Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Encyclopedia
Naval Air Station Quonset Point was a United States Naval Base
in Quonset Point
, Rhode Island
that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott
at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabee
s. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut
, a standardized temporary structure used by the U.S. military starting in World War II
. Former US President Richard M. Nixon
went through basic naval officer training at Quonset Point in 1942.
Commissioned on 12 July 1941, and encompassing what was once Camp Dyer
, NAS Quonset Point was a major naval facility throughout World War II and well into the Cold War. Prior to its closure, it had been home to numerous aviation squadrons, primarily those land-based patrol squadrons operating the P-2 Neptune
and carrier-based antisubmarine and airborne early warning squadrons operating the S-2 Tracker
, the E-1 Tracer and various modified versions of the A-1 Skyraider
.
NAS Quonset Point was also the off-season home of Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6
) during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, operating the LC-47 Skytrain
, LP-2J Neptune
, C-54 Skymaster
, C-121 Constellation, and eventually the LC-130F and LC-130R Hercules
, as well as a variety of helicopters.
In addition to flying squadrons, the air station was also home to a major aircraft overhaul and repair (O & R) facility, later renamed Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Quonset Point. O & R Facilities, and their later incarnation as NARFs, are the predecessor of the present day Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), previously known as Naval Aviation Depots (NADEPs).
Boasting a deepwater port, NAS Quonset Point was also homeport to several ESSEX class aircraft carriers, to include the USS Essex (CV-9)
, USS Wasp (CV-18)
, USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)
and USS Tarawa (CV-40)
, as well as their respective carrier air groups (CAGs or CVSGs).
NAS Quonset Point was decommissioned on 28 June 1974 as part of a series of defense cutbacks which resulted in a nation-wide reduction in bases following the end of the US engagement in Vietnam.
Since the Navy's departure, a small military presence has remained in the form of Quonset Point Air National Guard Station
, home to the 143d Airlift Wing
(143 AW), an Air Mobility Command
(AMC)-gained unit of the Rhode Island Air National Guard
, operating the C-130J and C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft. The Rhode Island Army National Guard also maintains an adjoining Army Aviation Support Facility for the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, operating the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Now known as Quonset State Airport
(IATA: OQU, ICAO: KOQU), the former NAS Quonset Point is a public general aviation airport with tenant Air National Guard
and Army National Guard
flying activities, as well as an adjacent industrial park. There is no scheduled airline service. The airport lies within Class D airspace and has an operating non-federal air traffic control tower (closed on Mondays) with two active runways, Runway 5/23 and Runway 16/34. Quonset State Airport is one of six active airports operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. The other five airports include T.F. Green State Airport, North Central State Airport, Westerly State Airport, Newport State Airport, and Block Island State Airport.
41°35′50"N 071°24′44"W
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
in Quonset Point
Quonset Point
Quonset Point, also known simply as Quonset, is a small peninsula in Narragansett Bay in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is contained entirely within the town of North Kingstown. "Quonset" is a Native American word likely meaning "small long place".Quonset Point was the location of Naval Air...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott
Camp Endicott
Camp Endicott, later known as Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center, was a United States Navy base Seabee base. It is now a historic site between Seventh and Tenth streets in North Kingstown, Rhode Island....
at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabee
Seabee
Seabees are members of the United States Navy construction battalions. The word Seabee is a proper noun that comes from the initials of Construction Battalion, of the United States Navy...
s. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut
Quonset hut
A Quonset hut is a lightweight prefabricated structure of corrugated galvanized steel having a semicircular cross section. The design was based on the Nissen hut developed by the British during World War I...
, a standardized temporary structure used by the U.S. military starting in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Former US President Richard M. Nixon
Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. The only president to resign the office, Nixon had previously served as a US representative and senator from California and as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under...
went through basic naval officer training at Quonset Point in 1942.
Commissioned on 12 July 1941, and encompassing what was once Camp Dyer
Camp Dyer
Camp Dyer, Quonset Point, Rhode Island was a temporary camp used during the Spanish American War.-History:Previously a state park, the site had been used for the state militia's summer maneuvers of the First Rhode Island Brigade. Established for the call up of Rhode Island troops during the...
, NAS Quonset Point was a major naval facility throughout World War II and well into the Cold War. Prior to its closure, it had been home to numerous aviation squadrons, primarily those land-based patrol squadrons operating the P-2 Neptune
P-2 Neptune
The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and being replaced in turn with the Lockheed P-3 Orion...
and carrier-based antisubmarine and airborne early warning squadrons operating the S-2 Tracker
S-2 Tracker
The Grumman S-2 Tracker was the first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare aircraft to enter service with the US Navy. The Tracker was of conventional design with twin engines, a high wing and tricycle undercarriage. The type was exported to a number of navies around the world...
, the E-1 Tracer and various modified versions of the A-1 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...
.
NAS Quonset Point was also the off-season home of Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6
VXE-6
VXE-6, Antarctic Development Squadron 6 , commonly referred to by its nickname, The Puckered Penguins was a United States Navy Air Test and Evaluation Squadron based at McMurdo Station, Antarctica...
) during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, operating the LC-47 Skytrain
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
, LP-2J Neptune
P-2 Neptune
The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and being replaced in turn with the Lockheed P-3 Orion...
, C-54 Skymaster
C-54 Skymaster
The Douglas C-54 Skymaster was a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces and British forces in World War II and the Korean War. Besides transport of cargo, it also carried presidents, British heads of government, and military staff...
, C-121 Constellation, and eventually the LC-130F and LC-130R Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, as well as a variety of helicopters.
In addition to flying squadrons, the air station was also home to a major aircraft overhaul and repair (O & R) facility, later renamed Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Quonset Point. O & R Facilities, and their later incarnation as NARFs, are the predecessor of the present day Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), previously known as Naval Aviation Depots (NADEPs).
Boasting a deepwater port, NAS Quonset Point was also homeport to several ESSEX class aircraft carriers, to include the USS Essex (CV-9)
USS Essex (CV-9)
USS Essex was an aircraft carrier, the lead ship of the 24-ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in December 1942, Essex participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning the...
, USS Wasp (CV-18)
USS Wasp (CV-18)
USS Wasp was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. The ship, the ninth US Navy ship to bear the name, was originally named Oriskany, but was renamed while under construction in honor of the previous , which was sunk 15 September 1942...
, USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)
USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)
USS Lake Champlain was one of 24 s completed during or shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. She was the second US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the Battle of Lake Champlain in the War of 1812....
and USS Tarawa (CV-40)
USS Tarawa (CV-40)
USS Tarawa was one of 24 s built during and shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the first US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the bloody 1943 Battle of Tarawa. Tarawa was commissioned in December 1945, too late to serve in World War II. After serving a...
, as well as their respective carrier air groups (CAGs or CVSGs).
NAS Quonset Point was decommissioned on 28 June 1974 as part of a series of defense cutbacks which resulted in a nation-wide reduction in bases following the end of the US engagement in Vietnam.
Since the Navy's departure, a small military presence has remained in the form of Quonset Point Air National Guard Station
Quonset Point Air National Guard Station
Quonset Point Air National Guard Station is the home base of the Rhode Island Air National Guard 143d Airlift Wing.-Overview:Quonset Point Air National Guard Station at Quonset State Airport is located 20 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island and approximately 2.5 miles north of Wickford, Rhode...
, home to the 143d Airlift Wing
143d Airlift Wing
The 143rd Airlift Wing is a United States Air Force unit located at Quonset Point, Rhode Island.-Mission:The 143rd Airlift Wing's purpose is to provide airlift and combat support forces to the United States Armed Forces and to provide resources to protect life, property and public safety for its...
(143 AW), an Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command
Air Mobility Command is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force. AMC is headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, east of St. Louis....
(AMC)-gained unit of the Rhode Island Air National Guard
Rhode Island Air National Guard
The Rhode Island Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is, along with the Rhode Island Army National Guard, an element of the Rhode Island National Guard...
, operating the C-130J and C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft. The Rhode Island Army National Guard also maintains an adjoining Army Aviation Support Facility for the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, operating the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Now known as Quonset State Airport
Quonset State Airport
Quonset State Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located on Quonset Point, in northeastern North Kingstown, Rhode Island, adjacent to Narragansett Bay...
(IATA: OQU, ICAO: KOQU), the former NAS Quonset Point is a public general aviation airport with tenant Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
and Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
flying activities, as well as an adjacent industrial park. There is no scheduled airline service. The airport lies within Class D airspace and has an operating non-federal air traffic control tower (closed on Mondays) with two active runways, Runway 5/23 and Runway 16/34. Quonset State Airport is one of six active airports operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. The other five airports include T.F. Green State Airport, North Central State Airport, Westerly State Airport, Newport State Airport, and Block Island State Airport.
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41°35′50"N 071°24′44"W