VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of Naval Air Station Willow Grove

Naval Air Station Willow Grove, located in Horsham Township, Pennsylvania, was established in 1926 as a private airfield before being acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II. The base served as a key training and operational site for naval aviation units, including anti-submarine warfare and reserve squadrons. Over the decades, Willow Grove became a joint reserve base, hosting Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Pennsylvania Air National Guard units. The installation was closed in 2011 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, with its mission and assets transferred to nearby facilities.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT Naval Air Station Willow Grove

  • World War II Origins: Naval Air Station Willow Grove began as a private airfield in the 1920s and was acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1942 for use as a training base during World War II.
  • Strategic Location: Located in Horsham Township, Pennsylvania, its proximity to Philadelphia made it a key site for East Coast military operations.
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare: During WWII, Willow Grove played a vital role in training pilots and supporting anti-submarine patrol missions over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Cold War Expansion: The base expanded significantly during the Cold War, hosting a variety of reserve and active-duty squadrons, including Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force units.
  • Presidential Visits: U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, visited NAS Willow Grove to address service members and observe military exercises.
  • Annual Air Shows: The base was famous for its annual air shows, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to see military aviation displays and performances by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds.
  • Home to Multiple Branches: At its peak, Willow Grove hosted units from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Pennsylvania Air National Guard, making it a unique "joint" reserve installation.
  • Environmental Stewardship: The station was an early adopter of environmental programs, implementing water and energy conservation measures and participating in local community outreach.
  • BRAC Closure: In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission recommended NAS Willow Grove for closure; it officially ceased military operations in 2011 after nearly 70 years of service.
  • Legacy and Redevelopment: The former base has been transformed into the Horsham Air Guard Station and the planned "Willow Grove Redevelopment Area," preserving its military heritage through museums and memorials.

Navy Best Sellers

Go To Store