Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park, Phoenix, AZ

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.