Construction
After occupation by American forces in late May 1943, an airfield was built on the island, completed on June 21, 1943.

On March 1, 1944, 11th Strategic Air Force (Provisional) is activated at Shemya . It includes all units of the XI Bomber Command and XI Fighter Command stationed at Near Island, and is only a tactical operating agency without administrative functions.

On November 21, 1944 Advance HQ Eleventh AF is established on Shemya Island, Aleutian Islands with Brigadier General Harry A Johnson as Deputy Commander.

American Units Based at Shemya
343d FG, 344th FS (P-40) from Umnak May 23, 1943
30th BG, 21th BS (B-24) from Umnak July 27, 1943 - September 19, 1943 to USA
11th BC (HQ) from Adak March 3, 1944
28th BG (HQ) from Adak February 26, 1944
343rd FG, 11th FS (P-38) from Adak August 11, 1945

Today
Shemya Air Force Base was renamed Eareckson Air Force Station in 1993.