Slipping through the San Diego skies in 1883, John J. Montgomery dared to dream of controlled flight. He achieved this feat right here in Otay Mesa, paving the way for the marvel we now know as Montgomery Field. Originally called Gibbs Field, this bustling hub of aviation opened its doors in 1937, boasting a single runway. Montgomery Field stands as a testament to its namesake and another pioneer, Bill Gibbs. Gibbs purchased the original 25 acres for a mere $250. He later sold it to the city for $300 an acre. During World War II, Montgomery Field played a vital role in training Army Air Corps cadets, leased to the Ryan School of Aeronautics by Gibbs himself. The City of San Diego officially acquired the airport in 1947. The airport was renamed Montgomery Field in 1950, honoring the legacy of John J. Montgomery. Decades later, in 2016, the name was further refined to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. This change acknowledged Bill Gibbs’ contribution and signaled a renewed commitment to high-quality aviation services. Today, Montgomery Field isn’t just an airport; it’s a dynamic center for general aviation, encompassing everything from private flights to air ambulances and flight training. It even serves as a reliever airport for San Diego International, easing congestion and minimizing delays. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport boasts three runways, 10L/28R, 10R/28L, and 5/23, catering to diverse aircraft. The airport hums with life from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, a constant reminder of the dream that took flight over San Diego’s hills so long ago.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a