Ellington Air Force Base Houston

Introduction to Ellington Air Force Base

Ellington Air Force Base, now known as Ellington Field, is a former United States Air Force base located in Houston, Texas. The base has a rich history, dating back to 1917 when it was first established as a training facility for the United States Army Air Corps. Over the years, the base has played a significant role in the country’s military operations, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. In this article, we will delve into the history of Ellington Air Force Base, its current status, and the various units and operations that have been associated with the base.

History of Ellington Air Force Base

The history of Ellington Air Force Base began in 1917 when the United States Army acquired a 1,280-acre tract of land in Houston, Texas, to establish a training facility for the Army Air Corps. The base was initially known as Ellington Field and was named after Lt. Eric Ellington, a Texas native who was killed in a plane crash in 1913. During World War I, the base was used to train pilots and aircrew members, and it quickly became one of the largest and most important training facilities in the country.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Ellington Field continued to play a significant role in the development of the United States military aviation program. The base was used to test new aircraft and equipment, and it was also the site of several notable aviation events, including the first-ever aerial refueling operation. During World War II, Ellington Field was expanded and upgraded to accommodate the increasing demands of the war effort. The base was used to train thousands of pilots and aircrew members, and it was also the site of several important military operations, including the formation of the first all-black fighter squadron.

Cold War Era

During the Cold War era, Ellington Air Force Base continued to play a significant role in the United States military operations. The base was used to support the country’s space program, and it was also the site of several important military operations, including the formation of the first astronaut training program. In the 1960s and 1970s, the base was upgraded and expanded to accommodate the increasing demands of the space program, and it was also used to support several notable space missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Current Status

In 1963, Ellington Air Force Base was deactivated and transferred to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The base was renamed Ellington Field and was used to support NASA’s space program. Today, Ellington Field is a joint-use airport and is home to several military and civilian units, including the Texas Air National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the United States Coast Guard. The base is also used to support several notable aviation events, including the annual Houston Air Show.

Units and Operations

Over the years, Ellington Air Force Base has been home to several notable units and operations, including: * The 147th Fighter Group, which was activated in 1962 and was responsible for providing air defense for the Houston area. * The 147th Reconnaissance Wing, which was activated in 1995 and was responsible for providing reconnaissance support for the United States military. * The Texas Air National Guard, which has been based at Ellington Field since 1923 and has played a significant role in the state’s military operations. * The United States Army Reserve, which has several units based at Ellington Field and provides support for the country’s military operations. * The United States Coast Guard, which has several units based at Ellington Field and provides support for the country’s maritime operations.

Unit	Activation Date	Mission
147th Fighter Group	1962	Air defense
147th Reconnaissance Wing	1995	Reconnaissance support
Texas Air National Guard	1923	State military operations
United States Army Reserve	1916	Country's military operations
United States Coast Guard	1915	Maritime operations

🚀 Note: The information provided in this article is based on historical records and may not reflect the current status of Ellington Field or its associated units and operations.

In summary, Ellington Air Force Base has a rich history that spans over a century. From its early days as a training facility for the United States Army Air Corps to its current status as a joint-use airport, the base has played a significant role in the country’s military operations. Today, Ellington Field is home to several notable units and operations, including the Texas Air National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the United States Coast Guard. The base continues to support the country’s military operations and is an important part of the nation’s aviation heritage.

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