NAS Twin Cities

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About NAS Twin Cities

Naval Air Station (NAS) Twin Cities, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was established in 1926 and served as an important training and support facility for the U.S. Navy. During World War II, the installation played a key role in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and logistics, supporting the Navy’s expanding aviation needs. Throughout the Cold War, NAS Twin Cities continued to serve as a hub for Naval Reserve aviation operations and hosted various squadrons and training programs. The base was eventually closed in 1996 as part of the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives, but its legacy endures in the region’s military and aviation history.

Unit Members

Donald Marotz

U.S. Navy

NAS Twin CitiesView Profile

James C Anderson

U.S. Navy

NAS Twin CitiesView 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 Twin Cities

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: Naval Air Station Twin Cities, also known as NAS Minneapolis, was commissioned in 1942 to train U.S. Navy pilots during World War II. • Location: The base was located at Wold-Chamberlain Field, which is now part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport in Minnesota. • Massive Training Mission: During WWII, the station trained over 10,000 Navy and Marine aviators, making it one of the busiest naval air training facilities in the region. • Reservist Hub: NAS Twin Cities became a key reserve facility after WWII, supporting Naval and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units for decades. • Cold War Role: Throughout the Cold War, the base hosted anti-submarine squadrons and other aviation units, remaining a strategic reserve center. • Blue Angels Connection: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have visited and performed at the base during air shows, thrilling thousands of local spectators. • VIP Visitors: Presidents and high-ranking military officials, including President Harry S. Truman, visited the base during its operational years. • Closure and Legacy: NAS Twin Cities was officially closed in 1996 due to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions, but its legacy lives on through memorials and the continued use of the airfield. • Historic Aircraft: The station hosted a variety of naval aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, P-2 Neptune, S-2 Tracker, and A-4 Skyhawk, reflecting changing Navy technology. • Community Impact: The base played a significant role in the local economy, and many veterans who trained or served there settled in the Twin Cities, influencing the region's demographics and culture.