About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) Quonset Point, located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, was commissioned in 1941 as a key naval aviation facility during World War II. Throughout the war, it served as a major training and operational base for carrier aircraft, anti-submarine patrols, and the assembly and repair of aircraft. NAS Quonset Point remained active during the Cold War, supporting fleet air operations and housing various squadrons, including those flying the S-2 Tracker and E-1 Tracer. The base was decommissioned in 1974, but its legacy continues through the Quonset Air Museum and the Rhode Island Air National Guard, which still operates at the site.
Historical Facts
•
Origin of the "Quonset Hut": The iconic Quonset hut, a lightweight, prefabricated structure used by the U.S. military during WWII, was first designed and produced at NAS Quonset Point in 1941. Its name derives directly from the base.
•
World War II Hub: NAS Quonset Point was constructed rapidly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became a key site for training, anti-submarine warfare, and aircraft assembly for the Atlantic Fleet during WWII.
•
Seabees' Birthplace: The U.S. Navy's Construction Battalions, better known as the "Seabees," were formed at Quonset Point, becoming renowned for their construction prowess throughout WWII.
•
Aircraft Carrier Homeport: Quonset Point served as the homeport for several aircraft carriers, including USS Wasp (CV-18) and USS Leyte (CV-32), during the Cold War era.
•
Notable Rescue Missions: The base's squadrons participated in high-profile search and rescue operations, including the 1947 rescue attempt of the Norwegian vessel Norrona trapped in ice off Greenland.
•
Presidential Visits: NAS Quonset Point hosted multiple U.S. Presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, reflecting its strategic importance throughout the 20th century.
•
Cold War Innovation: The base was at the forefront of anti-submarine warfare development, including the deployment of blimps and advanced sonar-equipped aircraft to counter the Soviet submarine threat.
•
Home of VS-22 and S-2 Trackers: The base was home to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 22 (VS-22), nicknamed the “Checkmates,” which operated the S-2 Tracker, a pioneering carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft.
•
Base Closure and Legacy: NAS Quonset Point was closed in 1974 as part of post-Vietnam War drawdowns, but its facilities now form the Quonset Business Park and Quonset State Airport, preserving its aviation legacy.
•
Hollywood Connection: The base and its distinctive Quonset huts have appeared in numerous films and TV shows, symbolizing WWII-era military life and architecture.
