![]() These transfers continued until 1978, when the last A-7D was sent to the South Carolina ANG. A phaseout of the A-7D at Myrtle Beach AFB started in the summer of 1974, with the A-7D's being transferred to Air National Guard units. The city of Myrtle Beach annexed the base 20 April 1977. An agreement to use the base jointly for civilian and military operation began 19 July 1975, with Horry County Jetport moving from Crescent Beach and using the northeast part of the base. On 1 November 1970, the 355 TFS was reactivated and was reassigned to the 354 TFW, being the first Myrtle Beach squadron to be equipped with A-7D's. The 354 TFW was charged with combat crew training in T-33s and with becoming proficient in A-7D aircraft, with the first aircraft arriving in November 1970 The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing was re-activated and transferred (without personnel or equipment) to Myrtle Beach AFB, SC on 15 June 1970, absorbing the resources of the 4554th TFW at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. As of 1966, the base had only one squadron with others having been deployed. From 1958 to 1993 the base was home to the 354th Fighter Day Wing/Tactical Fighter Wing. Other units were the 4434th Air Base Squadron (replaced by the 342nd Fighter-Day Wing), the 455th Fighter Day Group, and the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing, Det 1, 728th Tactical Control Squadron. The first unit in 1955 was the 727th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. Many of the older buildings were torn down as the base modernized. The city donated land which the United States Air Force took over 1 June 1954, and Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was activated 1 April 1956. Horry County Jetport was moved to its current location in 1976. The city decided not to use the airport, but the federal government required that funds from the property be used for an airport, and starting in 1958 the funds were used for an airport in Crescent Beach. The city leased part of the base, and Aerovox, Piedmont Airlines and a turkey farm also used land on the base. The site was deactivated and returned to the city and became Myrtle Beach Municipal Airport 1 November 1947. After the war, uses of the base included recruiting and support activities. Units included 351st AAF, 136th AAF, and 317th AAF (later AF) Air Base Unit. ![]() ![]() On 8 November 1943, the 5000-acre base became Myrtle Beach Army Air Field. German prisoners of war were also kept here. Training was urgently needed and the base was used for this purpose six months after construction began. A "wooden city" known as Splinter City included barracks, a hospital, offices and other facilities. On 21 November 1941, the United States Department of War acquired 6700 acres including the airport, and during World War II the formal establishment of a base took place on 24 March 1942, with the name Myrtle Beach General Bombing and Gunnery Range, with the units 3d AAF and later 519th Base HQ and Air Base Sq. In September 1941 it was Distribution Point 1, Morris Field. 105th Observation Sq and 112th Observation Sq used the site during the next year. For a short time it was used by 3d Observation Sq. ![]() The Army Air Corps wanted to use the site for training pilots, and took over the airport in June 1940. Federal funds were used to build two runways. Chapin and the Burroughs brothers." Two weeks later the airport was named Harrelson Municipal Airport after Mayor W.L. The town agreed to purchase 135 acres for $35 per acre from Myrtle Beach Farms, Inc., described as "a partnership between Simeon B. On 16 October 1939, Myrtle Beach Town Council resolved that the community "is in dire need of a modern municipal airport". Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base located near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |