U.S. Naval Air Station Queenstown Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
NAS Queenstown
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Aircraft on slipway at Aghada
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| Summary | |
| Airport type | Military |
| Operator | United States Navy |
| Location | Aghada, County Cork, Ireland |
| Built | 14 February 1918 |
| In use | 1918-1919 |
| Elevation AMSL | 3 ft 3 in ft / 1 m |
| Coordinates | 51°50′N 8°13′W / 51.833°N 8.217°W |
| Map | |
 NAS Queenstown
Location in Ireland
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The United States Naval Air Station Queenstown was the very first US Navy air base built in Ireland. It was located near the village of Aghada in County Cork. This base was on the eastern side of Cork Harbour, which is across from Queenstown/Cobh. The base officially opened on February 22, 1918. Lieutenant Commander Paul J. Peyton was in charge.
Contents
Building the Air Base
At the start of America's involvement in World War I, several places in Ireland were chosen for US Navy bases. These bases helped the Allies fight against enemy submarines. Queenstown was one of five important locations.
Why Queenstown Was Important
The Queenstown air base helped protect ships and convoys. Its planes flew patrols from Cape Clear in the west. They also covered areas south into the English Channel. This helped keep shipping lanes safe from German submarines.
Construction and Command
Work on the base began on February 14, 1918. Lieutenant Commander Frank R. McCrary was in charge of all US Naval Aviation in Ireland. The land for the Queenstown/Aghada base was taken over by the government for the war effort.
How the Base Operated
By September 1918, the base was fully working. It had six large hangars for planes and three slipways for launching them into the water.
What the Base Did
- It was a base for seaplanes. These planes could land and take off from water.
- It was a place to put together and fix aircraft.
- It was a training center for new pilots.
Planes and Missions
The aircrews at Queenstown used large Curtiss H-16 flying boats. These planes flew a total of 64 war patrols. They also attacked German submarines three times by dropping bombs. By the end of World War I, the base had about 24 planes. Over 1,000 people worked there.
Closing Down the Base
When World War I ended, the US Navy stopped its anti-submarine patrols in Ireland. All the aircraft were grounded and disarmed.
End of an Era
The war officially ended with the Armistice on November 11, 1918. NAS Queenstown closed its doors on April 20, 1919. Even today, some parts of the old slipway can still be seen.
See also
