The Segi (Seghe) Point area was the base of the British Commonwealth coastwatcher, Donald Gilbert Kennedy, who had monitored Japanese shipping and aircraft (reporting by radio) and also rescued American airman who were shot down in the territory held by the Japanese. In May and June 1943 Japanese patrols moved into the Segi Point area. The Segi Point area was secured by the 4th Marine Raider Battalion on 30 June 1943 in the opening phase of the New Georgia Campaign. The 20th, 24th and 47th Naval Construction Battalions landed with the Marines and immediately began construction of a fighter airstrip. Bad weather and poor soil conditions delayed construction, but by 18 July a coral-surfaced 3,300 feet (1,000m) by 150 feet (46m) runway was ready for use.[1] By the end of July taxiways and revetments had been completed. In August the runway was widened to 200 feet (61m) and two 42,000 US gallons (160,000L; 35,000impgal) gas tanks had been constructed and by September, 52 hardstands had been completed.[1]:264
