Kelly Field
Kelly Field is a historic airfield in San Antonio, Texas, established on March 27, 1917, as one of the first permanent U.S. military flying fields and the initial aviation installation in the state, predating American entry into World War I by mere weeks.[1][2] Initially focused on pilot training with early aircraft like the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, it rapidly expanded during wartime to include advanced flying schools and maintenance depots, becoming a cornerstone of American military aviation.[3][4] Throughout its operational history, Kelly Field—redesignated Kelly Air Force Base following the U.S. Air Force's independence in 1947—shifted from primary flight training in the interwar and World War II eras to specialized logistics and aircraft overhaul roles during the Cold War, supporting missions involving strategic bombers such as the B-47, B-52, B-58, and transport aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy at the adjacent San Antonio Air Logistics Center.[2][5] The facility hosted engine testing for fighters like the F-15 and maintained fleets critical to operations including the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, and Vietnam-era deployments, underscoring its evolution into a vital sustainment hub rather than a frontline combat base.[3][6] Closed in 2001 pursuant to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's directives, the majority of Kelly's 4,000-plus acres transitioned to civilian use as Port San Antonio, a multimodal industrial and aerospace campus, while portions integrated into Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to preserve select military functions and historical structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places.[2][7] Its legacy endures as the "cradle of military aviation," having trained thousands of pilots and sustained aircraft that shaped 20th-century air power, with preserved districts commemorating early hangars, runways, and World War I-era architecture.[8][9]Current Status
Location and Facilities
Kelly Field Annex is located in southwestern San Antonio, Texas, within Bexar County, as part of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The site encompasses approximately 1,500 acres on the military side, adjacent to the main Lackland Air Force Base installation.[1] Coordinates place it at approximately 29°22′40″N 98°34′54″W, facilitating access to San Antonio International Airport and regional infrastructure.[10] The primary facility is Kelly Field Airport (FAA LID: SKF), featuring a single main runway designated 16/34, measuring 11,550 feet in length by 150 feet in width, surfaced with grooved concrete capable of supporting heavy aircraft loads up to PCN 58.[10] Supporting infrastructure includes taxiways, aprons, and hangars for military aviation operations managed by the 502nd Air Base Wing under Joint Base San Antonio. The annex supports flight training, maintenance, and logistics functions, with continuous attendance and ground control frequencies operational for military use.[10][11] East of the runway, the former base property has been repurposed as Port San Antonio, a civilian-industrial complex with joint-use airport access, including fixed-base operator services for fueling, de-fueling, and aircraft maintenance provided by entities like Atlantic Aviation. This division enables shared utilization of the airfield for both Department of Defense activities and commercial aviation, enhancing economic development in the region while maintaining military readiness.[12][13]Military and Civilian Operations
Kelly Field functions as a joint-use airfield, supporting both military and civilian aviation activities at the Port San Antonio complex in San Antonio, Texas. Military operations are conducted by the United States Air Force and Air National Guard units, including the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard, which operates F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft for fighter training, air sovereignty alerts, and homeland defense missions from its base at the airfield.[14] The 433rd Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command utilizes the facility for strategic airlift, maintaining and flying C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft to support global mobility operations, including troop and equipment transport.[14] These units share the airfield infrastructure, with prior permission required for access to certain ramps and facilities.[10] Civilian operations at Kelly Field Airport (FAA identifier: KSKF) are managed by Port San Antonio, emphasizing aerospace maintenance, logistics, and general aviation. The airfield features an 11,500-foot runway capable of handling heavy aircraft, operates 24/7, and includes a Foreign-Trade Zone to facilitate international cargo and trade.[12] [10] Boeing maintains a significant presence, performing depot-level maintenance, modifications, and upgrades on military and commercial aircraft, such as the KC-46 Pegasus tanker and Boeing 767 derivatives, leveraging the site's specialized facilities established in 1998.[15] [14] Atlantic Aviation serves as the fixed-base operator, providing fueling, hangar space, and support services for transient general aviation and cargo flights.[16] In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration designated Kelly Field eligible for funding under the Military Airport Program to further integrate and expand civilian commercial operations over a five-year period.[17] This joint-use model ensures continued military readiness while fostering economic development through diverse aviation and industrial tenants.[18]Historical Development
Establishment and World War I (1917–1918)
Kelly Field, located south of San Antonio, Texas, was named for Second Lieutenant George E. M. Kelly, the first U.S. Army aviator to die in an aircraft crash on May 10, 1911, while training at Fort Sam Houston.[2] The airfield originated from a 1916 site selection on 677 acres of farmland to support expanding Army aviation needs, with initial aviation operations commencing on April 5, 1917—the day before the U.S. declaration of war against Germany.[19] [20] The first aircraft landed in a makeshift cotton field surrounded by mesquite and prickly pear cactus, marking the start of rapid infrastructure development.[21] As one of 32 Air Service training camps established post-U.S. entry into World War I, Kelly Field functioned primarily as a reception, testing, and classification center for aviation recruits, evaluating thousands for assignment to flying schools or ground roles.[22] By late May 1917, its personnel exceeded 4,000, necessitating auxiliary fields due to spatial constraints, and it evolved from rudimentary beginnings into the world's largest flying field by war's end.[22] Primary flight training emphasized aircraft such as the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, with Kelly's schools graduating 1,459 pilots and 398 instructors, plus thousands of mechanics through enlisted courses.[23] [24] Support operations included the launch of the field's first fire unit on August 20, 1917, equipped with a hand-drawn 50-gallon chemical wagon manned by four personnel, addressing hazards from intensified training activities.[25] Kelly's contributions bolstered the Air Service's mobilization, training personnel who formed the backbone of American aerial forces in Europe despite the war's conclusion in November 1918 curtailing full-scale deployments.[22]Interwar Period (1919–1939)
Following the Armistice of 1918, Kelly Field transitioned from wartime surge operations to a stabilized role as a primary hub for U.S. Army Air Service advanced pilot training, consolidating flight instruction alongside Brooks Field under the newly designated Air Corps Training Center in 1922.[18] The field focused on specialized curricula in pursuit, bombardment, attack, and observation aviation, producing skilled aviators essential for interwar Air Corps readiness.[18] By the mid-1920s, Kelly Field No. 1 had been redesignated Duncan Field for maintenance and supply functions, while No. 2 retained the Kelly name for flying operations, with the San Antonio Intermediate Air Depot established in 1921 through merger of local repair and supply units, including absorption of the Dallas depot.[22][18] Innovations in training emerged during this era, notably the pioneering of instrument flying techniques in the 1920s by Major William C. Ocker and Captain Carl J. Crane, addressing limitations in visual-only navigation.[18] The base hosted significant events, including the 1924 National Elimination Balloon Race, the departure point for the 1926 Pan American Goodwill Flight—which spanned 133 days across 23 countries—and served as a filming location for the 1927 Academy Award-winning film Wings, utilizing base aircraft and personnel.[18] Notable graduates included future Air Corps leaders such as Charles Lindbergh, Claire Chennault, Curtis LeMay, Hoyt Vandenberg, Ira Eaker, Carl Spaatz, and James Doolittle, underscoring Kelly's influence on aviation doctrine and personnel development.[2][18] As European tensions escalated in the late 1930s, Kelly underwent substantial expansion funded by a $300 million Air Corps allocation, constructing new classrooms, housing, and training facilities to accommodate increased demand.[22][18] This buildup positioned the field as a showcase installation and maintenance center, graduating pilots and instructors in preparation for potential conflict, while maintaining its dual role in advanced training and logistical support.[18] By 1939, these enhancements had transformed Kelly from a post-war downsized outpost into a fortified asset, reflecting broader Air Corps modernization efforts amid global rearmament.[22]World War II Expansion (1940–1945)
As the United States mobilized for World War II, Kelly Field maintained its role as an advanced flying training school, graduating nearly 7,000 pilots between 1939 and 1943.[26] The base consolidated operations with the adjacent Duncan Field, enhancing its capacity for pilot instruction amid increasing demand for aircrews.[2] In 1942, the western portion of Kelly Field beyond Leon Creek was designated as a separate Aviation Cadet Reception Center, later evolving into Lackland Field, which allowed Kelly to refocus on advanced training while supporting broader Army Air Forces expansion.[2] By 1943, Kelly Field's mission shifted decisively from flight training—which was transferred to other installations—to aircraft maintenance, repair, and supply functions under the San Antonio Air Depot (later designated the San Antonio Air Materiel Area).[26][2] This transition positioned the base as a critical logistics hub, handling the overhaul, storage, and distribution of aircraft such as the AT-6 trainer, P-51 Mustang fighter, and B-29 Superfortress bomber, along with engines and related equipment essential to wartime operations.[26] The depot's expansion drove a surge in personnel, with the workforce growing from approximately 1,000 to 20,000 by 1943, including 15,000 civilians and 16,000 military members by war's end; women, dubbed "Kelly Katies," constituted over 25 percent of employees by late 1942 and nearly 40 percent by 1944, performing skilled tasks like engine overhauls, sheet metal fabrication, electrical repairs, and even taxiing aircraft.[26][27][2] In 1945, further infrastructure growth occurred through the annexation of the nearby Normoyle Ordnance Depot for additional storage and out-processing capabilities, solidifying Kelly's role in sustaining Allied air power.[26]Early Cold War (1946–1953)
Following World War II, Kelly Field transitioned from primary flight training to a major logistics and maintenance hub for the United States Army Air Forces. In 1946, the San Antonio Air Technical Service Command was redesignated as the San Antonio Air Materiel Area (SAAMA), focusing on aircraft storage, distribution, repair, and supply chain management.[18] This shift consolidated operations with nearby Duncan Field, emphasizing depot-level maintenance for emerging Cold War-era aircraft.[2] The establishment of the United States Air Force as an independent service on September 18, 1947, led to the renaming of Kelly Field as Kelly Air Force Base in January 1948. SAAMA at Kelly became central to Air Force sustainment, handling overhauls and parts distribution for strategic bombers and transports. During the Berlin Airlift, initiated in June 1948 in response to the Soviet blockade, Kelly served as the sole U.S. depot repairing and replacing Pratt & Whitney R-2000 engines for C-54 Skymaster aircraft involved in Operation Vittles, processing over 1,300 power plants within six months to sustain the massive airbridge effort.[18] The outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, further intensified Kelly's logistical role. SAAMA personnel operated around the clock, installing night-lighting systems and reconditioning B-29 Superfortress bombers to support combat operations, ensuring rapid turnaround of aircraft and critical components for Far East Air Forces. By the early 1950s, the base expanded facilities, including a million-square-foot hangar, to accommodate maintenance for advanced types like the B-36 Peacemaker, underscoring Kelly's pivotal contribution to U.S. airpower projection amid escalating tensions with the Soviet Union.[18][2]Mid-Cold War Era (1954–1969)
During the mid-Cold War era, Kelly Air Force Base functioned as a critical hub for depot-level maintenance and logistics under the San Antonio Air Materiel Area (SAAMA), supporting the U.S. Air Force's strategic air command and global mobility missions. The base's facilities overhauled and repaired high-priority aircraft, including strategic bombers and heavy transports, to maintain operational readiness amid escalating tensions with the Soviet Union. SAAMA's expertise in structural repairs, engine overhauls, and avionics upgrades ensured the reliability of fleets vital for nuclear deterrence and rapid deployment.[28] In 1954, Kelly supported operations involving the Convair XC-99, a prototype heavy-lift cargo aircraft tested by the 1700th Air Transport Group, highlighting the base's role in evaluating advanced transport technologies. By March 1955, SAAMA was designated the primary air materiel area for the Convair B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber, handling program logistics and maintenance development. The first B-58 arrived at Kelly on March 15, 1960, serving initially as a ground-based trainer for maintenance personnel on its complex systems, including four General Electric J58 engines. Kelly's technicians performed structural modifications and sustained engineering for the B-58 fleet through the decade.[29] The base also maintained Boeing B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, conducting phase inspections and upgrades to extend service life for Strategic Air Command units. Units like the 2901st Aircraft Repair Squadron operated at Kelly from October 1, 1954, to January 1, 1957, focusing on heavy maintenance tasks. On July 1, 1965, Kelly established an aerial port of embarkation, enabling through-plane cargo service directly to Southeast Asia, which supported escalating U.S. commitments in Vietnam by streamlining logistics for munitions, spares, and equipment. This period solidified Kelly's position as the Air Force's premier industrial complex for aircraft sustainment.[30]Vietnam War and Later Cold War (1970–1991)
During the Vietnam War, Kelly Air Force Base functioned as a critical logistics node for the U.S. Air Force, processing and routing essential war materiel to Southeast Asia, with operations intensifying through the early 1970s. Kelly mechanics deployed to Vietnam and the Philippines provided on-site support for fighter aircraft, including F-5 modifications and F-100 engine overhauls critical to combat missions. In 1973, the base served as the central reception point for Operation Homecoming, coordinating the return of over 590 American prisoners of war from North Vietnam, including medical evaluations and family reunifications at facilities like Brooke Army Medical Center.[31][32][33] Post-Vietnam, the San Antonio Air Materiel Area at Kelly was redesignated the San Antonio Air Logistics Center (SAALC) on April 1, 1974, shifting focus to sustained depot-level maintenance and supply chain management amid drawdowns in active combat. SAALC personnel conducted structural modifications on B-52 Stratofortress bombers, enhancing payload capacity to 108,000 pounds and extending range through fuel system upgrades, supporting Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrence posture. The center also overhauled engines for emerging tactical aircraft, such as the Pratt & Whitney TF30 for F-111 Aardvarks and later F100 series for F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons, ensuring fleet readiness during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union.[1][32] In the 1980s, Kelly's logistics infrastructure adapted to rapid deployment needs, staging troops and equipment for Operation Just Cause in Panama on December 20, 1989. As the Cold War waned, SAALC ramped up support for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990; by March 1991, the base had dispatched 9 million pounds of munitions, 7,400 tons of supplies, and transported 4,700 passengers to the Persian Gulf theater, leveraging its expertise in heavy airlift sustainment for C-5 Galaxy and C-141 Starlifter fleets. These efforts underscored Kelly's evolution from wartime surge capacity to a cornerstone of global power projection, employing over 15,000 civilians and military personnel in precision repair and distribution roles.[34][35]Closure Process (1992–2001)
In 1992, a major U.S. Department of Defense reorganization transferred ownership of most of Kelly Air Force Base's warehouse space from the Air Force to the newly established Defense Logistics Agency, marking an early shift in the base's operational structure that foreshadowed broader efficiency-driven changes.[18] The base's closure recommendation emerged from the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, during which the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission selected Kelly for shutdown to consolidate Air Force logistics functions at other depots, citing redundancies in maintenance and supply operations across multiple air logistics centers.[1][36] The commission's decision followed votes to close competing facilities like Sacramento Air Logistics Center at McClellan AFB, prioritizing workload transfer to surviving sites such as Robins AFB in Georgia and Hill AFB in Utah to achieve cost savings estimated in the billions over time.[37] Following congressional approval of the 1995 BRAC recommendations without veto, the Air Force initiated a phased drawdown at Kelly, realigning select functions—including portions of training and support activities—to adjacent Lackland AFB, while transferring primary depot-level maintenance workloads to other continental U.S. depots by 2001.[38] This period involved environmental assessments, property inventories, and employee transitions, with the San Antonio Air Logistics Center progressively inactivating its units; by mid-2001, remaining aircraft maintenance and supply operations had ceased, resulting in the loss of approximately 10,000 jobs but with partial mitigation through privatization initiatives.[2][39] The closure culminated on July 13, 2001, with a decommissioning ceremony marking the end of 85 years of active military operations, after which the runway and western land areas were redesignated as Kelly Field Annex under Lackland AFB control, while the bulk of the 1,886-acre site entered redevelopment planning under a local authority.[40][41][1]Redevelopment and Legacy
Base Realignment and Closure
In 1995, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended the closure of Kelly Air Force Base as part of the fourth round of BRAC actions, citing the need to consolidate Air Force logistics functions at more efficient facilities amid post-Cold War force reductions.[1] This decision followed Kelly's narrow escapes from closure in prior BRAC rounds, including 1993, where local advocacy and economic arguments temporarily deferred action despite initial recommendations.[2] The recommendation targeted the San Antonio Air Logistics Center (SA-ALC) for disestablishment, with its aircraft maintenance and repair workloads—handling platforms like the C-5 Galaxy and F-16—realigned primarily to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, aiming to achieve annual savings of approximately $200 million after implementation.[1] Congress approved the 1995 BRAC list in October 1995, mandating closure by 2001.[42] The realignment process involved privatizing select depot-level maintenance functions under competitive sourcing initiatives, with Boeing Aerospace Operations awarded a contract in 1998 to perform C-5 sustainment work initially at the site, transitioning some operations to a new facility on base property as military functions wound down.[43] By fiscal year 2000, the Department of Defense allocated $46.7 million from the BRAC account for Kelly-specific costs, including family housing operations, maintenance, and environmental remediation to facilitate property transfer.[36] Kelly AFB officially closed on August 1, 2001, after 84 years of operation, with over 4,000 acres transferred to local redevelopment authorities, though approximately 1,300 acres—including the runway and adjacent land—were retained under military control as Kelly Field Annex for the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing, which relocated F-16 operations there in 2000 to maintain aviation continuity.[44] This partial realignment preserved limited active-duty and reserve missions while enabling civilian economic reuse of the majority of the site.[45] The BRAC-mandated environmental assessments identified groundwater contamination from historical operations, requiring remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) prior to transfer, with the Air Force committing over $100 million for cleanup efforts by 2001 to address solvents and fuels affecting soil and aquifers.[46] No further BRAC actions targeted Kelly remnants in the 2005 round, as the site's military footprint had stabilized, though the process underscored broader DoD efficiencies, contributing to the closure of 350 installations across five BRAC cycles with projected net savings exceeding $12 billion annually by the mid-2000s.[47] Local stakeholders, including the City of San Antonio, formed the Greater Kelly Development Authority in 1997 to oversee transition, emphasizing industrial retention over full divestment.[44]Environmental Issues and Remediation
Operations at Kelly Air Force Base, which encompassed Kelly Field, generated environmental contamination primarily through aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistics activities spanning from 1917 to 2001.[46] Key contaminants included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) from degreasing and painting processes, as well as heavy metals, waste oils, pesticides, and herbicides from spills, leaks, and waste disposal practices.[46][48] These pollutants affected soil, groundwater, and sediments in Leon Creek, with groundwater plumes extending off-site in some areas.[49][50] Contamination was identified in the early 1980s under the Department of Defense's Installation Restoration Program, leading to regulatory actions including a 1989 Texas Water Commission order for violations of solid waste regulations.[48] The site, designated EPA ID TX2571724333, was addressed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) but was not placed on the National Priorities List (Superfund) due to ongoing active military oversight and cleanup commitments.[51] A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), established in 1994, facilitated community input into remediation decisions.[52] Remediation efforts commenced in 1982, focusing on source removal, soil excavation, and groundwater treatment via pump-and-treat systems and permeable reactive barriers.[53] Notable projects included the excavation of over 20,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil at Site MP near Building 171, completed in 2012 as the base's largest such initiative, and cleanup at Building 301, a former metal plating facility.[54] Specific sites like S-1, a former waste oil sump, underwent patented soil vapor extraction and bioremediation demonstrations from the 1980s to 1990s.[55] By 2010, sufficient progress allowed transfer of most properties to Port San Antonio after soil and on-site groundwater met regulatory standards, though long-term groundwater monitoring continues for receding plumes.[56] Official assessments, including a 2007 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) public health evaluation of East Kelly, concluded that residential exposures to contaminants in soil, soil gas, and shallow groundwater posed no apparent public health hazard.[57] Drinking water on the former base property has been deemed safe since connection to the municipal supply, avoiding on-site wells.[53] These efforts enabled economic redevelopment and earned a 2023 EPA Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse award.[45] Nearby residents in the "Toxic Triangle" area have raised ongoing concerns about off-site migration of contaminants, potential vapor intrusion, and health effects, leading to lawsuits alleging groundwater pollution constituted a taking of private property without compensation.[50][58] While Air Force monitoring indicates plumes are contained and treated, community advocates have criticized the lack of Superfund designation and pushed for expanded health studies.[59]Port San Antonio and Economic Impact
Following the closure of Kelly Air Force Base in 2001, the site's 1,900 acres underwent redevelopment into Port San Antonio, a public entity established to transform the former military installation into a logistics, manufacturing, and technology hub.[2] This initiative leveraged existing infrastructure, including runways and hangars, to attract aerospace, defense, and industrial tenants, with operations commencing around 2007.[60] By 2024, the port hosted over 80 public- and private-sector tenants, focusing on high-tech sectors such as aviation maintenance and advanced manufacturing.[61] Port San Antonio's economic contributions have grown substantially since redevelopment. In 2024, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimated the port's operations added $10.6 billion to Texas's gross domestic product, driven by direct output of $5.6 billion in goods and services.[62] Trade activity through the port reached $1.2 billion in value, marking a 152% increase from 2021 levels.[61] An independent analysis by Zenith Economics, commissioned by the port, calculated a total economic output of $9 billion for the same year, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced effects across the region.[63] Employment impacts are significant, with nearly 18,000 total jobs supported in 2024, including about 12,000 direct positions among tenants.[61] Broader multipliers from state analyses indicate up to 83,000 jobs statewide, reflecting supply chain and consumer spending effects.[64] Earlier benchmarks, such as a 2015 Comptroller estimate of $5.2 billion in economic contribution and 27,000 jobs, underscore the site's expansion from partial utilization to a mature economic engine.[65] These figures highlight Port San Antonio's role in offsetting base closure losses through diversified civilian uses, though growth relies on sustained investment in infrastructure like rail and warehouse expansions.[66]Historic Preservation and Recognition
The Kelly Field Historic District, encompassing the core area of the former base east of the runways, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 2003, under National Register Information System ID 03000626.[67] This designation recognizes its significance for events in military aviation training during the late 1930s and early 1940s, as well as architectural and engineering merits under Criteria A and C.[19] The district comprises 58 contributing and non-contributing buildings, structures, objects, and sites, primarily from the interwar period, reflecting Kelly Field's development as a major U.S. Army Air Corps facility.[68] Post-closure preservation initiatives at Port San Antonio, the site's redevelopment entity since 2001, include documentation through the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER TX-3396) for key infrastructure like hangars and runways.[69] The Kelly Heritage program maintains historical narratives via dedicated websites, exhibits, and "history keepers" efforts to archive a century of aviation contributions.[70][71] Structural restorations emphasize adaptive reuse, such as the Bungalow Colony—1920s-era officers' housing—which partners with San Antonio's Office of Historic Preservation for trade skills training labs, announced in 2022.[72] Commemorative elements like monuments, Texas Historical Commission markers, and brick plazas preserve military legacy amid modern development, with updates including a 2025 memorial replacement near restored buildings.[73][74] These efforts balance economic repurposing with cultural retention, supported by local and state oversight.Military Contributions
Training and Personnel Development
Kelly Field, established on March 27, 1917, served as one of 32 Air Service training camps following the United States' entry into World War I, focusing initially on primary flying instruction for aviators using Curtiss JN-4 Jenny aircraft.[2][19] By 1918, the field hosted multiple aero squadrons, including the 81st, 117th, and 632d, which conducted ground and flight training for personnel destined for combat roles in Europe.[3] During this period, Kelly Field trained over 10,000 personnel, contributing significantly to the expansion of American air power through rigorous pilot and observer programs.[18] In the interwar years, following the 1922 consolidation of Air Corps primary flight training, Kelly Field specialized in advanced flying training as home to the 10th School Group (later redesignated the Advanced Flying Training Wing and Advanced Flying School).[1] This program emphasized multi-engine operations, formation flying, and tactical maneuvers, preparing cadets for operational assignments; primary and basic phases occurred at nearby Brooks and Randolph Fields.[75] The curriculum included instrument training and night operations, fostering personnel skilled in complex aircraft handling essential for emerging doctrines.[2] World War II marked the peak of Kelly Field's training mission, with the Advanced Flying School graduating nearly 7,000 pilots between 1939 and 1943, focusing on advanced multi-engine and pursuit training to meet wartime demands.[26] Beyond flight instruction, base personnel organized approximately 250,000 airmen into combat units, including squadrons like the 17th, 94th, and 148th, integrating recruits through specialized ground school, mechanics training, and unit formation processes.[18] This comprehensive personnel development extended to technical skills for aircraft maintenance and logistics, though the primary emphasis remained on producing combat-ready aviators amid rapid mobilization.[26] Post-1943, as Kelly Field transitioned toward aircraft maintenance and logistics under the San Antonio Air Materiel Area, training activities diminished but persisted in niche areas such as engine overhaul and specialized technician courses, supporting ongoing personnel qualification for depot operations through the Cold War era.[2] These programs ensured a skilled workforce for sustaining strategic bombers like the B-47, B-52, and B-58, with in-house instruction on advanced systems contributing to the Air Force's logistical readiness.[1] Overall, Kelly Field's legacy in training and personnel development laid foundational expertise for generations of U.S. military aviators and support staff.[9]Logistics and Maintenance Roles
The San Antonio Air Logistics Center (SA-ALC) at Kelly Field functioned as a core component of Air Force logistics and maintenance, managing depot-level repair, overhaul, and supply chain operations for aircraft, engines, and equipment from World War II onward. Originally established as an aviation supply depot in 1914, Kelly evolved into the nation's largest maintenance and supply facility by 1943, where it stored, distributed, modified, and repaired aircraft and materiel on an industrial scale to support wartime demands.[76] In 1946, it was redesignated the San Antonio Air Materiel Area, with primary missions centered on maintenance and supply, before becoming the SA-ALC in 1974 to encompass broader logistics responsibilities including planning, procurement, storage, transportation, and disposal of assigned items.[1][28] SA-ALC handled lifecycle management for diverse weapon systems, such as the T-29, T-34, C-45, C-131, F-102, F-106, B-58, and B-70, while modernizing strategic assets like B-52 and B-58 bombers. It overhauled key engines including the R-4360, T34, and T56, overseeing roughly 50% of Air Force propulsion systems and 270,000 stock items to ensure unit combat readiness. The center also managed medical materiel distribution for Texas and New Mexico, operated the second-largest Air Force printing plant, and supported atomic ordnance training weapons.[28] Notable contributions included serving as the sole U.S. depot for C-54 Skymaster overhauls during the 1948–1949 Berlin Airlift, facilitating the operation's record air cargo volumes. From the early 1960s through the 1990s, B-52 Stratofortress maintenance constituted a major workload, with depot repairs sustaining the bomber fleet for over 30 years. SA-ALC's efforts extended to large transports like the C-5 Galaxy and its TF39 engines, underscoring Kelly's role in sustaining strategic airlift and bomber capabilities across Cold War conflicts.[32][77]Assigned Commands and Units
Throughout its history, Kelly Field primarily hosted logistics, maintenance, and depot commands rather than operational combat units, reflecting its role as a key support installation for the U.S. Army Air Forces and later the U.S. Air Force. The San Antonio Air Depot, responsible for aircraft repair and supply, operated from Duncan Field—a component of Kelly Field—beginning in 1927 and continued through World War II, handling overhaul and modification of aircraft such as bombers and transports.[5] In the postwar era, the facility evolved into the San Antonio Air Materiel Area in 1946 under Air Materiel Command, focusing on global Air Force logistics and maintenance of strategic aircraft including the B-52 Stratofortress and Convair B-58 Hustler.[28] This command was redesignated the San Antonio Air Logistics Center on April 1, 1974, under Air Force Logistics Command, managing engine testing and depot-level repairs until the base's realignment.[28] Notable tenant units included the 433rd Troop Carrier Wing (later Airlift Wing), an Air Force Reserve unit that relocated to Kelly AFB in 1960 and operated C-130 Hercules and later C-5 Galaxy aircraft for airlift missions.[78] The base also housed the Air Force Electronic Security Command, which conducted signals intelligence and electronics research from the 1960s onward.[2]| Period | Major Command/Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1927–1943 | San Antonio Air Depot | Aircraft maintenance and supply |
| 1946–1961 | San Antonio Air Materiel Area (Air Materiel Command) | Logistics and materiel management[28] |
| 1961–1992 | San Antonio Air Logistics Center (Air Force Logistics Command) | Depot maintenance and global support[28] |
| 1960–2001 | 433rd Airlift Wing (Reserve) | Strategic airlift operations[78] |