History
Berry Airfield was completed May 15, 1943, however there was little or no room for expansion without an extensive earth moving project being put into action. The runway had an 8-inch (200 mm) base of crushed rock and pit gravel approximately 4,500' by 150'. It also had 40 dispersal bays, and 4 alert areas that would accommodate 15 fighter aircraft.
Berry hosted many units during its operational use, however the only long-term unit assigned was the 8th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group) which flew P-39 Aircobras from July 20, 1942 - November 8, 1942.
Today, the road from Port Moresby runs overtop the old man runway. The Bomana Police Training College is located at the site of the former strip, and the Bomana War Cemetery is at the far end of the strip. Some of the officer's and command tents for the airfield were located in the high ground around the former field. Some war debris are scattered around the area, including barrels, metal pieces, and other objects.
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