About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) Albany, located in Albany, Georgia, was originally established as Turner Field by the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941. During World War II, the base served as a training site for bomber crews and later functioned as a Strategic Air Command base during the early Cold War era. In 1967, control of the installation shifted to the U.S. Navy, becoming NAS Albany and serving as the home of Reconnaissance Attack Wing One, which operated the A-3 Skywarrior and A-5 Vigilante aircraft. The base was closed in 1974, with its facilities transferred to the Marine Corps, where it became part of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: Naval Air Station (NAS) Albany, Georgia, was originally established in 1941 as Turner Field, an Army Air Corps base, before later transferring to Navy control.
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Named After General Turner: The base was named in honor of Lieutenant General John K. Turner, a pioneer in military aviation, and played a crucial role in pilot training.
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Strategic Bomber Training: During World War II, Turner Field trained pilots on B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers, supporting the U.S. Army Air Forces’ strategic bombing campaigns.
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Cold War Transition: After the war, the base was deactivated, but as the Cold War intensified, it was reactivated and used by the Strategic Air Command for B-47 and B-52 bomber operations.
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Transition to Navy Use: In 1967, the U.S. Navy took over the base, renaming it NAS Albany, and it became home to several important naval aviation squadrons.
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Vigilante Operations: The North American RA-5C Vigilante, a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft, was operated out of NAS Albany, with the base hosting several Vigilante squadrons until their retirement.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Support: The base played an indirect role during the Cuban Missile Crisis, serving as a dispersal and support site for aircraft in the Southeast U.S.
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Vietnam War Contributions: Aircraft and personnel from NAS Albany were deployed to support naval operations in Vietnam, particularly in reconnaissance and strike missions.
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Base Closure: Due to defense cutbacks and changes in military strategy, NAS Albany was closed in 1974 during a wave of military base realignments and closures across the country.
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Marine Corps Logistics Base: After its closure as a naval air station, the site was repurposed and is now the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, continuing its legacy of military support and logistics.
