Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex

What was once a bustling hub of naval aviation is now a testament to the ever-changing landscape of military needs. The Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex, formerly known as Naval Air Station Dallas or Hensley Field, has witnessed nearly a century of history. Its story began in 1929 when the City of Dallas, recognizing the importance of aviation, established Hensley Field. Named after Major William N. Hensley, a pioneering aviator, the field was initially intended as a training ground for Reserve pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Leased to the Army for a nominal fee, Hensley Field transitioned into Naval Air Station Dallas in 1943. During World War II, it played a crucial role in training Naval Aviation Cadets and enlisted personnel. Thousands of radial engines were overhauled here, and the base managed air traffic for the nearby North American Aircraft Company plant. After the war, Naval and Marine Corps Reservists continued to train at NAS Dallas. The installation embraced the jet age, housing aircraft like the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, and the C-9 Skytrain II. The base’s closure in 1998 under the Base Realignment and Closure Commission marked the end of an era. However, the story didn’t end there. Reborn as the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex, it now serves the expanding training requirements of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components. This transition highlights the complex’s enduring significance in shaping the nation’s military preparedness. The Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex stands as a reminder of the past, present, and future of our nation’s military might.