Michigan World War II Army Airfields facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michigan World War II Army Airfields
Type	Army Airfields
Site information
Controlled by	United States Army
Site history
Built	1940–1944; 81 years ago (1944)
In use	1940–present

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) built many airfields in Michigan. These airfields were used to train pilots and aircrews. They learned to fly USAAF fighter planes and bombers.

Most of these airfields were managed by the First Air Force. Others were under the Army Air Forces Training Command (AAFTC). This group helped train new airmen. Other USAAF groups also used airfields for support. These included commands for aircraft repair, transport, or moving troops.

Today, you can still find parts of these old airfields. Many became regular airports for cities. Some were turned back into farmland. A few are still used by the United States Air Force. They were important bases during the Cold War. Hundreds of the temporary buildings from that time are still standing. They are now used for different things.

Important Airfields in Michigan

During World War II, different parts of the US Army Air Forces managed airfields in Michigan. Each command had a special job.

Air Technical Service Command Airfields

This command was in charge of keeping planes working. They handled repairs and made sure airfields had the right supplies.

• Alpena AAF, Alpena

This airfield was managed by the 100th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron.

Today, it is the Alpena County Regional Airport (IATA: APN, ICAO: KAPN).

• Kinross AAF, Kinross

This was a smaller base connected to Alpena AAF.

It later became Kinross Air Force Base (1947-1959).

Then it was renamed Kincheloe Air Force Base (1959-1977).

Now, it is the Chippewa County International Airport (IATA: CIU, ICAO: KCIU).

• Raco AAF, Raco

This was also a smaller base linked to Alpena AAF.

It was used by the Michigan National Guard.

It also served Kincheloe AFB as a missile site. It closed in 1972.

Today, it is not used for flying. The old runways are used for testing cars.

• Grayling AAF, Grayling

This airfield is still active today. It is part of Camp Grayling.

It is still a United States Army airfield and did not become a USAF base.

• Tri-City AAF, Saginaw

This airfield is now the MBS International Airport (IATA: MBS, ICAO: KMBS).

Troop Carrier Command Airfields

This command was responsible for flying troops and supplies. They helped move soldiers and equipment where they were needed.

• Kellogg AAF, Battle Creek

This base was used for training troop carriers.

It is now the W. K. Kellogg Airport. It also hosts the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base (IATA: BTL, ICAO: KBTL).

First Air Force Airfields

The First Air Force was one of the main groups that managed air defense and training in the eastern United States.

• Selfridge AAF, Mt. Clemens

This base was managed by the 4th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron.

It was known as Selfridge Air Force Base from 1947 to 1971.

Today, it is the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (1971-present).

• Oscoda AAF, Oscoda

This was a smaller base connected to Selfridge AAF.

It was Oscoda Air Force Base from 1947 to 1953.

Then it became Wurtsmith Air Force Base from 1953 to 1993.

Now, it is the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (IATA: OSC, ICAO: KOSC).

Army Air Force Training Command Airfields

This command focused on training new airmen and ground crews. They taught them the skills needed for air combat and support.

• Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan

This airfield was part of the Eastern Technical Training Command.

It is now a public airport (IATA: YIP, ICAO: KYIP).

It is also home to the Yankee Air Museum.

Air Transport Command Airfields

This command managed the movement of people and goods by air over long distances.

• Romulus AAF, Detroit

This airfield was used by the 3d Ferrying Group.

It was a shared airport for both military and civilian planes.

Today, it is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (IATA: DTW, ICAO: KDTW).