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    Naval Air Station North Island (NAS North Island, Halsey Field) California United States
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USN February 3, 1951

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Justin Taylan 2000
Location
Naval Air Station North Island (NAS North Island) is located at 26' above sea level on North Island at the northern end of the Coronado peninsula at San Diego. Borders San Diego Bay. During 1945, the shallow bay area known as Spanish Bight that separated this location from North Island was filled, connecting North Island to the Coronado peninsula.

Construction
North Island was an uninhabited sand flat. During 1912, the U.S. Army Signal Corps established the Signal Corps Aviation School at this location, the first school to provide flight training for military pilots. During 1917, U.S. Congress appropriated the land and two airfields on the island: Naval Air Station San Diego (NAS San Diego) and Rockwell Field. During 1917 commissioned by the U.S. Navy (USN) as Naval Air Station San Diego (NAS San Diego).

Wartime History
During World War II, Naval Air Station San Diego (NAS San Diego) was an important base for training and and operations and was often the last CONUS base most squadrons were based before departing overseas. Also known as Halsey Field for Admiral William "Bull" H. Halsey, Jr who commanded the Navy during World War II.

During August 1942, the "Alaska Zero" A6M2 Zero 4593 was transported to NAS North Island repaired and flight tested at the airfield. It was flown in tests and against other American planes including a P-38F, P-39D-1, P-40F, P-51, and an F4U-1. Afterwards, sent to Langley Field, Virginia.

American units based at NAS North Island
USN VD-4 September - November 1943 Barber's Point, Hawaii

Today
Still in use today as Naval Air Station North Island (NAS North Island) as part of Naval Base Coronado. The installation remains in continious use as a military airport with two runways. The first runway is oriented 29/11 measures 7,500' x 300' surfaced with partially concrete, asphalt or bitumen-bound macadam (PEM). The second runway is oriented 36/18 measures 8,000' x 200' surfaced with partially concrete, asphalt or bitumen-bound macadam (PEM). Airport code: ICAO: KNZY IATA: NZY
.

References
CNIC Naval Base Coronado - Naval Air Station North Island

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Last Updated
March 20, 2023

 

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