Location
Lat 52° 42' 44N Long 174° 6' 49E  Shemya Airfield is located on the southern side of Shemya Island in the Semichi Island Group (Semichi Islands) in the Aleutian Island Chain (Aleutian Islands) in Alaska in the United States. Located at an elevation of 98' above sea level. Also known as Shemya Air Force Base (Shmya AFB). In 1993, renamed Eareckson Air Force Station (Eareckson AFS). Today, known as Shemya Air Station (Shemya AS).

Construction
After Shemya Island was occupied by American forces on May 29, 1943, Shemya Airfield was built by the U.S. Army and completed by June 21, 1943. Designated U.S. Army APO 729. On June 29, 1943 Naval Auxiliary Air Facility Shemya was established.

Wartime History
On March 1, 1944, 11th Strategic Air Force (Provisional) was activated at Shemya, including all units of the 11th Bomber Command. 11th Fighter Command is 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 with Brigadier General Harry A Johnson as Deputy Commander.

American units based at Shemya
343d FG, 344th FS (P-40) from Umnak arrives May 23, 1943
30th BG, 21th BS (B-24) from Umnak arrives July 27, 1943–September 19, 1943 departs Smoky Hill Army Airfield
11th BC (HQ) from Adak March 3, 1944
28th BG (HQ) from Adak February 26, 1944
343rd FG, 11th FS (P-38) Adak August 11, 1945

Today
In 1993, Shemya Air Force Base (Shemya AFB) was officially renamed Eareckson Air Force Station (Eareckson AFS). Today, known as Shemya Air Station (Shemya AS). Designated a military airport with a single runway oriented 28/10 measuring 10,000' x 150' surfaced with asphalt. Airport Codes: FAA: SYA / ICAO: PASY / IATA: SYA.

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Last Updated
July 19, 2024