NAS Cecil Field

• Origins in World War II: NAS Cecil Field was commissioned on June 20, 1941, as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field, playing a key role in pilot training during World War II. • Largest Military Base in Jacksonville: At its peak, NAS Cecil Field was the largest military base in the Jacksonville area, covering over 22,939 acres. • Home to Carrier Air Wings: The station served as the home base for several carrier air wings, including Carrier Air Wing 1 and Carrier Air Wing 17, supporting Atlantic Fleet operations. • Key Role in the Cold War: Cecil Field was a pivotal site for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War, housing squadrons equipped with advanced jet aircraft like the A-7 Corsair II and F/A-18 Hornet. • Blue Angels Connection: The famous Blue Angels flight demonstration team was based at NAS Cecil Field from 1946 to 1948 before moving to NAS Corpus Christi. • Vietnam War Deployments: Squadrons from Cecil Field were frequently deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, conducting combat missions from aircraft carriers. • Transition to Jets: The base was instrumental in transitioning the Navy from propeller-driven planes to jet aircraft, hosting early jet squadrons and training programs. • Gulf War Operations: Cecil Field units played a significant role in Operation Desert Storm, supporting carrier-based attacks against Iraqi forces in 1991. • Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC): In 1993, NAS Cecil Field was selected for closure as part of a nationwide base realignment, officially ceasing operations as a naval air station in 1999. • Legacy and Current Use: Today, the former base operates as Cecil Airport and Cecil Commerce Center, but it still supports military operations, such as Florida Army National Guard aviation units and the U.S. Coast Guard.