The RAAF began aerials surveys over north Queensland during 1938 as part of a plan to establish a network of advanced operational air bases (AOB) in the likelihood of war with Japan. In June 1939 the search started for an AOB site on Cape York Peninsula and a suitable location was selected near the old Coen goldfields about 20 kilometres north of the town and telegraph station.

The old landing ground at Coen was at the southern end of the settlement near the early cemetery. It was here that a USAAF B-17 bomber of 19 Bombardment Group made an emergency landing with practically no fuel left on 1 June 1942. This was Dean Hoevet’s ship which some weeks later was lost with all crew off Cairns.