Kingman Army Airfield, located in Kingman, Arizona, was a major military airfield during World War II that played a crucial role in training pilots for the war effort. The airfield was originally built in 1942 as a site for training bomber crews, but it quickly became a training ground for pilots of all kinds of aircraft.
The airfield was used for a variety of training exercises, including gunnery practice, navigation, and night flying. Pilots were put through rigorous training programs designed to prepare them for the challenges of combat. The airfield was also used for aircraft maintenance and repair, as well as for testing new aircraft designs.
In addition to its training role, Kingman Army Airfield was also used as a storage and disposal site for surplus military aircraft. At the end of the war, thousands of aircraft were brought to Kingman to be stored, salvaged, or scrapped. The airfield became one of the largest airplane graveyards in the world, with more than 5,000 aircraft left to rust in the desert sun.
Today, the Kingman Army Airfield is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. The airfield is home to the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park, which is home to a number of aviation-related businesses. Visitors can also take tours of the airfield and learn about its history and role in the war effort.
One of the most notable features of the airfield is the Kingman Army Airfield Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the airfield and the pilots who trained there. The museum features a collection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from the war years, as well as exhibits on the various aircraft that were used at the airfield.
Visitors to the museum can also take a guided tour of the airfield, which includes a visit to the historic control tower and a walk through some of the remaining aircraft boneyards. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of aviation and the sacrifices made by the men and women who trained and fought during World War II.
Kingman Army Airfield played a crucial role in the war effort during World War II. It was a major training ground for pilots and a storage and disposal site for surplus military aircraft. Today, the airfield is a living museum of aviation history and a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the war.
