About this Unit
Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park, located near Phoenix, Arizona, was established during World War II in 1941 as a support and maintenance base for naval aircraft. Initially serving as a training and storage facility, it became a key site for aircraft repair and overhaul, particularly for aircraft returning from the Pacific Theater. After the war, the base continued its operations, notably as a storage and reclamation center for surplus Navy and Marine Corps aircraft during the postwar drawdown. The facility was eventually closed in 1968, and the site later became Phoenix Goodyear Airport.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park was originally established in 1942 as a support facility for the U.S. Navy during World War II, primarily serving as an auxiliary to the larger NAS Phoenix.
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Aircraft Storage and Maintenance: After World War II, Litchfield Park became a major storage and maintenance hub for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, especially surplus planes returned from combat operations.
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Boneyard Before Davis-Monthan: Before the famous "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Litchfield Park was the main storage location for Navy aircraft being mothballed or awaiting disposal.
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Jet Age Transition: In the early 1950s, the facility played a key role in the transition from propeller-driven to jet aircraft, with many World War II-era planes processed and scrapped to make way for newer jets.
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Location Confusion: Despite its name, Litchfield Park was actually located closer to Goodyear, Arizona, leading to some historical confusion about its actual address and name.
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Famous Aircraft Processed: Among the many aircraft processed there, famous types included the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, PBY Catalina, and later, early jets like the F9F Panther.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the facility was vital for storing and maintaining reserve fleets in case of future military emergencies, serving as a strategic asset for the Navy.
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Closure and Legacy: The base was closed in 1967, with its aircraft storage and processing functions transferred to other locations, but its legacy continues in the local area’s aviation history.
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Civilian Reuse: After closure, the site became part of Phoenix Goodyear Airport, which still uses much of the original infrastructure, and some old hangars are still visible today.
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Environmental Remediation: Decades later, portions of the former base have undergone environmental cleanup due to fuel spills and other military contaminants, a common challenge for former military installations.
