Lost beneath layers of history, Reeves Field whispers tales of innovation. It echoes with the determination of a nation at war. Originally known as Allen Field, this 410-acre airfield emerged in 1927. Sand filled the Port of Los Angeles, expanding Terminal Island to create it.
Imagine foot ferries and Red Cars from the Pacific Electric Railroad transporting people here. It was quite a journey to reach Reeves Field from San Pedro, Wilmington, or Long Beach. In its early days, Allen Field boasted three paved runways. The longest stretched 4,200 feet. A seaplane ramp stood ready. Several hangars and buildings dotted the landscape.
The U.S. Navy soon recognized the field’s potential. In 1927, a Naval Air Reserve Training Facility took root here. It was an ideal location near the Naval Reserve Training Camp. The airfield quickly became the primary base for seaplanes. These seaplanes were assigned to ships of the Pacific Fleet.
In 1935, the Navy took complete control of Allen Field. A year later, it was renamed Reeves Field. This renaming honored Rear Admiral Joseph M. Reeves. He was a Naval Aviation Observer. He was also a pioneer in aircraft carrier tactics.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Terminal Island was quickly secured. Japanese fishermen and cannery workers were removed. Early in 1942, the Naval Reserve Air Training Facility relocated to NAS Los Alamitos. NAB San Pedro became NAS Terminal Island. Reeves Field remained a crucial training ground. Naval Reserve Air personnel continued to train here until 1945.
Reeves Field played another vital role. It equipped and tested military aircraft. These planes came from nearby Lockheed, Douglas, and Vultee plants. To streamline delivery, the Navy established the Naval Air Ferry Command in 1943.
Planes roared in and out of Reeves Field day and night. It became one of the busiest naval ferrying stations. Aircraft fresh off the assembly lines underwent flight tests. Then, they were “pickled” with a protective coating. This protected them from the harsh salt air. The planes were then shipped to the South Pacific.
Captain Kneflar “Socko” McGinnis commanded NAS Terminal Island. He had earned the Navy Cross. His bravery stemmed from transporting the first mass flight of seaplanes. They flew from Northern California to Hawaii.
A group of often-overlooked women also served at NAS Terminal Island. They were part of the Navy’s WAVES. They served as mechanics, air traffic controllers, radio operators, and air navigators.
Interestingly, some WAVES qualified as Navy aerial navigators. They trained hundreds of naval aviators. These aviators came from the Naval Reserves at Reeves Field.
In 1947, Reeves Field closed. The property transferred to the Bureau of Yards and Docks. Later, the Long Beach Naval Shipyard expanded. This expansion obliterated the former airfield’s runways.
Though Reeves Field no longer exists, its legacy lives on. It stands as a testament to naval aviation. The dedication of those who served here remains. The name “Reeves Field” was later transferred to Naval Air Station Lemoore.