Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach

“Overflown” by helicopters? That’s the common cry near Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach. It’s not a complaint, mind you. It’s more of a statement of fact, a constant reminder of the airfield’s vital role. Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach isn’t just an airfield. It’s a cornerstone of naval aviation, a place where rotor blades churn the air and the future of helicopter pilots is forged. Known as “The Helicopter Capital of the World,” this 1,204-acre expanse located within Imperial Beach city limits, about 14 miles south of San Diego, plays a crucial role in naval operations. Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach handles the overflow of helicopter traffic from NAS North Island. In fact, about 95% of the helicopter squadrons’ operations from North Island actually happen here. The history of this bustling airfield stretches back to 1917, when the Army established “Aviation Field” on this very ground. Used for air gunnery practices during World War I, it was renamed Ream Field in 1918. The name honors Army Major William Roy Ream. He was the first flying surgeon of the American Army. Sadly, he was also the first flight surgeon killed in an aircraft accident. The Navy began using Ream Field in the early 1920s for carrier landing practice. Though not as ideal for expansion as nearby Brown Field, Ream Field’s destiny was far from over. The field saw significant development during World War II. The current runways were constructed in 1943. The very same year, Naval Auxiliary Air Station Ream Field was commissioned. By 1946, the station boasted 78 buildings and four airstrips. Ream Field was decommissioned after World War II, only to be recommissioned in 1951 as an Auxiliary Landing Field. It was redesignated as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Imperial Beach in 1955. 1951 marked another milestone. It became home to its first helicopter squadron, HU-1, followed by others like HS-2, HS-4, HS-6, HS-8, and HS-10. In 1968, it officially became Naval Air Station Imperial Beach. It housed seven, eventually ten, helicopter squadrons, all of the Navy’s west coast helicopter squadrons. A master plan was developed in 1967 for the station’s expansion. It included a new dining hall, bachelor quarters, a control tower, a hangar, and an expanded Navy Exchange. However, the station was redesignated as a Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in 1974. Then, it became Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach in 1975, a branch of Naval Base Coronado. This change halted the construction plans. The squadrons were moved to NAS North Island. Many of the newly constructed buildings were repurposed. Hangars were leased for storage. Other buildings were leased to the US Department of Labor, eventually becoming home to the San Diego Job Corps Center. Today, Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach stands as a testament to the ever-evolving needs of the Navy. It continues to serve a vital role, ensuring that the helicopter pilots who train here are ready to take to the skies.