About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) Cubi Point was established in 1956 at Subic Bay, Philippines, and quickly became a vital logistical and operational hub for the United States Navy in the Western Pacific. Constructed by the U.S. Navy Seabees, the base featured a unique pier and airfield complex carved directly from mountainous jungle terrain. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War, NAS Cubi Point provided critical support for carrier-based aircraft, serving as a major repair, supply, and rest-and-recreation facility. The station remained active until its closure in 1992, following the expiration of the U.S.-Philippines base agreement, marking the end of an era for American naval presence in the region.
Historical Facts
•
Engineering Marvel: NAS Cubi Point's air station was built by the U.S. Navy Seabees, who literally leveled a mountain and filled a bay to create one of the largest earth-moving projects of its time—comparable in scale to the construction of the Panama Canal.
•
Strategic Cold War Base: Throughout the Cold War, NAS Cubi Point was considered the most important U.S. naval air station in the Western Pacific, serving as the primary logistics and maintenance hub for the Seventh Fleet.
•
World’s Longest Pier: The pier at Cubi Point was, at one time, the longest deep-water pier in the world, capable of accommodating the largest U.S. aircraft carriers.
•
Closed Due to Mount Pinatubo: The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo blanketed the base with ash, causing extensive damage and contributing to the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Philippines that year.
•
Cubi Bar Legacy: The famous Cubi Bar Officers’ Club was dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, preserving its unique collection of squadron plaques.
•
Squadron Plaques: It was a tradition for departing squadrons and ships to leave a hand-carved wooden plaque at the Cubi Bar, resulting in a legendary collection of military insignia and emblems.
•
Vietnam War Hub: During the Vietnam War, Cubi Point played a crucial role as a launch and maintenance point for aircraft, and as a rest and recreation (R&R) destination for U.S. personnel.
•
Seabee Achievement: The construction of NAS Cubi Point is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in Seabee history, taking five years and requiring the movement of more than 20 million cubic yards of earth.
•
Joint Use with Subic Naval Base: NAS Cubi Point was adjacent to Subic Bay Naval Base, forming a massive complex that could support virtually all naval operations in the Pacific.
•
Transformation After Closure: After the U.S. withdrawal, the air station became part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and is now known as Subic Bay International Airport, supporting commercial and humanitarian operations.
