Mississippi World War II Army Airfields Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mississippi 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 Mississippi. These airfields had two main jobs. Some helped protect the Gulf of Mexico from enemy submarines. Others were used to train thousands of pilots and aircrews. These brave men and women learned to fly fighter planes and bombers for the USAAF.

Most of these airfields were managed by two main groups. These were the Third Air Force and the Army Air Forces Training Command (AAFTC). The AAFTC was a very important group that trained airmen. Today, it's known as the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command. Other groups like the Air Technical Service Command and Air Transport Command also used airfields for support.

Even today, you can still find parts of these old wartime airfields. Many of them became regular airports for cities. Some were turned back into 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 standing. They are now used for many different things.

Mississippi's World War II Airfields
- Airfields for Different Missions

Mississippi's World War II Airfields

During World War II, many airfields in Mississippi played a big role. They helped the United States prepare for battle. Each airfield had a special job. Some trained pilots, while others supported different air missions.

Airfields for Different Missions

The airfields in Mississippi were managed by various commands. Each command had a specific purpose. This helped organize the massive effort of the war.

Third Air Force Bases

The Third Air Force was in charge of defending the southeastern United States. They also helped train new airmen. Here are some of the important airfields they managed:

Key Field, Meridian

This base was home to the 39th Army Air Force Base Unit.

Today, it's still an active military base called Key Field Air National Guard Base.

Laurel Army Airfield, Laurel

The 473d Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron was stationed here.

From 1944 to 1946, it was also used by the Air Technical Service Command.

Now, it's a civilian airport called Hesler-Noble Field.

Hattiesburg Army Airfield, Hattiesburg

This airfield also hosted the 39th Army Air Force Base Unit.

It was used by the Air Technical Service Command from 1942 to 1945.

Today, it's the Hattiesburg Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport.

Training Command Airfields

The AAF Training Command was vital for teaching new pilots and aircrews. They had several large training bases across Mississippi.

Columbus Army Airfield, Columbus, Mississippi

This was a major training center starting in 1941.

It was part of the Eastern Flying Training Command.

Today, it's still a very active military base: Columbus Air Force Base.

This base had many smaller "auxiliary fields" nearby. These were like extra runways for training.

Greenville Army Airfield, Greenville, Mississippi

This airfield also started as a training center in 1941.

It was a school for basic pilot training.

From 1950 to 1965, it was known as Greenville Air Force Base.

Now, it's the Mid Delta Regional Airport.

Greenwood Army Airfield, Greenwood

This base was part of the Eastern Flying Training Command.

It was a school for basic flying training.

Later, in 1945, it was moved under the Third Air Force.

Today, it's the Greenwood-Leflore Airport.

Gulfport Army Airfield, Gulfport

This airfield was a headquarters for technical training.

It was also used by the Third Air Force for a time.

It reopened as Gulfport Air Force Base from 1951 to 1958.

Now, it's the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center.

Keesler Army Airfield, Biloxi

This was a huge center for basic and technical training.

It taught many different skills needed for the air force.

Today, it's still a very important base: Keesler Air Force Base.

Contract Flying Schools

Some flying schools were run by private companies. They had contracts with the Army Air Forces to train pilots.

Cleveland Army Airfield, Cleveland

This was a contract flying school called the Cleveland School of Aviation.

Today, it's the Cleveland Municipal Airport.

Fletcher Field, Clarksdale

This airfield was home to the Clarksdale School of Aviation.

Today, it's still known as Fletcher Field.

Jackson Army Air Base, Jackson

The Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics ran a contract flying school here.

Today, it's the Jackson Air National Guard Base.

Troop Carrier Command Airfield

The Troop Carrier Command was responsible for moving troops and supplies by air. They used airfields to load and unload planes.

Grenada Army Airfield, Grenada

This airfield was used by the 443d Air Force Base Unit.

Today, it's the Grenada Municipal Airport.

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Mississippi World War II Army Airfields facts for kids

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