About this Unit
The USNR Naval Air Station New York, located at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, was established in 1928 as New York City’s first municipal airport and later transformed into a key naval aviation facility. During World War II, it served as a major training and operations hub for the United States Naval Reserve (USNR), supporting anti-submarine warfare patrols, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance. The station remained active through the Cold War, providing reserve training and readiness for naval aviators and support personnel. Decommissioned in 1971, its legacy endures as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, preserving its historic hangars and runways.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: USNR Naval Air Station New York was located at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, making it a critical aviation hub just outside Manhattan and providing rapid response capability to the Atlantic seaboard.
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World War II Role: During WWII, the station became a vital training and operational base, processing thousands of Naval aviators and supporting anti-submarine patrols against German U-boats along the East Coast.
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Celebrity Connections: Legendary aviators including Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes used Floyd Bennett Field, with Earhart launching her 1932 solo transatlantic flight from the airfield.
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Naval Reserve Focus: The base was primarily manned and operated by Naval Reservists (USNR), playing a key role in training and readiness for citizen-sailors throughout the Cold War.
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Home to Famous Squadrons: Several well-known Navy Reserve squadrons, such as VP-832 and VF-832, were based at NAS New York, flying aircraft ranging from PBY Catalinas to F9F Panthers.
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Presidential Visits: President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the station during World War II, highlighting its importance to national defense and morale.
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Postwar Activity: After WWII, the base continued to operate as a major training center for Reserve pilots, including jet transition programs in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, NAS New York was on high alert, supporting increased patrol and readiness operations for Atlantic defense.
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Closure and Legacy: The base was decommissioned in 1971, but its legacy lives on as part of Gateway National Recreation Area, with some original hangars and runways still visible today.
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Aviation Heritage: Today, the historic control tower and several aircraft on display at Floyd Bennett Field pay tribute to the thousands of USNR personnel who served at NAS New York, cementing its place in both military and aviation history.
