About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick, located in Brunswick, Maine, served as a critical installation for U.S. Navy maritime patrol operations from its commissioning in 1943 until its closure in 2011. Initially established during World War II, the base supported anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions in the Atlantic, playing a key role in protecting Allied convoys from German U-boat threats. During the Cold War, NAS Brunswick was home to patrol squadrons flying aircraft such as the P-2 Neptune and the P-3 Orion, maintaining vigilance against Soviet naval activity in the North Atlantic. The base continued to support maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions until its deactivation, after which the facilities were repurposed for civilian use.
Historical Facts
• World War II Origins: NAS Brunswick (Naval Air Station Brunswick) was commissioned on April 15, 1943, as a training base for Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm squadrons during World War II.
• British Connection: The base trained British pilots and aircrews to fly Vought F4U Corsair and Grumman aircraft, contributing to the Allied war effort in Europe and the Pacific.
• Postwar Closure and Reopening: After World War II, NAS Brunswick was deactivated in 1946 but was reopened in 1951 in response to the Korean War and Cold War tensions.
• Strategic Location: Located in Maine, NAS Brunswick was strategically positioned for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the North Atlantic.
• P-3 Orion Hub: The base became renowned as a major hub for Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, key to U.S. Navy ASW missions during the Cold War.
• Soviet Submarine Tracking: Crews from Brunswick played a crucial role in tracking Soviet submarines, helping to protect NATO's Atlantic sea lanes.
• Rescue Missions: NAS Brunswick personnel frequently assisted with search and rescue operations, including the famous 1991 rescue of the crew of the Andrea Gail, later depicted in "The Perfect Storm."
• Community Impact: The base was a major employer in the Brunswick area, fostering close ties with local communities and hosting annual airshows.
• BRAC Closure: NAS Brunswick was selected for closure during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, officially closing on May 31, 2011.
• Redevelopment: The former base is now known as Brunswick Landing, a thriving business and technology campus, with some facilities still supporting military operations, such as the Maine Army National Guard and the Coast Guard.
