CVE-104 was initially named Tonowek Bay (23 September 1943) for a bay off Gulf of Esquibel, between Prince of Wales and Heceta Islands, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska (NS0310412).

Renamed Munda, 6 November 1943, for an airfield on New Georgia (NS0310412a). During World War II it was important for the Japanese as a refueling area for Rabaul-based planes raiding Tulagi and Guadalcanal. It was the frequent target for Allied shore bombardment units. Partially neutralized after the occupation of Rendova and the setting up there of shore batteries which joined ships on the bombardment line in pounding the field, it was taken on 5 August 1943 during the Solomons campaign.

NS0310412b: Munda airfield, New Georgia Island, Solomons, photographed circa 1943–44, after redevelopment by the Allies.

(Maps NS0310412 and NS0310412a courtesy of Google Maps. Photo NS0310412b courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration [NARA], photo # 80-G-K-1454.)

USS Munda (CVE-104) at anchor in San Francisco Bay, California, circa late 1945. Note hull number painted on both the bow and the island.

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo No. 1996.488.035.004.

(Note: Munda crossed the Equator on 26 August 1944, and the 180th Meridian two days later.)