Abilene Army Air Field, Texas
World War II 1942-1946

World War II saw the blossoming of  "tent camps"  throughout  the United States and Abilene was no exception. Camp Barkeley, Camp Barkeley, eleven miles south of Abilene, became an Army infantry training camp for thousands of recruits. Army Inductees were trained for various duties while there.

Tye Army Air Field was built for the Army Air Corps and opened on December 18, 1942. The field briefly served as Abilene's airport. Tye Army Airfield was officially named Abilene Army Air Field and was dedicated June 5,1943. Air Corps cadets learned to fly trainers and P-47 Thunderbolt fighters while stationed at the Army AAF, a Camp Barkeley adjunct. Abilene Army Air Field was deactivated December 31,1945.

The deed to Abilene Army Air Field was sold to Abilene for $1. Fifteen hundred acres  of the former Army Air Field were used by the Texas National Guard as a training facility.

Aerial Abilene Army Air Field (center). Possibly municipal airport on right. Closer view of Abilene AAF hanger, structures Abilene Army Air Field, circa 1944 Abilene Army Air Field Officers (Front row L-R) Col. Harry Weddington, Major George Parker, Major G.E. Earl, Major Ed L. Murphy, Lt. Tom Eubanks. (Back row) Group of Officers. 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Abilene Army Air Field, October 16, 1943 125th Observation Squadron, Abilene Municipal Airport, July 4, 1942 One of the original aircraft assigned to the Abilene Army Air Field was the Douglas B-18 Abilene Army Air Field had two of the Cessna UC-78 aircraft assigned when the Air Field opened in 1943. Abilene Army Air Field at ground level during fire demonstration Abilene, Texas 1940s. Looking northeast. Photograph: DET#33, 902nd QM Co. Avn, Army Airbase, Abilene, Texas, December 20, 1942.