Kentucky World War II Army Airfields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kentucky World War II Army Airfields
 |
|
|---|---|
| Part of World War II | |
| Type | Army Airfields |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1940-1944 |
| In use | 1940-present |
During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) built many airfields in Kentucky. These airfields were super important! They were used to train pilots and aircrews. These brave people would then fly USAAF fighter planes and bombers.
Most of these airfields were managed by the First Air Force or the Army Air Forces Training Command (AAFTC). The AAFTC was a group that helped train airmen. Today, it's known as the United States Air Force's Air Education and Training Command. Other USAAF groups also used airfields for support. These included the Air Technical Service Command, Air Transport Command, and Troop Carrier Command.
Even today, you can still find parts of these old wartime airfields. Many of them became regular airports for cities. Some went back to being farmland. A few even stayed as United States Air Force bases and were important during the Cold War. Hundreds of the temporary buildings from that time are still around. People use them for all sorts of things now!
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Important Airfields in Kentucky
During World War II, different military commands managed airfields in Kentucky. Here's a look at some of the most important ones.
Airfields of the First Air Force
The First Air Force was in charge of defending the East Coast of the United States. They also helped train new airmen.
Godman Army Airfield
- Location: Fort Knox
- What it did: This airfield supported the activities at Fort Knox, which was a major army base. It was home to the 99th Army Air Force Base Unit.
- What it is now: Godman Army Airfield is still an active airfield used by the United States Army.
- Airport Codes: (IATA: FTK, ICAO: KFTK, FAA LID: FTK)
Campbell Army Airfield
- Location: Fort Campbell/Hopkinsville
- What it did: This was a smaller base that helped out a bigger airfield in Tennessee. It also had a part of the 99th Army Air Force Base Unit.
- What it is now: Campbell Army Airfield is still an active airfield used by the United States Army.
- Airport Codes: (IATA: HOP, ICAO: KHOP, FAA LID: HOP)
Airfields of the Air Technical Service Command
This command was responsible for maintaining and fixing aircraft.
Louisville Modification Center
- Location: Louisville
- What it did: This was a special center where aircraft were changed or updated. They made sure planes were ready for combat.
- What it is now: This site is now the Louisville International Airport. It also hosts the Louisville Air National Guard Base.
- Airport Codes: (IATA: SDF, ICAO: KSDF, FAA LID: SDF)
Airfields of the Troop Carrier Command
The Troop Carrier Command was in charge of transporting troops and supplies by air.
Bowman Field Army Airfield
- Location: Louisville
- What it did: This airfield was home to an AAF Convalescent Hospital. This hospital helped soldiers recover from injuries or illnesses. The 27th Army Air Force Base Unit was also stationed here.
- What it is now: Today, it's known as Bowman Field Airport, a busy general aviation airport.
- Airport Codes: (IATA: LOU, ICAO: KLOU, FAA LID: LOU)
Lexington/Bluegrass Army Airfield
