“In service” declares the status of Chengdu Wenjiang Airport. This might not sound exciting. Yet, it speaks volumes about this place. Chengdu Wenjiang Airport is not just any airfield. It is a testament to history, resilience, and adaptation.
Chengdu Wenjiang Airport is in Wenjiang District. Wenjiang is a suburban district of Chengdu. It has a humid subtropical climate. This climate is largely warm. High relative humidity persists throughout the year.
The story of Chengdu Wenjiang Airport begins long ago. It took shape in 1931. Sichuan warlord Liu Xiang ordered its construction. He needed a base for his fledgling air force. As the War of Resistance began, it was integrated into the Chinese Nationalist Air Force. It bravely stood against the Empire of Japan.
Imagine the terror. The airbase was regularly under attack. Chinese fighter squadrons took off from here to defend Chengdu. They defended Chongqing from relentless bombings.
But Chengdu Wenjiang Airport is also about innovation. Captain Xu Huansheng trained here. He prepared his B-10 bomber crews for a daring mission. It was a planned transoceanic strategic bombing mission against Japan in 1938.
Later, the United States entered World War II. Chengdu Wenjiang Airport became a crucial command center. It hosted the 312th Fighter Wing. From July 1944 to August 1945, this wing commanded three fighter groups. They operated in central China.
They supported the Twentieth Air Force. B-29 Superfortress groups staged missions. They flew strategic bombardment missions over Japan. They launched these from bases near Chengdu. Their home bases were in India. It was all part of Operation Matterhorn.
The 426th Night Fighter Squadron played a vital role. They flew P-61 Black Widow night interceptors. These aircraft defended against Japanese raids at night. They protected both the area and the B-29 bases.
In 1949, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek departed from Chengdu Wenjiang Airport. Chiang Ching-kuo left with him. They boarded the airplane named May-ling. They flew to Taiwan. They never returned to mainland China.
Even natural disasters have marked this airfield’s story. During the 2013 Lushan earthquake, it became a vital air hub. Relief efforts and medical evacuations centered here.
So, Chengdu Wenjiang Airport is more than just an airfield. It is a landmark of military and civil importance. It played a key role in Chengdu’s history. Its story continues to unfold.