Brooks AFB

  5 December 1917 to 20 June 1960

  United States of America

CITY: San Antonio, TX

IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil

OTHER NAMES: Gosport Field (1917), Kelly Field no.5 (1917-1918), Brooks Field (1918-ca 1948), Brooks AFB (ca 1948-2011)

1917 Gosport Field was put on the US Army list to become one of 32 Air Service training camps established after the entry of the United States into World War I. As such it became Kelly Field no.5 in December 1917, and Brooks Field on 16 February 1918.

During World War II, Brooks Field housed the School for Combat Observers and the Advanced Flying School (Observation). To cope with the huge buildup in personnel and equipment, the USAAF adopted a policy of using temporary construction for housing and permanent structures for technical buildings, putting up tents to accommodate personnel. The school was disbanded in 1943 and Brooks was then assigned to multi-engine training for medium bomber crews.

After the war, Brooks AFB became an Air Force Reserve training center, dedicated to Troop Carrier units. Many Commandos operated there during that period.

Brooks AFB ended its air operations in June 1960 but remained a USAF facility until 2011.

306^th & 2510^th AAF Base Unit (Brooks Field)

2577^th Air Force Reserve Training Center (July 1951 to December 1958)

8707^th Pilot Training Wing (June 1952 to May 1955)

433^rd Troop Carrier Wing (May 1955 to November 1960)