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Bergstrom Air Force Base

Bergstrom Air Force Base was a major United States Air Force installation located approximately seven miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, that operated from September 19, 1942, until its closure on September 30, 1993.^[1]^[2] Originally established as Del Valle Army Air Base during World War II for troop-carrier training, it was renamed Bergstrom Army Air Field on March 3, 1943, in honor of Captain John A. E. Bergstrom, the first Austinite killed in action on December 8, 1941.^[1]^[3] The base transitioned to a permanent facility after the war, became Bergstrom Air Force Base in December 1948 following the establishment of the independent U.S. Air Force, and served as a key hub for Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command operations during the Cold War, including as headquarters for the Twelfth Air Force from 1968 onward.^[1]^[3]^[4] Throughout its history, Bergstrom hosted a variety of units, including troop-carrier squadrons that participated in the Berlin Airlift after World War II, reconnaissance and fighter units during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the U.S. Air Force's aircraft reconnaissance fighter fleet in later years.^[1]^[3]^[5] From 1968, the Twelfth Air Force at Bergstrom focused on training combat aircrews for Southeast Asia operations before shifting to broader combat readiness and rapid reaction capabilities, directing multiple air divisions and tactical wings.^[4] The base spanned about 3,000 acres initially leased from the city of Austin and played a significant economic role, contributing an estimated $343 million annually to the regional economy within a 50-mile radius by 1989.^[1]^[6] Following its decommissioning under the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, with military aviation ceasing in 1995, the site was repurposed into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which opened on May 23, 1999, on 4,100 acres and replaced the city's aging Robert Mueller Municipal Airport.^[3]^[7] This transformation marked the end of over 50 years of military service at the location while preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of Austin's aviation history.^[3]^[1]

Overview

Location and Facilities

Bergstrom Air Force Base was situated seven miles southeast of downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas, along State Highway 71.^[1] The site's geographic coordinates are approximately 30°11′40″N 97°40′12″W.^[8] The base encompassed 3,000 acres of land leased from the city of Austin, featuring key infrastructure such as hangars, barracks, a control tower, fuel storage facilities, and various support buildings.^[1]^[9]^[3] Construction of these facilities began in May 1942, following the acquisition and clearance of the site, which included the removal of existing homes, churches, and businesses.^[9] Environmentally, the base lay within the Colorado River watershed, with Onion Creek flowing immediately southeast of its boundaries before discharging into the Colorado River.^[10]^[11] The terrain consisted primarily of blackland clay and silty loam soils, with no identified wetlands or prime agricultural lands on the installation itself.^[10]

Establishment and Naming

Bergstrom Air Force Base traces its origins to the urgent expansion of U.S. military aviation capabilities following the entry into World War II. The airfield was activated on September 19, 1942, as Del Valle Army Air Base, named after the nearby Del Valle community in Travis County, Texas. The site, comprising approximately 3,000 acres leased from the city of Austin, was established by the Army Air Corps to support training operations amid the national mobilization effort. Initially, the base served as a replacement center under the First Troop Carrier Command, focused on preparing pilots and aircrews for transporting troops and supplies in combat theaters.^[1]^[9] The base's nomenclature evolved to honor a local hero early in its operational life. On March 3, 1943, it was redesignated Bergstrom Army Air Field in tribute to Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an Austin native and Texas A&M graduate who became the first Austinite killed in World War II. Captain Bergstrom, serving as an administrative officer with the 93rd Bombardment Squadron, died on December 10, 1941, from wounds received during a Japanese air raid on Clark Field in the Philippines on December 8, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.^[12] The renaming was advocated by Austin civic leaders, including Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, to commemorate his sacrifice and boost local morale.^[1]^[9]^[3]^[13] Subsequent administrative changes reflected the base's growing permanence and the reorganization of U.S. air forces. On November 11, 1943, the name was simplified to Bergstrom Field, streamlining its official designation during wartime operations. Following the creation of the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947, the installation was formally renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base in December 1948, aligning with the new branch's structure and signifying its transition from temporary Army facilities to a long-term strategic asset.^[1]^[9]

World War II Operations

Activation as Training Base

Upon its activation on September 19, 1942, as Del Valle Army Air Base, the facility served as a key training installation for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.^[1] Under the oversight of I Troop Carrier Command, the base's primary mission focused on flight training for troop carrier pilots tasked with transporting combat troops and supplies, as well as glider pilots essential for airborne operations.^[9] This training emphasized proficiency in key aircraft, including the C-47 Skytrain for powered transport and the CG-4A Waco glider for towed assault missions.^[14] Renamed Bergstrom Army Air Field on March 3, 1943, in honor of Captain John A. E. Bergstrom, the base rapidly expanded its operations to support the growing demands of the war effort.^[1] Training programs incorporated practical exercises in formation flying, navigation, and cargo handling, with administrative support provided by Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) personnel who managed base functions such as the control tower to allow male instructors to concentrate on flight instruction.^[14] By 1943, activities had intensified, featuring simulated airborne assaults that prepared aircrews for real-world deployments, including major operations like the D-Day invasion in June 1944.^[14] The base's role in foundational troop carrier training transitioned into more advanced combat preparation, enabling units to contribute effectively to global airborne campaigns.^[9]

Troop Carrier Missions

By 1944, troop carrier operations at Bergstrom Army Air Field had evolved from initial basic flight instruction to advanced tactical exercises, preparing aircrews for large-scale airborne assaults in both the European and Pacific theaters. Early training emphasized glider towing and paratroop drops using Douglas C-47 Skytrains, but as wartime demands intensified, the focus shifted to complex maneuvers simulating invasion scenarios, including formation flying and supply resupply missions critical for operations like the Normandy landings and island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific. This progression aligned with the broader mission of the I Troop Carrier Command, which utilized Bergstrom as a key replacement and advanced training center to build combat-ready units.^[15]^[16]^[14] The 89th Troop Carrier Group served as the primary training unit at Bergstrom throughout much of the war, providing transition training for pilots and aircrews until its disestablishment in April 1944.^[17] Bergstrom's role in supporting Operation Overlord was highlighted through rigorous rehearsals conducted by stationed units, practicing night pathfinder drops and mass paratrooper deployments to prepare for the June 1944 invasion of Normandy. Squadrons trained at the base since 1942, such as the 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, had deployed to Europe in late 1942 as part of the 316th Troop Carrier Group, contributing to airborne assaults including Operation Market Garden in September 1944 and resupply efforts across the continent from overseas bases.^[15]^[14] These deployments underscored Bergstrom's contribution to the Ninth Air Force's troop carrier forces, with aircrews transitioning from stateside exercises to combat zones in England and France. Additionally, training programs at the base supported Pacific Theater requirements by honing skills for amphibious support and long-range supply runs, though primary emphasis remained on European priorities.^[15]^[14] Aircraft and tactics emphasized the versatility of the Curtiss C-46 Commando alongside C-47s for paratroop drops and cargo delivery, with the C-46's larger capacity proving essential for heavy supply loads during simulated invasions. Tactics included intensive night flying to prepare for low-visibility operations, formation training for coordinated glider tows, and precision navigation over varied terrain to ensure accurate drops under combat conditions. These methods enhanced the effectiveness of troop carrier forces in delivering troops and materiel behind enemy lines.^[18]^[1]^[16] Following V-J Day on August 15, 1945, Bergstrom's troop carrier training role transitioned as the I Troop Carrier Command was replaced by the Ninth Troop Carrier Command in November 1945, and the base was declared a permanent installation.^[14]^[1]

Postwar and Cold War Developments

Berlin Airlift Participation

Following World War II, Bergstrom Air Force Base was assigned to Tactical Air Command and became a primary training installation for troop carrier operations, hosting units equipped with transport aircraft such as the C-47 Skytrain and C-54 Skymaster. The 313th Troop Carrier Group arrived at Bergstrom on 15 August 1947, conducting intensive training in tactical airlift and troop carrier missions to prepare for potential global contingencies.^[19] When the Soviet Union imposed the Berlin Blockade on 24 June 1948, cutting off ground access to West Berlin, Bergstrom-based units were immediately placed on full alert to support the Allied response known as Operation Vittles. Crews and aircraft from the 313th Troop Carrier Group, including its 29th, 47th, and 48th Troop Carrier Squadrons, rotated to bases in Germany such as Rhein-Main Air Base and RAF Station Fassberg to fly supply missions into Tempelhof and other Berlin airfields. These squadrons primarily operated Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft, each capable of carrying up to 10 tons of cargo per flight, focusing on delivering critical items like flour, powdered milk, medical supplies, and coal— the latter accounting for nearly 78 percent of the total tonnage airlifted by U.S. forces.^[20]^[21]^[22]^[19] The 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, for instance, flew its first mission on 29 July 1948, with Capt. Louis W. Baker delivering the initial American planeload of coal to Tempelhof Airport, symbolizing the humanitarian focus of the effort. Over the 15-month operation, which concluded on 30 September 1949, Bergstrom units contributed to the U.S. Air Force's delivery of approximately 1.78 million tons of supplies across nearly 190,000 sorties, sustaining over two million West Berlin residents and averting a humanitarian crisis without resorting to armed confrontation. This participation underscored Bergstrom's evolving role in Cold War air mobility, paving the way for its later transition to Strategic Air Command bomber operations.^[22]^[23]^[24]

Strategic Air Command Era

In October 1958, Bergstrom Air Force Base was reassigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC), marking a significant shift toward nuclear deterrence roles during the Cold War. The 4130th Strategic Wing was activated at the base on October 1, 1958, under the Second Air Force, absorbing resources previously allocated to tactical fighter operations. This wing's primary mission involved strategic bombardment and aerial refueling to support SAC's global strike capabilities, with aircraft including the B-52 Stratofortress bomber and KC-135 Stratotanker. By January 1959, the first B-52s and KC-135s arrived, enabling the wing to conduct training and maintain readiness for rapid deployment. A crew alert facility was completed and equipped that same year to facilitate quick response times, underscoring the base's integration into SAC's dispersed bomber network designed to complicate Soviet targeting.^[25]^[26] The 4130th Strategic Wing's operations emphasized continuous alert postures aligned with SAC's Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP), the overarching framework for coordinated nuclear retaliation. Crews trained for long-range missions, including in-flight refueling to extend the B-52's reach, while participating in exercises that simulated massive retaliatory strikes. This posture was critical amid escalating tensions, as Bergstrom served as one of several dispersed sites to enhance survivability against potential preemptive attacks. Infrastructure enhancements, such as the alert facility, supported 24-hour readiness, with the wing achieving full operational capability by mid-1959.^[27] On September 1, 1963, the 4130th Strategic Wing was inactivated, and its personnel, equipment, and mission were transferred to the newly designated 340th Bombardment Wing (Heavy), which relocated from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The 340th continued SAC's focus on strategic bombardment and refueling, operating a fleet of 15 B-52D bombers and associated KC-135 tankers for global deterrence training. The wing maintained high alert status, conducting frequent sorties and exercises to ensure compliance with SIOP requirements, while contributing to SAC's overall nuclear triad posture. During this period, Bergstrom's runways—previously extended in the late 1940s and further optimized—accommodated the heavy bombers' operational demands.^[28]^[17]^[1] By 1966, shifting Air Force priorities toward tactical reconnaissance led to the 340th Bombardment Wing's inactivation on July 1, with Bergstrom reverting to Tactical Air Command control. This transition ended the base's eight-year SAC tenure, during which it played a vital role in sustaining America's strategic nuclear readiness amid Cold War uncertainties. The era highlighted Bergstrom's evolution from a tactical fighter outpost to a key node in SAC's bomber dispersal strategy, enhancing national deterrence without direct combat involvement.^[29]^[26]

Tactical Reconnaissance Role

Transfer to Tactical Air Command

On July 1, 1966, Bergstrom Air Force Base was transferred from the Strategic Air Command (SAC) to the Tactical Air Command (TAC), ending its role in strategic bombardment and refueling operations.^[11] This reassignment aligned the base with TAC's emphasis on tactical aviation, supporting the broader demands of U.S. military engagements during the mid-1960s.^[30] Upon transfer, the base became home to the 75th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Following the transfer, Bergstrom was assigned to the Twelfth Air Force under TAC, becoming a key installation for tactical operations west of the Mississippi River.^[11] By August 31, 1968, the Twelfth Air Force established its headquarters at Bergstrom, further solidifying its administrative role within TAC.^[11] The strategic shift marked a pivot from SAC's global nuclear strike capabilities to TAC's regional tactical response framework, prioritizing combat-ready forces for interdiction, counterair, and close air support missions.^[11] Initial adaptations involved facility modifications to accommodate the integration of advanced aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II, with an emphasis on training programs for tactical reconnaissance operations.^[11] This transition laid the groundwork for Bergstrom's subsequent emphasis on reconnaissance activities.

Key Reconnaissance Units and Aircraft

The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (TRW) served as the primary reconnaissance unit at Bergstrom Air Force Base from July 1971 to 30 September 1993, focusing on tactical intelligence collection during the late Cold War era.^[31] Relocated from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to replace the inactivated 75th TRW, the 67th TRW maintained a fleet of up to 48 RF-4C Phantom II aircraft optimized for high-speed, low-altitude reconnaissance over contested areas.^[31]^[13] These aircraft enabled the wing to provide real-time visual and electronic intelligence to support ground forces and air operations, emphasizing rapid post-mission data dissemination. The RF-4C Phantom II was the backbone of the wing's capabilities, featuring a nose-mounted sensor suite for all-weather tactical reconnaissance. Key equipment included the KS-87 camera system for forward oblique and vertical photography, capturing high-resolution 4.5-by-4.5-inch negatives at medium to high altitudes; forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, such as the AN/AAD-5, for detecting heat signatures during night or obscured conditions; and the AN/APQ-102 side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) for ground mapping and target detection up to 100 miles away, even through cloud cover.^[32]^[33] This configuration allowed the RF-4C to perform post-strike damage assessment, route reconnaissance, and electronic signal intelligence gathering without armament, prioritizing speed and sensor endurance over 2,000 miles per mission.^[34] Operational flying squadrons under the 67th TRW included the 12th, 45th, and 91st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons (TRS), each specializing in mission execution with the RF-4C fleet.^[17]^[35]^[36] The 91st TRS, for instance, focused on advanced navigation and sensor operations, while the 12th and 45th TRS handled training and deployment rotations.^[37] These squadrons were supported by the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, which managed photo processing laboratories, film development, and image analysis to convert raw reconnaissance data into actionable intelligence reports within hours of mission completion.^[31]^[38] During the 1980s, the 67th TRW integrated digital upgrades to its RF-4C sensors, including enhanced data links and digital signal processing for improved real-time transmission of imagery and radar data to ground stations, boosting interoperability with joint forces.^[39] These modifications extended the aircraft's relevance amid evolving threats, allowing for digitized SLAR outputs and infrared video recording. By base closure, the wing had amassed over 100,000 sorties, underscoring its role in sustaining U.S. tactical reconnaissance readiness.^[31] The units' aircraft also supported brief deployments for operational exercises, contributing to broader Air Force reconnaissance efforts.^[40]

Major Units and Deployments

Fighter and Bombardment Wings

The 27th Fighter Wing arrived at Bergstrom Air Force Base on March 16, 1949, marking a significant expansion of fighter operations at the installation. Initially equipped with F-82 Twin Mustang aircraft upon arrival, the wing transitioned to the F-84 Thunderjet in 1950 and briefly the F-101A/C Voodoo in 1957-1958 for air defense and escort roles under Tactical Air Command. At its peak during the early 1950s, the wing maintained a force exceeding 200 aircraft across its squadrons, supporting Strategic Air Command commitments and rapid deployment exercises. The unit earned the prestigious Mackay Trophy in 1950 for the successful transatlantic deployment of 90 F-84s from Bergstrom to Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany, demonstrating pioneering long-range fighter capabilities.^[41]^[42] In 1963, the 340th Bombardment Wing relocated to Bergstrom from Whiteman Air Force Base, assuming the strategic deterrence mission previously held by the 4130th Strategic Wing. Equipped with B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, the wing focused on heavy bombardment and aerial refueling operations as part of Strategic Air Command's global alert posture. Representative squadrons, such as the 486th Bombardment Squadron, maintained a fleet of approximately 15 bombers supported by 12 tankers, enabling extended nuclear and conventional strike capabilities during the height of the Cold War. The wing contributed to personnel development by training aircrews in strategic operations, though it was inactivated on October 2, 1966, as older B-52 models were phased out. The 340th received recognition through Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its meritorious service in maintaining readiness.^[43]^[29]^[29] The 924th Tactical Fighter Group, an Air Force Reserve component, established operations at Bergstrom on March 17, 1976, enhancing the base's tactical fighter presence. In 1981, the group converted to the F-4D and F-4E Phantom II variants, specializing in air-to-ground strike missions and close air support under Tactical Air Command. Squadrons like the 704th Tactical Fighter Squadron honed skills in precision attacks and deployed for exercises, maintaining combat readiness until transitioning to F-16s in 1991. The group earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, including for periods from 1983–1985 and 1986–1988, reflecting exceptional performance in training and operations. Over its tenure at Bergstrom until 1993, the 924th trained thousands of reserve personnel, contributing to a cumulative base-wide effort exceeding 10,000 trained airmen in fighter tactics and maintenance.^[44]^[45]^[44]

Notable Operations and Exercises

Bergstrom Air Force Base hosted the Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM), a Tactical Air Command-sponsored worldwide tactical reconnaissance competition, in 1986, 1988, and 1990. These events brought together participants from the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and select foreign air forces to demonstrate and compete in reconnaissance skills, prominently featuring the RF-4C Phantom II's capabilities in simulated missions.^[46] During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990–1991, the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing deployed RF-4C aircraft and personnel from its 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron to Shaikh Isa Air Base, Bahrain, arriving on August 20, 1990. The contingent supported coalition efforts by conducting photo reconnaissance missions to identify enemy targets, SCUD and SAM sites, Iraqi Republican Guard movements, oil slicks, and battle damage assessments. RF-4Cs overall flew approximately 1,800 sorties during the conflict, maintaining a mission-capable rate of 78 percent amid intense operations.^[47]^[48]^[49] The base also served as a venue for notable high-profile visits, underscoring its strategic importance. On May 22, 1971, President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon arrived via Air Force One for a brief stop, greeting crowds upon landing. In May 1991, a British Airways Concorde supersonic transport landed at Bergstrom during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Texas, marking a rare appearance of the aircraft at a U.S. military installation. Additionally, in November 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia arrived mounted on a NASA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for a refueling stop following its second orbital mission (STS-2), while Discovery made a similar ferry flight stopover on June 28, 1985, en route from Edwards Air Force Base to Kennedy Space Center.^[50]^[51]^[52] Bergstrom contributed to Cold War alerts, including heightened readiness during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when Strategic Air Command bases like Bergstrom, home to B-52 Stratofortress units, were placed at DEFCON 3 with aircraft loaded and departing on alert postures. In the 1970s, the base supported Wild Weasel suppression of enemy air defenses exercises, involving F-4 Phantom variants equipped for radar detection and jamming, as part of broader Tactical Air Command training to counter surface-to-air threats.^[53]^[54]

Closure and Transition

Base Realignment and Closure

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the U.S. Department of Defense initiated a series of base realignments and closures to reduce infrastructure costs amid the end of the Cold War and declining Soviet military threats. Bergstrom Air Force Base was first proposed for closure on January 29, 1990, by Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney as part of an initial list of installations targeted for elimination to streamline operations and address fiscal constraints.^[13] This proposal aligned with the broader Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-510), which established an independent commission to evaluate and recommend closures. The 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission reviewed the Department of Defense's recommendations and ultimately approved Bergstrom's closure, citing the phaseout of the RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance aircraft from active-duty service and the need for post-Cold War force structure reductions as primary justifications.^[55] The commission's report emphasized that retaining the base would no longer support evolving reconnaissance missions, with the Air Force planning to retire its 36 RF-4C aircraft assigned to the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing.^[13] The closure had significant economic repercussions for the Austin metropolitan area, which relied heavily on the base's operations. Bergstrom employed approximately 4,600 military and civilian personnel on-site, contributing around $167 million annually to the local economy through payroll, contracts, and related spending.^[13] The loss of these direct jobs, along with an estimated 2,100 secondary positions in supporting industries, was projected to reduce local employment by nearly 6,700 overall and diminish personal income by about $135 million per year.^[13] Community leaders and local officials expressed concerns over the potential downturn, but federal analyses indicated long-term savings for the Department of Defense exceeding $100 million in recurring costs upon completion.^[55] Phasedown activities commenced in the third quarter of fiscal year 1992 (July 1992), involving the orderly relocation of headquarters units and support functions. The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, the base's primary tenant, began deactivating its squadrons and retiring equipment, with the wing fully inactivated in fiscal year 1993.^[13] The final RF-4C aircraft departed in March 1993, marking the end of active reconnaissance operations, while a small contingent of 18 F-16A fighters remained briefly for Air Force Reserve use before transfer. These Reserve operations continued until 1995, marking the complete end of military aviation at the site.^[13] By mid-1993, most personnel had been reassigned, including the headquarters of the 12th Air Force to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Bergstrom Air Force Base officially closed on September 30, 1993, after 46 years of service.^[56] As part of the decommissioning, the Air Force initiated environmental remediation efforts under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to address contamination from fuel leaks and spills at multiple sites, including JP-4 jet fuel storage areas and landfills.^[13] Over $43 million was allocated from fiscal years 1992 to 1997 for these restoration activities through the Installation Restoration Program, ensuring compliance with federal environmental standards prior to property transfer.^[55]

Conversion to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Following the closure of Bergstrom Air Force Base in September 1993 under the Base Realignment and Closure process, the City of Austin pursued its redevelopment as a civilian airport to address growing demand at the aging Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. In May 1993, Austin voters approved a $400 million bond referendum to fund the project, enabling the city to acquire and transform the site without using general tax revenues. A joint agreement with the U.S. Air Force facilitated the property transfer, with the military returning 942 acres of land to the city upon decommissioning, allowing reuse of existing infrastructure like runways while requiring environmental remediation for contaminants from decades of operations.^[57]^[3]^[7] Construction commenced in November 1994, leveraging the base's 12,250-foot primary runway to minimize costs and expedite development. The project, totaling around $585 million, focused on building a new passenger terminal, control tower, and support facilities while integrating the site's existing hangars and taxiways for efficiency. By 1997, the airport infrastructure was sufficiently complete for initial operations, with the first cargo flights landing in June of that year, marking the site's transition to commercial aviation. Full passenger terminal construction wrapped up in early 1999, incorporating modern amenities designed by the ROMA Design Group to handle projected growth.^[58]^[59]^[60] Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) officially opened for passenger service on May 23, 1999, coinciding with the closure of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport two days prior. The inaugural flights included services from major carriers like American Airlines and Southwest, establishing AUS as a key hub for the Greater Austin area. In 2024, the airport processed 21,762,904 passengers, with traffic showing a slight decline in 2025. It has evolved into a major international gateway with nonstop routes to over 70 destinations worldwide. Some military-era structures, such as a portion of the original hangars, were retained for auxiliary uses like cargo handling.^[58]^[3]^[58]^[61] The conversion presented ongoing challenges rooted in the site's military legacy, including noise abatement and wildlife management. To mitigate aircraft noise impacting nearby communities, AUS implemented a comprehensive noise compatibility program in 2007, featuring flight path restrictions, sound insulation for residences, and real-time monitoring systems. Wildlife hazards, particularly bird strikes exacerbated by the base's former open training areas attracting migratory species, required dedicated management efforts; the airport employs biologists to track incidents—reporting around 175 strikes in 2019 alone—and deploys habitat controls like vegetation management and pyrotechnics to reduce risks. These measures ensure safe operations while adapting the former base to civilian demands.^[62]^[63]

Legacy and Current Use

Historical Significance

Bergstrom Air Force Base played a pivotal role in U.S. military aviation, serving as a key training and operational hub that contributed to national defense efforts across multiple conflicts. Established in 1942 as Del Valle Army Air Base and renamed in honor of Captain John A. Bergstrom, the facility trained more than 20,000 Air Force reservists through its 18 flying and nonflying units, enhancing readiness for tactical and strategic missions.^[13] Squadrons based there participated in the Berlin Airlift of 1948–1949, delivering essential supplies to West Berlin amid the Soviet blockade, with units like the 313th Troop Carrier Group preparing directly at the base before deployment.^[5] During the Vietnam War, Bergstrom hosted reconnaissance operations that provided critical intelligence, while in the Gulf War, its units supported aerial surveillance and data collection essential for coalition success.^[5] The base also hosted visits by several U.S. presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959 and Lyndon B. Johnson on multiple occasions during his presidency, underscoring its strategic importance.^[64]^[3] In terms of technological legacy, Bergstrom advanced reconnaissance capabilities that influenced subsequent U.S. Air Force innovations in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). As a primary base for Tactical Air Command's reconnaissance wings, it operated advanced aircraft like the RF-4 Phantom II, which conducted high-altitude photo and electronic intelligence missions, laying foundational practices for modern unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.^[65] Additionally, during its early tenure under Strategic Air Command (SAC) in the 1950s, the base supported alert postures that exemplified rapid-response deterrence, with aircraft dispersal exercises to Bergstrom reinforcing the U.S. nuclear triad's credibility and shaping Cold War doctrine.^[66] These efforts contributed to the evolution of persistent ISR platforms, bridging manned tactical reconnaissance to today's UAV-dominated operations. The base's presence significantly bolstered the local economy and demographic growth in Austin, Texas, transforming the region from a modest capital city into a burgeoning metropolitan area. Operational from 1942 to 1993, Bergstrom injected substantial economic activity, generating an annual impact of approximately $339 million in the late 1980s through payroll, contracts, and support services within a 50-mile radius.^[67] This infusion helped drive Austin's population from around 100,000 in the early 1940s to over 500,000 by the 1990s, fostering infrastructure development and job creation tied to military aviation.^[1] Units stationed there earned numerous commendations, including multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for the Twelfth Air Force headquarters, recognizing exemplary performance in reconnaissance and airlift missions.^[68] In 2005, elements of the former base were recognized as a historic site by the Texas Historical Commission, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of American military history.^[9]

Post-Military Facilities and Memorials

A portion of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base property has been retained for ongoing military purposes. The Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) and Joint Vehicle Maintenance Facility (JVMF) occupy a 60-acre site adjacent to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on the repurposed base grounds. This 209,000-square-foot complex, dedicated on January 12, 2014, houses the headquarters of the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, along with units from the U.S. Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Marine Corps Reserve; it features configurable classrooms, service-specific libraries, medical support areas, a fitness center, and advanced training systems such as Virtual Battlefield equipment.^[69]^[70] Environmental remediation played a central role in transitioning the site to civilian control. Designated as a federal Superfund site (EPA ID: TX0572124188) due to contamination from decades of military operations, including hazardous substances in soil and groundwater, the U.S. Air Force led cleanup efforts in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities. These actions, estimated to cost $55 million, focused on soil excavation, groundwater treatment, and site stabilization to support airport development; the process enabled full property transfer by 2005, after which the site achieved NFRAP (No Further Remedial Action Planned) status, indicating that existing measures sufficiently addressed risks, with potential for continued monitoring if required.^[71]^[72]^[73] Several base elements were integrated into civilian airport operations during the conversion. The primary 12,250-foot runway from the military era was retained and modernized for commercial use, significantly reducing construction costs by 75% and enabling the airport's opening in May 1999. Former military hangars and support structures were repurposed where feasible for airport maintenance and operations, preserving infrastructure while adapting it to aviation needs.^[74]^[3] Commemorative features honor the base's military heritage. A static RF-4C Phantom II, emblematic of the 67th Reconnaissance Wing's operations, is displayed at nearby Del Valle High School, serving as a tribute to the aircraft's role in tactical reconnaissance missions. Former personnel maintain the legacy through periodic reunions, such as the Bergstrom AFB Reunion events organized for veterans and families.^[75]^[76]^[77]

References

[1]
Bergstrom Air Force Base - Texas State Historical Association
Nov 1, 1994 · Bergstrom Air Force Base, on State Highway 71 seven miles east of Austin in Travis County, was activated on September 19, 1942, as Del Valle Army Air Base.Missing: stationed | Show results with:stationed
[2]
Federal Facilities/Base Closure in Texas | US EPA
Mar 6, 2025 · Bergstrom Air Force Base is located approximately seven miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas. It began operations on September 19, 1942.
[3]
History of the Airport | AustinTexas.gov
When the Air Force split from the Army to become its own military branch in 1948, the base was renamed Bergstrom Air Force base. It would have this name until ...
[4]
12th AIR FORCE (AIR FORCES SOUTHERN) History
1968 James Connally AFB, closed and 12th Air Force moved to Bergstrom AFB, Texas. As the tempo of combat operations in Southeast Asia began to slow in the early ...
[5]
https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/BAFB/
[6]
Collection: Bergstrom-Austin Community Council Records
Bergstrom Air Force Base (BAFB) was originally activated as Del Valle Army Air Base in September 1942, on 3,000 acres of land leased from the city of Austin.
[7]
Air Force BRAC Success Stories - SAF/IE
Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX (BRAC 91): The base closed in September 1993, and the city began to build the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport which is the ...
[8]
KAUS - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport - AirNav
RUNWAY 18R ; Latitude: 30-12.816968N ; Longitude: 097-40.761887W ; Elevation: 541.4 ft. ; Traffic pattern: right ...
[9]
Details - Del Valle Army Air Base (Bergstrom Air Force ... - THC Atlas
Del Valle Army Air Base, established in 1942, was renamed Bergstrom Army Air Field in 1943, then Bergstrom Field in 1943. It became Bergstrom Air Force Base ...Missing: coordinates sources
[10]
[PDF] bergstrom air force base, texas - DTIC
This Environmental Assessment (EA) describes the impacts associated with the changes in flying operations at Bergstrom AFB and the minor increases in personnel ...Missing: coordinates | Show results with:coordinates<|control11|><|separator|>
[11]
[PDF] Installation Restoration Program Records Search for Bergstrom Air ...
the base's) treated effluent to the Colorado River. Onion Creek flows just southeast of the base boundary and discharges to the Colorado River. Adjacent to ...
[12]
[PDF] Proposed Closure of Bergstrom AFB, Texas. - DTIC
Bergstrom Air Force Base (AFB) began operations in 1942 as Del Valle Army ... For FY 1989, total construction expenditures were $12.9 million. Capital.
[13]
Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas - The Military Standard
Date current name was assigned to base: June 24, 1948. Previous Names: Del Valle Airfield (aka Del Valle Army Air Base; Del Valle Field), September 19th 1942 ...
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316th Troop Carrier Group - World War II - Army Air Corps Museum
316th Troop Carrier Group. Constituted as 316th Transport Group on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 14 Feb. Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942.
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[PDF] 316th Troop Carrier Group - CORE
DEL VALLE AIR BASE (no'w Bergstrom Field,. Texas): September-November 1942, during which time six weeks training with Second. Division was completed and I 0,000 ...Missing: WWII Overlord
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Bergstrom AFB, TX - The Curtiss Commando Page
Aug 16, 2024 · During World War II, Bergstrom became a major training center for I Troop Carrier Command. In 1948, Bergstrom was renamed Bergstrom AFB and ...
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### Summary of 313th Tactical Airlift Wing at Bergstrom, Reactivation, Training, and Berlin Airlift
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29 Weapons Squadron (ACC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
Capodicino, Italy, 30 Sep 1946; Pisa, Italy, 5 Mar 1947; Tulln AB, Austria, 5 May-25 Jun 1947; Langley Field, VA, 25 Jun 1947; Bergstrom ... Berlin Airlift, 1948- ...
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47 Airlift Flight (AFMC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
Redesignated 47 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 22 Sep 1945. Activated on 30 Sep 1946. Redesignated: 47 Troop Carrier Squadron, Heavy on 30 ...
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Feeding a nation through combat airlift - Little Rock Air Force Base
Mar 10, 2011 · Last Friday, during a squadron ceremony, the 48th Airlift Squadron affixed the Berlin Airlift ... Bergstrom Airfield, Texas, heard an ...
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Operation Vittles - Air Mobility Command Museum
The Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian airlift operation in history, was militarily and diplomatically significant. Operation Vittles proved above all ...
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### Summary of 4130th Strategic Wing History at Bergstrom AFB
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Austin Army Aviation Support Facility / Bergstrom AFB
May 7, 2011 · The $25 million Fixed Wing Support Facility project is to build permanent type construction ... Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. General ...
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[PDF] Development of Strategic Air Command, 1946 - 1976 - DTIC
Mar 21, 1976 · On 1 April, the SAC forces were realigned. Each numbered air force was assigned both bomber and reconnaissance aircraft and was assigned units ...
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340th Bomb Wing - SAC - Whitman AFB, B-47, B-52
On September 1, 1963, SAC inactivated the 4130th Strategic Wing at Bergstrom AFB, Texas. It was taken over by the 340th Bomb wing. It operated as such until ...
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Bergstrom Air Force Base | Military Wiki - Fandom
It was activated during World War II as a troop carrier training airfield, and was a front-line Strategic Air Command (SAC) base during the Cold War. In its ...History · World War II · Strategic Air Command · Tactical Reconnaissance
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340 Flying Training Group (AFRC)
Moved without personnel or equipment to Bergstrom AFB, TX, in mid-1963, absorbing the resources and mission of the 4130 Strategic Wing. Continued global ...
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http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0340bg.htm
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Army Together We Served
Initially, Bergstrom was the home of troop-carrier units, some of which participated in the Berlin Airlift. The base was transferred to the Strategic Air ...Missing: stationed | Show results with:stationed
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### Summary of 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Bergstrom AFB
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RF-4 - Intelligence Resource Program
The RF-4 was an unarmed photographic reconnaissance version of the USAF's F-4C which carried a variety of film-based and side-looking radar [SLAR] sensors.Missing: 67th TRW
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Optical Reconnaissance Cameras - Air Force Museum
This KS-87 took 4.5-inch-by-4.5-inch negatives and is equipped with a medium-altitude 12-inch lens cone. The KS-87 was used in the RF-4C. Photoflash CartridgesMissing: 67th TRW
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RF-4 - GlobalSecurity.org
Jul 28, 2011 · The RF-4 was an unarmed photographic reconnaissance version of the USAF's F-4C which carried a variety of film-based and side-looking radar [SLAR] sensors.
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MAJOR GENERAL DAVID C. REED > Air Force > Biography Display
In September 1976 General Reed was assigned to Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, as wing scheduling officer and, later, chief of training for the 67th Tactical ...
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https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105856/major-general-david-c-reed/
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W. KIPLING AT LEE JR. > Air Force > Biography Display - AF.mil
... Bergstrom AFB, Texas 3. November 1970 - September 1971, RF-4C navigator, 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho 4. September 1971 ...
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67 Cyberspace Wing (ACC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage. Established as 67 Reconnaissance Wing on 6 Nov 1947. Organized on 25 Nov 1947. Redesignated as 67 Tactical Reconnaissance Wing on 22 Aug 1948.
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[PDF] even if it's no picnic - Air & Space Forces Magazine
Apr 5, 1986 · Lageman, Jr., from Cmdr., 67th TRW, TAC, Bergstrom AFB,. Tex., to ... ceiver equipped with Digital Signal Processing technology. someday ...
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Wing boasts proud lineage > Air Force > Article Display - AF.mil
Sep 16, 2007 · Aug. 22, 1948 -- Redesignated 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, assigned to Fourth Air Force, and remained attached to 1st FW. Inactivated ...
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27th Fighter Wing [27th FW] - GlobalSecurity.org
The 27th Fighter Squadron was announced as the first operational squadron to fly the Raptor -- a continuation of the squadron's historical legacy.
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27 Fighter Wing (ACC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage. Established as 27 Fighter Wing on 28 Jul 1947. Organized on 15 Aug 1947. Redesignated: 27 Fighter-Escort Wing on 1 Feb 1950; 27 Strategic Fighter Wing ...
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340th Bomb Wing - GlobalSecurity.org
Jul 24, 2011 · The 340th BMW played a key role in SAC's mission of strategic deterrence. Its men and women were on the front line of the nation's strategic defense.
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List of B-52 Units of the United States Air Force - Wikipedia
340th Bombardment Wing (Heavy), Bergstrom AFB, Texas. Activated to replace: 4130th Strategic Wing: B-52D, 1963–1966. 486th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 335 BS).
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924 Fighter Group (AFRC) - Air Force Historical Research Agency
Established as 924 Troop Carrier Group, Medium, activated, and allotted to the Reserve, on 28 Dec 1962. Organized on 17 Jan 1963.Missing: Phantom | Show results with:Phantom
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924th Fighter Group > Davis-Monthan Air Force Base > Fact Sheets
The 924th FG is the only unit-equipped formal training unit in Air Force Reserve Command with 28 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft.Missing: 1976-1993 | Show results with:1976-1993
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67 Network Warfare Wing (AFSPC) > Air Force Historical Research ...
Hosted the TAC-sponsored worldwide tactical reconnaissance competition at its home base in 1986, 1988 and 1990. Deployed personnel and equipment in support ...
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The Gulf War: A Chronology | Air & Space Forces Magazine
Aug. 24 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (Birmingham, Ala.) deploys six RF-4C aircraft to Gulf, joining RF-4Cs deployed by 67th TRW (Bergstrom ...
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Gulf War: RF-4C Phantom II in Desert Storm | Defense Media Network
Feb 14, 2011 · Deployed RF-4Cs maintained a “mission capable rate” (MCR) of 85 percent on the eve of Desert Storm; the MCR declined to 78 percent during the ...Missing: 67th | Show results with:67th
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[PDF] A Brief History of the 67th Cyberspace Wing
On 25 Oct 1966, the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance. Squadron deployed and changed station to Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand. The main gate at Mountain Home AFB.
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May 22, 1971 | Richard Nixon Museum and Library
5/22/1971, Texas Bergstrom Air Force Base. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, crowd. Frame(s): WHPO-6352-11-16, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and others arriving at ...
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Seasonal Schedules & Charter Flights - Heritage Concorde
On 12 February 1979 she started a State Visit to the Middle East by flying in Concorde from LHR to KWI. She also flew to the USA landing at Bergstrom Air Force ...
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https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth389129/
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[PDF] Airpower and the Cuban Missile Crisis
The US Air Force had deployed Thor and Jupiter intermediate-range missiles to Europe as a direct counter to Soviet. MRBMs and IRBMs. The Jupiters had been ...
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The First USAF AGM-78 Standard Mission - Air Force Museum
Four Wild Weasel F-105s, each carrying two AGM-78s, covered a strike missions against a barracks near Hanoi. Acree and O'Donnell fired the first Standard.
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[PDF] DoD Base Realignment and Closure - DTIC
BASE CLOSURE AND REALIGNMENT. 1991 COMMISSION. PACKAGE DESCRIPTION. U.S. Air Force/Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. Closure Package: Bergstrom AFB, Texas ...
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Former Bergstrom Air Force Base (BRAC 1991) - SAF/IE
Former Bergstrom Air Force Base (BRAC 1991). Austin, Texas Total Acreage: 3,197 Acres Closed: September 1993. Google Map Local Redevelopment Authority
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Don't Fight It. It Might Just Work Out | TIME
Aug 23, 2005 · A $400 million local bond referendum was passed to convert the base into a commercial airport, and federal and state money came in to build ...
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: A Brief History Of The Texan ...
Mar 31, 2024 · In 1942, a different piece of land was purchased by the US ... Bergstrom Air Force Base, with construction beginning in November 1994.<|separator|>
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Extra, extra! Read all about 25 years of AUS | AustinTexas.gov
May 1, 2024 · ABIA opened up on May 23, 1999, as the last airport built in the 20th century. It was constructed in the footprint of Bergstrom Air Force Base, ...
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TRAVEL ADVISORY: CORRESPONDENT'S REPORT; Austin, in the ...
Apr 11, 1999 · Travel article describes amenities of new Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas; map (M)
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Noise Compatibility Program Notice; Austin-Bergstrom International ...
Dec 20, 2007 · On December 7, 2007, the FAA approved the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport noise compatibility program. All of the recommendations of the ...Missing: wildlife | Show results with:wildlife
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How Austin's airport tracks bird strikes, works to prevent them - KVUE
Dec 17, 2019 · According to one of the airport's wildlife management biologists, there have been 175 bird strikes this year. That's one more than in 2018.Missing: abatement | Show results with:abatement
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Ahead of 2024 election, reflect on presidents who have visited Austin
Nov 3, 2024 · Feb. 18, 1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower made a "rest stop" at Bergstrom Air Force Base on his way to visit Mexican President Adolfo López ...
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USAF recontechnician checks the aerial camera located in the nose ...
USAF recontechnician checks the aerial camera located in the nose of an RF-4 aircraft during Reconnaissance Air Meet 88, a multi-national competition.Missing: technology influence
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[PDF] Untitled - The National Security Archive
Briefing, Second Air Force to SAC, presented by Maj. J. P. McConnell, Comdr 2AF, CURTAIN RAISER, 8-9 Jan 58, Ex. 38, Chap II, Vol IV, History of SAC, Jan-Jun 58 ...
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BRAC Turned Out to Be Good News For Texas Capital - DVIDS
Apr 7, 2025 · Such was the case when Bergstrom Air Force Base here closed in 1993, its fate sealed by the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure process. Jim ...
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Local National Guard and Reserve Units Open Joint Training Center ...
Jan 9, 2014 · The 209,000 square foot Reserve Center will be home to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Headquarters, Texas Army National Guard, members of the U.S ...Missing: size Bergstrom
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Armed Forces Reserve Center - National Construction Solutions Group
... Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The facilities serve members of the Texas Army National Guard, Army Reserves and Marine Corps Reserves. Project ...
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[PDF] Environmental Initiatives - AustinTexas.gov
Cleanup is expected to cost $55 million. The cleanup is led by the Air Force Base Conversion Agency (AFBCA) and involves many entities as shown in the graphic ...
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BERGSTROM AIR FORCE BASE | Superfund Site Information
Site Name: BERGSTROM AIR FORCE BASE. Street: 67 CSG/DE. City / State / ZIP: AUSTIN, TX 78743. NPL Status: Not on the NPL. Non-NPL Status: NFRAP-Site does ...Missing: cleanup | Show results with:cleanup
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Base Realignment and Closure - Air Force Civil Engineer Center
Property: All seven acres transferred to City of Mesa for municipal purposes. Community Impact: Property supports city operations and services for Mesa ...
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS/KAUS)
Feb 14, 2001 · The new airport was opened for civilian passengers in 1999, although the cargo part of the airport has been in operation since 1997. The ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Bergstrom AFB, Austin TX , RF-4C, any make it to a museum?
Feb 12, 2009 · All of the RFs on display at the gate have been dispersed to other museums/static parks. We helped move the DelValle School's RF4 to their ...
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https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/austin/
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Bergstrom AFB Reunion 2025 - Eventbrite
Eventbrite - Bergstrom Reunion presents Bergstrom AFB Reunion 2025 - Saturday, October 25, 2025 at CREEDMOOR COMMUNITY CENTER, Creedmoor, TX.