Location
Located on Amchitka Island.

Construction
Although a US Army survey team surveyed the island in September 1942 and they advised the airfield would be difficult to build an airfield. Still, on December 13, the decision to build an airfield was authorized, to prevent the Japanese from doing the same. Another reconnaissance mission visited Amchitka from 17–19 December, and reported that a fighter strip could be built in two to three weeks, and a main airfield in three to four months.

Units operating from Amchitka in Janurary 1943 included Jack Chennault's (son of AVG's Claire Chennault) squadron of P-40s, and P-38's Also, the 36th BS.

Units Based at Amchitka
407th BG, 634th BS (A-24) Drew Field, Tampa July 19 - August 13, 1943
407th BG, 633rd BS (A-24) Drew Field, Tampa July 19 - August 13, 1943
407th BG, 635th BS (A-24) Drew Field July 19 - Aug 15, 1943 disbanded

Jerry Craft adds:
"Pilots flying in the Aleutians almost never went anywhere without first filing a "flight plan."  Then, to maximize their chances of getting from point A to point B, they flew on an assigned compass heading.  One of the main purposes for the military keeping Amchitka open in those post-WW II days was to keep their radio range functioning."

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009