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For the civil use of this facility and airport information, see Grant County International Airport.

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Larson Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base located five miles (8 km) northwest of the central business district (CBD) of Moses Lake, in Grant County, Washington. After its closure in 1966, the airport facility became Grant County International Airport.

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]

Originally named Moses Lake Army Air Base, the airfield was activated on 24 November 1942 as a temporary World War II training center. Moses Lake AAB was a sub-base of Spokane Air Technical Service Command, headquartered at Spokane Army Airfield.[1]

The first operational training unit (OTU) at the base was the 482d Fighter Squadron, which conducted twin-engine fighter training for P-38 Lightning fighters. On 5 April 1943, the 396th Bombardment Group became a second OTU at the base, providing first phase heavy bomber training for the B-17 Flying Fortress with its 592d Bombardment Squadron, 593d Bombardment Squadron, 594th Bombardment Squadron and 595th Bombardment Squadrons.[2][3]

The first flight of the XB-47 took place on 17 Dec. 1947, originating at Boeing Field and terminating at Moses Lake Air Force Base. In Feb. 1949, a B-47 took off from Larson, headed east and "broke all coast-to-coast speed records" with an average speed of 607.8 miles per hour.[4]

Air Defense Command

[edit]

Moses Lake AFB reopened as a permanent installation on 26 August 1948, being transferred from Air Materiel Command to the Air Defense Command (ADC). The initial ADC base operating unit was the 2755th Air Base Squadron. Under ADC, the base came under the Western Air Defense Force, headquartered at Hamilton AFB, California.

The base was renamed Larson Air Force Base was named in honor of Major Donald A. Larson, USAAF, in May 1950.[5][6] Born and raised in Yakima, Washington, Larson was a fighter pilot and ace[7] who flew 57 combat missions in Europe during World War II. He was killed in action while assigned to the VIII Fighter Command 505th Fighter Squadron. Larson's P-51D Mustang (AAF Ser. No. 44-13881, nose-name "Mary, Queen of Scotts") was shot down and crashed on 4 August 1944 near Uelzen, Germany.

Interceptors

[edit]

The primary mission of Larson-based ADC aircraft was to protect the secret Hanford Atomic Works and the Grand Coulee Dam.

The first ADC flying unit to arrive was the 325th Fighter-Interceptor Group, which arrived on 26 November 1948. The mission of the 325th FIG was to conduct ADC's All Weather Combat Crew Training School. Its operational component, the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, initially flew Northrop P-61 Black Widows, almost immediately transitioning to the North American F-82 Twin Mustang. A second squadron, the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron arrived on 2 September 1949, being reassigned from McChord AFB. The 319th also flew the F-82 Twin Mustang.[8][9] The 325th FIG remained at Moses Lake until being reassigned to McChord AFB on 23 April 1950, along with the 317th FIS. The 319th remained until 9 February 1952 when it was reassigned to Suwon Air Base, South Korea flying F-94 Starfires.[8]

The next ADC unit was the 81st Fighter-Interceptor Wing which arrived from 10 November 1949. The 81st FIW flew F-51D/H Mustangs, F-80C Shooting Stars and North American F-86 Sabres from the base. The 81st remained until 5 September 1951 when it was reassigned to NATO and deployed to RAF Shepherds Grove in the United Kingdom.[10][11] During the Korean War, the 116th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Washington Air National Guard was called to active duty and activated at Moses Lake. The 116th FIS was deployed as part of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing to RAF Shepherds Grove.

Tactical Air Command

[edit]

On 21 April 1952, Larson AFB was assigned to the Tactical Air Command (TAC) under TAC's Eighteenth Air Force, which reassigned the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing from McChord AFB, Washington to the base.

On 15 April 1952, the YB-52 made its initial flight from Boeing Field to Larson Air Force Base, piloted by Tex Johnston and Col. Townsend. Johnston noted, "At three hours and eight minutes, the flight in the YB-52 was the longest-duration maiden flight in the history of aviation and introduced one of the world's great airplanes."[12]

Strategic Air Command

[edit]

On May 25, 1959, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) issued General Order 38, which established the 4170th Strategic Wing (later renamed the 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wing) at Larson AFB effective July 1, 1959. On January 1, 1960, the 4170th SW took over Larson AFB.[13] In 1963, the 4170th was redesignated as the 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing. The SAC wing at Larson AFB was equipped with B-52E Stratofortress bomber, KC-135A Stratotanker mid-air refueling aircraft, and Titan I ICBMs,[14] located at three underground complexes surrounding the base.

In the SAC era at Larson AFB, the 4170th SW/462nd SAW had five commanders:

  • Lt. Col. Robert R. Johnston, 1959–1960[15]
  • Col. Everett W. Best, 1960–1961[16]
  • Col. David A. Tate, 1961–1965[17]
  • Col. Alex W. Talmant, 1965–1966[18]
  • Col. John G. Martin Jr., 1966[19]

Under SAC, Larson AFB was commanded by four men who each held a dual role as base commander and commander of the Combat Support Group:

  • Lt. Col. Charles T. Olmsted, 1959–1960[20]
  • Col. William R. Calhoun Jr., 1960–1961[21]
  • Lt. Col. Richard D. Salter, 1961–1963[22]
  • Col. Clyde W. Owen, 1963–1966[23]

SAC's 568th Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) headquartered at Larson AFB operated the three Titan I missile sites that surrounded Moses Lake. The 568th SMS was led by three commanders:

  • Col. Robert S. Milner, 1960–1963[24]
  • Col. Bernard J. Schutten, 1963–1964[25]
  • Col. Robert E. Mullin, 1964–1965[26]

Civil use

[edit]

With the closure of the Larson AFB in 1966, Colonel Owen retired from the Air Force and became the first director of the Port of Moses Lake, overseeing the transfer of the property from the U.S. Government to Grant County International Airport.[27][28][29]

Following the Air Force's departure in 1966, the airfield has continued to support operations from McChord's 62d Airlift Wing over the years, as the wing's Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and currently Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft have practiced approaches and both normal landings and tactical assault landings on a regular basis.

The 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane temporarily moved its KC-135 R/T fleet and operations to Moses Lake in 2011 while Fairchild's runway underwent reconstruction and other infrastructure improvements, to include an upgrade to the base's aviation fuel distribution system.[30][31]

For over four decades, Japan Air Lines trained its 747 crews at the facility, until 2009.[27][29][32][33][34]

Previous names

[edit]
  • Moses Lake Army Air Base, 1942–1945
  • Moses Lake Air Force Base, 1948–1950
  • Larson Air Force Base, 1950–1966

Major commands to which assigned

[edit]
  • Fourth Air Force, 1942–1943
  • II Bomber Command, 1943–1945
  • Air Defense Command, 1948–1952
  • Tactical Air Command, 1952–1957
  • Military Air Transport Service, 1957–1960
  • Strategic Air Command, 1960–1966

Major units assigned

[edit]
  • 482d Fighter Squadron, 1942–1943
  • 396th Bombardment Group, 1943–1945
  • 325th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 1948–1950
  • 81st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, 1949–1951
  • 62d Troop Carrier Wing, 1952–1960
  • 71st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1955–1957
  • 4170th Strategic Wing, 1960
Redesignated 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing, 1963–1966.

Air Defense Command units

[edit]

Known ADC units and squadrons assigned to Larson were:[8][10]

Intercontinental ballistic missile facilities

[edit]
568th Strategic Missile Squadron – HGM-25A Titan I Missile Sites

The 568th Strategic Missile Squadron Operated three HGM-25A Titan I ICBM sites: (1 Apr 1961 – 25 Mar 1965)[35]

The Titan I ICBM program at Larson was initiated in 1959 when the Walla Walla District of the Army Corps of Engineers set up an area office in October. The contractor broke ground on 1 December 1959 and the sites were turned over to SAC in early April 1961. In May 1964 Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara directed that the phase-out of the Atlas and Titan I missiles be accelerated, and in January 1965 the missiles of the 568th were taken off operational alert. The squadron was inactivated 2 months later.

Today, site "A" appears to be largely intact, the owner has the facility for sale. Photos of the interior show it to be in good condition. Site "B" appears to be largely cleared, the silo launch doors of two pads appear to be open, and is also apparently also for sale. Site "C" appears to be a scrap site, filled with clutter; its underground facilities apparently are flooded by groundwater.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Larson Air Force Base

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Larson Air Force Base was a United States Air Force installation located near Moses Lake in Grant County, Washington, that operated from 1942 to 1966 as a key military airfield for pilot training during World War II, air defense missions, troop transport operations, and strategic bombing and missile support under various commands including Tactical Air Command and Strategic Air Command.[1] Originally established on November 24, 1942, as Moses Lake Army Air Base to train pilots in the P-38 Lightning fighter and combat crews for the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, the facility played a vital role in preparing U.S. Army Air Forces personnel for Pacific Theater operations.[2] After World War II, the base was temporarily inactivated in 1945 but reopened on November 26, 1948, to support Cold War air defense efforts, patrolling critical sites such as the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Grand Coulee Dam, and northern border areas with aircraft like the F-82 Twin Mustang, F-94 Starfire, and F-86 Sabre.[1] On May 1, 1950, it was redesignated Larson Air Force Base in honor of Major Donald A. Larson, a Yakima native and World War II flying ace credited with 6 aerial victories, killed in action on August 4, 1944, over Germany.[3][1][4] From 1952 to 1960, the base hosted the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing, which operated C-124 Globemaster transport aircraft for cargo and troop movements, while also serving as a postwar testing site for Boeing bombers, including the B-47 Stratojet in the late 1940s and the B-52 Stratofortress in the 1950s.[2] In 1960, it transitioned to Strategic Air Command control under the 4170th Strategic Wing, incorporating the 568th Strategic Missile Squadron to manage three remote Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile sites as part of the nation's nuclear deterrent.[1] The base supported additional units, such as the 538th Fighter Interceptor Squadron with F-104 Starfighters from 1957 to 1960, and contributed to broader defense networks like the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line.[2] Facing budget cuts amid post-Cuban Missile Crisis reductions, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the base's closure on November 19, 1964, with operations winding down over the following 18 months; it officially closed on June 30, 1966.[1] The site was transferred to civilian control and repurposed as Grant County International Airport, managed by the Port of Moses Lake since 1966, now serving as a hub for heavy jet pilot training, aircraft testing by companies like Boeing, and educational facilities including Big Bend Community College.[3]

World War II Era

Activation as Moses Lake Army Air Base

Moses Lake Army Air Base was activated on November 24, 1942, as a sub-installation of Spokane Army Air Field (now Fairchild Air Force Base) to support the expanding needs of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.[1] The base was situated five miles northwest of Moses Lake in Grant County, Washington, in a remote area of the Columbia Basin that provided ample space for aviation activities.[5] This location was selected due to its flat, open terrain ideal for constructing long runways and conducting flight operations.[1] The initial purpose of the base was to serve as a temporary training center for Army Air Forces personnel amid the urgent wartime buildup following the Pearl Harbor attack.[1] It operated as a sub-base under the Spokane Air Technical Service Command, headquartered at Spokane Army Air Field, focusing on foundational infrastructure development rather than immediate large-scale operations.[6] Construction began rapidly upon activation to transform the undeveloped site into a functional airfield, with engineers prioritizing essential aviation infrastructure.[5] By early 1943, the buildup included two parallel 12,000-foot concrete runways—among the longest in the nation at the time—along with hangars, barracks, control towers, and support facilities to accommodate training units.[1] This swift development, part of the broader wartime expansion of Army Air Forces bases, enabled the base to transition to active training roles shortly thereafter.[5]

Pilot and Crew Training

The initial training operations at Moses Lake Army Air Base focused on fighter pilot instruction under the Fourth Air Force, with the 482nd Fighter Squadron (late 1942–1943) arriving as the first unit to conduct operational training for P-38 Lightning pilots.[1] This squadron emphasized twin-engine fighter tactics and combat maneuvers, preparing aviators for deployment in various theaters through simulated engagements and gunnery practice on nearby ranges.[7] The base's vast runways and isolated location in central Washington facilitated intensive flight hours, enabling the squadron to build proficiency in the P-38's high-altitude performance and long-range capabilities essential for escort and reconnaissance missions.[5] In April 1943, the base expanded into heavy bombardment training under the Second Air Force with the arrival of the 396th Bombardment Group (5 April 1943–1 May 1944), equipped with B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft, serving first as an operational training unit to form new bomber squadrons and later transitioning to a replacement training unit to replenish experienced crews.[8] The group's squadrons—592nd, 593rd, 594th, and 595th—conducted crew coordination exercises, including formation flying, bombing runs on simulated targets, and navigation over the arid Columbia Basin terrain to mimic Pacific Theater conditions such as long overwater flights and adverse weather.[9] Training stressed heavy bomber operations, with emphasis on gunnery, bombing accuracy, and survival skills, graduating crews until the group's inactivation on 1 May 1944, after which the base continued similar missions with other units.[10] Overall, Moses Lake Army Air Base contributed to the U.S. Army Air Forces' expansion, producing skilled personnel for frontline units by integrating classroom instruction, flight simulations, and live-fire exercises across the base's 8,532 acres and associated ranges, with a core mission to train approximately 124 replacement pilots monthly alongside thousands of aircrew members through rigorous combat simulations tailored to wartime demands.[11] Following Japan's surrender and V-J Day in September 1945, the base was inactivated and its facilities placed in caretaker status, with training operations ceasing as demobilization progressed.[1] The influx of military personnel and construction activities during World War II provided a substantial economic stimulus to the small community of Moses Lake, transforming it from a rural farming outpost with around 300 residents in 1938 into a burgeoning hub that saw population and infrastructure growth tied to base support services.[12] Local businesses, housing, and utilities expanded to accommodate thousands of transient airmen and support staff, fostering job creation in construction, maintenance, and supply chains that sustained the regional economy amid wartime rationing.[3]

Postwar Reorganization (1946–1952)

Reactivation and Air Defense Mission

Following World War II, Moses Lake Army Air Base transitioned to a caretaker status in 1945, with limited activity primarily supporting Boeing aircraft testing, including the B-47 Stratojet and B-50 Superfortress.[1] It was reopened as a permanent U.S. Air Force installation on August 26, 1948, under the Air Defense Command (ADC), marking its shift from Air Materiel Command oversight to active continental defense responsibilities.[6] This reactivation aligned with growing Cold War tensions, positioning the base as a key node in protecting vital Pacific Northwest assets, such as the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and Grand Coulee Dam, against potential Soviet long-range bomber incursions.[2] The primary operational unit assigned was the 325th Fighter-All Weather Wing (redesignated the 325th Fighter-Interceptor Wing in 1951), which relocated from Hamilton Field, California, to Moses Lake in November 1948, along with its subordinate 317th, 318th, and 319th Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons.[13] These squadrons initially operated F-82 Twin Mustang night fighters, transitioning to F-94 Starfire all-weather interceptors by 1950 to enhance capabilities against bomber threats.[1] The 318th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, part of this group, focused on all-weather capabilities, reflecting the wing's emphasis on round-the-clock vigilance. Air defense operations centered on radar-directed intercepts coordinated through regional ADC networks, enabling rapid scrambles to patrol airspace over the Hanford site and surrounding regions. The base frequently hosted temporary deployments for joint exercises, such as simulated bomber interceptions, to test response times and integration with ground-based radar stations like those in the Seattle Defense Area.[14] Infrastructure enhancements supported these jet-era demands; the existing 12,000-foot runways, originally constructed during World War II for heavy bomber training, were maintained and reinforced by 1949 to accommodate the higher speeds and weights of F-82 and F-94 operations, ensuring reliable takeoffs and landings in the arid Columbia Basin environment.[5] By early 1952, the base's air defense posture had solidified its role in the Western Air Defense Force, with assigned units conducting routine patrols and contributing to national alert postures amid escalating Korean War-era alerts.[15] This period culminated in the base's administrative redesignation as Larson Air Force Base on May 17, 1950, honoring World War II ace Major Donald A. Larson, though operational focus remained on interceptor missions until the transition to Tactical Air Command.[11]

Renaming to Honor Major Larson

In May 1950, Moses Lake Air Force Base was redesignated Larson Air Force Base to honor Major Donald A. Larson, a native of Yakima, Washington, who had distinguished himself as a fighter pilot during World War II.[1] Born on April 2, 1915, Larson learned to fly at the McAllister Flying School in Yakima before enlisting as an Army Air Corps cadet in 1941.[16] He completed training at McChord Field and served as a flight instructor prior to deploying to England in 1943 with the 55th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, where he flew P-38 Lightnings and later P-51 Mustangs on combat missions over Europe.[1] Larson completed 57 missions, credited with 6 aerial victories (and 5 ground kills), earning recognition as a flying ace for his aerial victories against enemy aircraft.[16] On August 4, 1944, during a fighter mission over Germany, Larson achieved his final aerial victory before his P-51D Mustang, named "Mary Queen of Scotts," was shot down near Ulzen, resulting in his death at age 29.[1] He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart, among other decorations.[16] Larson's remains were interred at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium.[1] His service exemplified the contributions of Pacific Northwest aviators to the Allied air campaign in Europe. The renaming occurred amid the base's reactivation under Air Defense Command in late 1948, aimed at safeguarding key regional assets like the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and Grand Coulee Dam during the escalating Cold War.[2][1] This dedication symbolized the Pacific Northwest's role in advancing American air power and served as a tribute to local heroism without altering the base's operational focus on interceptor training and defense missions.[16] By commemorating a Yakima-born ace, the change boosted community pride in the Moses Lake area and supported recruitment efforts for the expanding Air Force, reinforcing ties between the military and regional identity.[1]

Tactical Air Command Assignment (1952–1960)

Troop Carrier Wing Deployment

On April 1, 1952, Larson Air Force Base was transferred to the Tactical Air Command (TAC), marking a shift from air defense to tactical airlift operations, with the 62d Troop Carrier Wing (TCW) relocating from McChord Air Force Base, Washington, and bringing its fleet of C-124 Globemaster II heavy transport aircraft to the base.[2][17][18] The 62d TCW assumed command of base operations, focusing on strategic mobility for rapid deployment of troops and equipment.[19] The wing's primary mission involved global troop and cargo transport, emphasizing tactical airlift in support of U.S. military objectives worldwide. These efforts extended to humanitarian and resupply missions, such as delivering construction materials for the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line in Alaska and aiding international relief operations.[2][1] Under TAC, the 62d TCW expanded its operational structure to include three squadrons—the 4th, 7th, and 8th Troop Carrier Squadrons—equipped primarily with C-124s for heavy-lift capabilities, supplemented by C-54s for shorter-range tasks.[20][21] Routine operations encompassed worldwide airlift sorties, while annual training exercises honed tactical proficiency through mass airdrops over the expansive Grant County terrain adjacent to the base, simulating large-scale airborne assaults.[19][2] By the mid-1950s, the wing's assigned personnel exceeded 5,000, reflecting the scale of its growing role in TAC's airlift network.[11] To accommodate the C-124's size and operational demands, the base underwent expansions, including construction of specialized heavy transport hangars capable of housing multiple large aircraft and supporting maintenance for high-tempo missions.[17][1] These facilities enhanced the base's infrastructure for rapid turnaround of heavy-lift operations. However, the Columbia Basin's harsh weather—characterized by frequent fog, high winds, and extreme temperature swings—posed significant challenges, necessitating adaptations like advanced instrumentation and all-weather training protocols to ensure reliable operations year-round.[1] This period of TAC assignment culminated in 1957 with the wing's reassignment to the Military Air Transport Service, broadening its strategic airlift focus.[18][19]

Transition to Military Air Transport Service

On July 1, 1957, Larson Air Force Base transitioned from Tactical Air Command oversight to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), with the 62d Troop Carrier Wing (Heavy) reassigned to MATS's Continental Division and the Twenty-Second Air Force to support strategic airlift operations.[22][23] The wing, which had previously focused on tactical troop carrier missions, shifted emphasis to long-range heavy-lift transport, continuing to operate primarily the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II aircraft capable of carrying oversized cargo such as vehicles and artillery.[24] This upgrade in mission scope enabled global deployments, including airlanding and airdropping supplies to scientific stations in the Arctic Ocean during the International Geophysical Year from 1957 to 1958.[23] In June 1958, the base and wing came under the newly established Western Transport Air Force (WTAF), a major component of MATS, enhancing its role in intercontinental logistics.[22] This reassignment further solidified Larson's position as a key hub for heavy airlift to remote and contested areas. Notable operations included transporting United Nations troops and supplies to the Congo in 1960, demonstrating the base's capacity for rapid-response strategic mobility.[23] Throughout this period, the MATS assignment sustained local employment in Moses Lake, with the base's activities contributing to an annual payroll exceeding $15 million and bolstering the regional economy amid Cold War military expansions.[3] The 62d Troop Carrier Wing's operations at Larson continued until June 1960, when the unit relocated to McChord Air Force Base, Washington, marking the end of the base's primary air transport era.[22]

Strategic Air Command Era (1960–1966)

Establishment of Strategic Wing

On January 1, 1960, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) assumed control of Larson Air Force Base from the Military Air Transport Service, activating the 4170th Strategic Wing as a heavy bombardment organization under the Fifteenth Air Force.[25][26] The wing's initial mission focused on maintaining a heavy bomber alert posture to deter Soviet nuclear threats, supporting SAC's global deterrence strategy through strategic bombers and aerial refueling capabilities.[1] Larson was selected for this role due to its strategic location near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, excellent flying conditions, isolation for security, and existing 13,500-foot runway suitable for heavy aircraft operations.[1] The 4170th Strategic Wing began operations with the arrival of B-52D Stratofortress crews from the 327th Bombardment Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base on July 13, 1960, followed by the first B-52D aircraft, named "Larson's Lucky Lady."[25][1] The 43rd Air Refueling Squadron, equipped with KC-135 Stratotankers, transferred from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on November 15, 1960, with its first aircraft arriving on March 24, 1961.[25] Alert facilities were constructed at the base to ensure rapid response readiness under the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP), enabling the wing to generate airborne alerts as part of SAC's nuclear posture.[26] In a 1963 reorganization, the 4170th Strategic Wing was redesignated the 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing on February 1, integrating bomber, tanker, and later missile elements to streamline SAC's command structure.[25][26] This change honored the World War II-era 462d Bombardment Group and reflected the wing's expanded aerospace mission.[26] The establishment aligned with SAC's broader dispersal strategy, which dispersed heavy bombers across multiple bases—including Larson—to enhance survivability and response options, a policy intensified following the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis to counter centralized vulnerabilities.[1]

B-52 Bomber and KC-135 Operations

The 4170th Strategic Wing at Larson Air Force Base, redesignated the 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing in February 1963, conducted strategic bombardment and aerial refueling operations using Boeing B-52D Stratofortress bombers and Boeing KC-135A Stratotankers from 1960 to 1966 as part of the Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrence mission.[25] The first B-52D arrived on 13 July 1960, christened "Larson's Lucky Lady," with crews transferring from Fairchild Air Force Base to initiate operations focused on long-range nuclear strike capability and continuous airborne alerts.[25] By the end of 1960, the wing had reached its full complement of 30 B-52Ds assigned to the 327th Bombardment Squadron (redesignated the 768th Bombardment Squadron in 1963) and 15 KC-135As assigned to the 43rd Air Refueling Squadron, enabling round-the-clock readiness for potential retaliatory strikes against Soviet targets.[25] Daily operations emphasized airborne alert postures under Operation Chrome Dome, with B-52Ds maintaining continuous nuclear-armed patrols to ensure survivability amid growing intercontinental ballistic missile threats; for instance, in December 1962, 28 B-52Ds from the wing flew extended "Round Robin" routes over the northern Pacific, simulating attack profiles while supported by KC-135 refueling.[27] The KC-135As, which arrived starting 24 March 1961 after transferring from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, provided critical in-flight refueling for these missions as well as support for Pacific-based bombers, extending the range of SAC assets across vast operational theaters.[25] Although Chrome Dome alerts continued wing-wide until the base's pre-closure phase in 1966, they exemplified the high-tempo demands of SAC's deterrence strategy during the early Cold War.[27] Crew training and proficiency exercises formed the backbone of operations, with B-52 aircrews participating in annual Strategic Air Command bombing competitions to hone navigation, bombing accuracy, and refueling skills under simulated combat conditions.[28] These events, part of broader SAC-wide evaluations like the Bomb Comp, tested the wing's ability to generate and sustain alert forces, often involving low-level flights and electronic countermeasures training over remote areas near the base.[28] Peak activity occurred from 1962 to 1965, when one-quarter of the B-52 fleet remained on 24-hour ground alert, ready for immediate launch, while the remainder cycled through maintenance and training rotations to maintain operational tempo.[25]

Titan I ICBM Facilities

The Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program at Larson Air Force Base began with groundbreaking for construction on December 1, 1959, as part of the U.S. Air Force's effort to deploy hardened, underground launch facilities for strategic deterrence during the Cold War.[29] The 568th Strategic Missile Squadron was activated on April 1, 1961, under the 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing, marking the establishment of the missile unit responsible for operations at the base.[26] The facilities consisted of nine HGM-25A Titan I missiles, each a two-stage, liquid-fueled ICBM powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen, measuring approximately 98 feet in length with a launch weight of around 220,000 pounds and a range of about 6,300 miles.[30] These missiles were housed in three remote launch complexes located near Odessa, Quincy, and Warden, Washington, with each complex featuring three hardened underground silos, a launch control center buried 17 feet below the surface, and associated support structures including fuel storage and power generation; the sites were linked via secure communications to a command post at Larson Air Force Base.[31][29] The squadron was declared fully operational on September 28, 1962, achieving initial alert status amid heightened tensions during the Cuban Missile Crisis, with all nine missiles maintained on 24-hour alert by rotating crews trained for rapid response.[32] Maintenance involved complex procedures, including the delivery of cryogenic liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants to the silos only in the event of a launch order, as the missiles could not be stored fully fueled due to the propellants' volatility; this process required about 15 minutes for fueling before liftoff from the silo using a steam-ejection system.[31] Operations continued until the Titan I was phased out in favor of the more advanced, storable-propellant Titan II, with the 568th Squadron taken off alert beginning January 1, 1965, and fully deactivated on March 25, 1965.[33] Following deactivation, salvage teams removed equipment from the sites, and the complexes were decommissioned, with many silos sealed or filled to prevent access, though some structures were later auctioned for civilian reuse.[31]

Closure and Legacy

1966 Deactivation

The deactivation of Larson Air Force Base began with an announcement on November 19, 1964, by Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, who identified the installation for closure as part of a sweeping Department of Defense program to realign or shut down over 100 military facilities across 33 states, aiming to achieve cost savings through consolidation and elimination of redundancies.[34] This initiative targeted outdated systems and overlapping operations, with Larson's closure scheduled for June 30, 1966, allowing 18 months for an orderly drawdown.[35] Key reasons for the base's closure included the obsolescence of its Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) squadrons, which were part of an early-generation system being phased out in favor of more advanced Minuteman missiles deployed at other Strategic Air Command (SAC) sites, such as Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.[34] Additionally, the base's B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker operations were deemed redundant given the proximity of Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, which handled similar SAC missions, enabling the relocation of Larson's strategic assets to consolidate resources amid broader budget constraints.[1] The decision reflected post-World War II adjustments to a maturing Cold War posture, prioritizing efficiency over dispersed basing. The drawdown process commenced with the inactivation of the 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing, which oversaw base operations, on June 25, 1966, just days before full closure; its aircraft and equipment were transferred to March Air Force Base in California by July 1966.[26] The Titan I missile sites near Royal City, Warden, and Odessa, Washington, were decommissioned earlier on March 25, 1965, with missiles and support gear shipped to Norton Air Force Base in California for storage or disposal, and the facilities handed over to the General Services Administration.[25] Military personnel numbers, which exceeded 4,000 at peak operations, were progressively reduced to a minimal caretaker force to maintain the site during transition, with the last B-52 bombers departing in February 1966.[3] The closure delivered a severe economic blow to Moses Lake and surrounding Grant County communities, where the base contributed an annual payroll of approximately $15 million and supported local businesses through procurement and services.[3] In response, residents formed the Port of Moses Lake public district on November 2, 1965, via voter approval, to acquire and manage the property post-closure and mitigate job losses.[36] Final military operations concluded on June 30, 1966, followed by a handover ceremony on July 1, 1966, marking the end of Larson's 24 years as an active Air Force installation.[37]

Conversion to Grant County International Airport

Following the deactivation of Larson Air Force Base in 1966, the airfield was transferred to the newly formed Port of Moses Lake, a public port district established by Grant County voters on November 2, 1965, to manage and repurpose the facility. The site was officially rededicated as Grant County Airport on October 8, 1966, during a gala event that marked its transition to civilian use, with the U.S. Air Force completing the handover process by July 1 of that year. The airport, assigned the FAA code MWH, was later renamed Grant County International Airport in the 1990s to reflect its growing global aviation role.[35][1][36] Initially, the expansive runways—originally built for military bombers—were repurposed for general aviation, providing a vital asset for local pilots and small aircraft operations in central Washington. In 1966, The Boeing Company leased hangar space at the airport for aircraft testing and maintenance, capitalizing on the facility's long runways and remote location ideal for large-plane maneuvers. By November 1968, Japan Airlines had established a dedicated training center there, using Boeing 747 flight simulators to prepare pilots for the jumbo jet era, which quickly positioned the airport as an early hub for international heavy-jet instruction. During the 1970s, former base lands were developed into the Grant County International Airport Industrial Park, transforming military infrastructure into a 1,000-acre commercial zone that attracted manufacturing and logistics firms, fostering economic diversification beyond aviation.[1][38] The 1980s saw accelerated growth in aviation training, with the Japan Airlines facility exemplifying the airport's niche in heavy-jet programs, including simulator-based instruction for wide-body aircraft that drew international operators. This period solidified Moses Lake's reputation for cost-effective, low-traffic training environments. In the 2000s, infrastructure expansions accommodated rising demand for cargo handling and private aviation; new taxiways and aprons supported increased freight operations, while the arrival of fixed-base operators like Million Air in the mid-2000s enhanced services for corporate jets, including fueling, maintenance, and crew accommodations. Japan Airlines closed its training center in 2009 amid corporate restructuring, but Boeing expanded its presence, utilizing the site for flight testing of commercial airliners such as the 787 Dreamliner. Commercial passenger service was provided by Horizon Air from 1985 to 2001 and ended in 2010 with the termination of SkyWest Airlines' United Express flights, shifting focus to non-scheduled and specialized aviation.[1][38][39] As of 2025, the airport continues to invest in modernization to sustain its aviation and industrial vitality. The west apron rehabilitation project was completed earlier in the year, resurfacing over 100,000 square yards of pavement to better accommodate heavy aircraft parking and operations. Construction began in August 2025 on a new hangar by long-term tenant Million Air at the west terminal apron, aimed at expanding capacity for private and charter jets. A new equipment storage building was completed in 2025, designed to house maintenance tools and vehicles more efficiently. Rail enhancements are also progressing, including a new spur off the Columbia Basin Railroad (NCBR) line set for construction in 2025, which will restore direct, uninterrupted rail access to port properties and stimulate logistics growth by connecting the airport industrial park to broader freight networks.[40][41][42][43] Today, Grant County International Airport functions as a premier flight training hub, particularly for heavy commercial jets, where Boeing conducts pilot certification and aircraft certification testing on its 14,000-foot runways. It also supports aerospace research and development, including prototype flights and modifications, while the adjacent industrial park drives regional commerce through manufacturing, warehousing, and agribusiness. The facility generates an annual economic impact of nearly $982 million in total business output, sustaining approximately 2,983 jobs and $218 million in labor income across direct on-airport activities, visitor expenditures, and supply chain effects.[44][43][38]

Base Organization

Major Commands Assigned

During its operational history, Larson Air Force Base's major commands were determined by evolving mission requirements, transitioning from World War II pilot and crew training to postwar air defense of Pacific Northwest strategic assets, tactical airlift capabilities, global transport operations, and ultimately strategic nuclear deterrence with bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The base, originally designated Moses Lake Army Air Base, was activated on November 24, 1942, initially under the United States Army Air Forces' Fourth Air Force for P-38 Lightning pilot training, with bomber training later conducted under Second Air Force until the end of World War II in 1945.[45][10] After a period of standby status, it reopened as a permanent installation in November 1948 under the Air Defense Command (ADC), which oversaw it until April 1, 1952, with missions focused on interceptor patrols using aircraft such as F-82 Twin Mustangs, F-94 Starfires, and F-86 Sabres to safeguard regional installations like the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.[2][45] On April 1, 1952, command shifted to the Tactical Air Command (TAC), placing the base under TAC's Eighteenth Air Force for troop carrier and tactical support operations with C-124 Globemaster aircraft until July 1, 1957.[2][22] From 1957 to 1960, it was assigned to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), specifically the Western Transport Air Force (WESTAF) starting in June 1958, emphasizing long-range strategic airlift.[2][22] The Strategic Air Command (SAC) assumed control on January 1, 1960, with the base falling under the Fifteenth Air Force to support B-52 Stratofortress bomber operations and Titan I ICBM facilities as part of SAC's global nuclear strike forces until deactivation in June 1966.[2][17][22] Following closure, the facility was transferred to the civilian Port of Moses Lake on November 2, 1965, and repurposed as Grant County International Airport, with no subsequent military commands assigned.[1]

Major Units Assigned

During World War II, Larson Air Force Base hosted training units for fighter and bombardment operations. The 482nd Fighter Squadron was assigned from November 1942 to 1943, operating P-38 Lightning aircraft for pilot training.[1] The 396th Bombardment Group arrived in April 1943 and remained until its inactivation in May 1944, focusing on training combat crews with B-17 Flying Fortress bombers under Second Air Force.[1][10] In the postwar period, the base supported Air Defense Command missions from 1948 to 1952, with fighter-interceptor squadrons equipped with F-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabres patrolling the Pacific Northwest.[22] These units included the 325th Fighter-Interceptor Group from 1948 to 1950 and elements of the 81st Fighter-Interceptor Wing from 1949 to 1951.[1] Under Tactical Air Command and later Military Air Transport Service, the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing (later redesignated Military Airlift Wing) was stationed at the base from April 1952 to January 1960, operating C-124 Globemaster and C-97 Stratofreighter aircraft for troop carrier and airlift missions, including support for the Distant Early Warning Line.[2] Following its departure, the wing relocated to McChord Air Force Base, Washington.[2] Additional units included the 71st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing from 1955 to 1957, operating RF-84K Thunderflash aircraft for reconnaissance missions, and the 538th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from 1957 to 1960, equipped with F-104 Starfighters for air defense.[1][2] The Strategic Air Command era featured the 4170th Strategic Wing from January 1960 to November 1962, which transitioned into the 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wing, activated in November 1962 and inactivated in June 1966 alongside the base closure.[22] These wings oversaw B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker operations for strategic bombardment and refueling. Additionally, the 568th Strategic Missile Squadron was assigned from April 1961 to March 1965, managing Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile facilities.[22][1] At its peak in the 1960s, the base supported approximately 8,000 personnel engaged in diverse roles, including pilots, aircrews, missile technicians, and maintenance staff.[1] The 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wing was inactivated upon the base's closure, with no relocation to another installation.[26]

References

  1. Larson Air Force Base -- Grant County International Airport
  2. McChord Air Museum - History of Larson AFB, WA
  3. 1966: Larson AFB becomes Port of Moses Lake
  4. United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), Moses Lake Army ... - PCAD
  5. Larson Air Force Base | Military Wiki - Fandom
  6. Larson Air Force Base - Scabard
  7. [PDF] THE ARMY AIR FORCES In World War II
  8. 396th Bombardment Group
  9. [PDF] Air Force Combat Units of WWII
  10. [PDF] RUNWAYS & RECLAMATION - Washington State History Museum
  11. Moses Lake -- Thumbnail History - HistoryLink.org
  12. 325 Fighter Wing (ACC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
  13. https://www.mobileradar.org/unit_483_561.html
  14. [PDF] Locating Air Force Base Sites : History's Legacy / Frederick J. Shaw
  15. It Happened Here: Moses Lake air base named for Yakima World ...
  16. Larson Air Force Base - FortWiki Historic U.S. and Canadian Forts
  17. 62nd Airlift Wing [62nd AW] - GlobalSecurity.org
  18. None
  19. https://www.mcchord.af.mil/Portals/29/documents/AFD-140306-087.pdf
  20. 4th Troop Carrier Squadron - USAF - Korean War Project Page 1
  21. Larson AFB - Strategic-Air-Command.com
  22. 62 Airlift Wing (AMC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
  23. [PDF] Lineage and Honors History of the 62d Airlift Wing (AMC) Lineage
  24. None
  25. 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wing - GlobalSecurity.org
  26. [PDF] Round Robin Route - December 1962
  27. [PDF] SAC Bomb Comp – History Chronology and Factoids
  28. [PDF] War from above the Clouds: B-52 Operations during the Second ...
  29. Larson AFB
  30. Titan I | Missile Threat - CSIS
  31. ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) in Washington State
  32. Titan ICBM - Association of Air Force Missileers
  33. Titan I
  34. List of the U.S. Military Installations Affected By Secretary ...
  35. Grant County Airport in Moses Lake opens on October 8, 1966.
  36. Port of Moses Lake is created on November 2, 1965, for the purpose of
  37. Closing the Deal for Larson Air Force Base properties. In 1965, after ...
  38. Moses Lake - Key Aero
  39. MWH – Million Air
  40. https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2025/nov/10/58m-planned-in-capital-projects-at-port-of-moses-lake/
  41. Port of Moses Lake Newsletter for Q3 2025 - Constant Contact
  42. Rail, airfield improvements planned at Grant Co. International Airport
  43. Business at the PORT - Port of Moses Lake
  44. [PDF] Washington State Economic Impact Study Airport Profile - WSdot.com
  45. Larson AFB - United States Nuclear Forces - GlobalSecurity.org
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