Harmon AFB

[chris vickery]

Well my job has me on the road again, interesting enough I am in NFLD. Neat to be in Stephenville, former home of Harmon Field, Harmon AFB, the USAAF and USAF respectively.
The town utilizes the former base housing and associated buildings.
Historically, the Americans came here in 1940 to construct an airfield as a stop for trans-atlantic aircrews going to Europe, for re-fueling, re-supply etc.
The deep water port off shore was a strategic area in the fight against German U-boats. After the war, the field was used as a home to Stratotankers for air to air refueling of B52 nuclear bombers and was home to several fighter squadrons as well.
Unfortunately, I am here many years too late to have been able to see all the aircraft and MVs that once scattered the area. The only reminder of the aircraft here is a F104 Starfighter gifted by the USAF to the Town.
Going to try and get access to one of the old bunkers this week if I can to check out this interesting part of WW2/Cold War history.
It is neat to drive through the former base, past all the old hangars along the flightline and aprons to the runways. Many of the old hangars are still here.
Stephenville airport is also one of the few places in the world to be used as an alternate landing area for the US Space program (Shuttle)
On another note, NATO forces have conducted major EXs just off shore with combination naval and air force power and the airfield does host military aircraft from time to time even today.