NAS Chase Field

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About NAS Chase Field

Naval Air Station (NAS) Chase Field was established in 1943 near Beeville, Texas, as a pilot training facility during World War II. Originally designed to support the U.S. Navy’s need for more aviators, Chase Field played a key role in training naval aviators during the war and continued its mission through the Korean and Vietnam War eras. The base specialized in advanced jet training, notably hosting Training Air Wing Three and serving as a home for various training squadrons. NAS Chase Field remained a critical part of naval aviation training until its closure in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Unit Members

Linda Myers

U.S. Navy

NAS Chase FieldView Profile

Carl Jenkins

U.S. Navy

NAS Chase FieldView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About NAS Chase Field

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• World War II Origins: Naval Air Station (NAS) Chase Field was established in 1943 near Beeville, Texas, originally as a training base for naval aviators during World War II. • Named for Hero: The base was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Nathan Brown Chase, a naval aviator who died in a crash in 1925. • Primary Flight Training: NAS Chase Field became a major site for advanced jet pilot training for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied nations. • Training Aircraft: Over the years, the base hosted various trainer jet aircraft, including the T-2 Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk. • Vietnam Era Expansion: The base saw significant expansion during the Vietnam War, training thousands of aviators to meet wartime demand. • Wings of Gold: Many naval aviators earned their "Wings of Gold" at Chase Field, marking a proud tradition of excellence in flight training. • Blue Angels Connection: Several members of the Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team trained at Chase Field. • Base Closure: As part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, NAS Chase Field was officially closed in 1993 after 50 years of service. • Reuse and Legacy: The former base has been repurposed as the Chase Field Industrial Complex, supporting local industry and economic development. • Historical Marker: A Texas historical marker now stands at the site, commemorating the base's important contribution to U.S. naval aviation history.