying these gaps in future research endeavors.

Construction at Puntan Flores commenced well before WWII, likely around 1934-1935, amid controversy surrounding the island's militarization and port development, leading to Japan's withdrawal from international agreements.

Japanese presence in Micronesia dates back to the late 19th century, with significant migration and development on Saipan during the 1920s and 1930s.

Initially, the seaplane base construction had civilian origins, although military involvement increased as militarization efforts expanded across Micronesia.

By 1939, formal militarization of Japanese possessions in Micronesia, including the Puntan Flores seaplane base, was underway, with significant expansion by 1941, including the addition of air raid shelters and barracks.

Following the 1944 invasion of Saipan, the seaplane base fell under U.S. military control, witnessing substantial expansion to accommodate larger aircraft.

By the late 1940s or early 1950s, the base closed, later serving as a site for the Naval Training Unit of the Central Intelligence Agency, earning the moniker "Lower Base."

DeFant stressed the historical significance of the Puntan Flores seaplane base and advocated for further studies to identify and preserve its remaining structures, recognizing its potential for heritage tourism.

(This is a revised copy of the story that appeared in Marianas Variety years ago. I am consolidating my stories on this site as I retire my other web/blog sites. -author)