A hisTory of AviATion
U . S . Naval Air Station Ottumwa , or NAS Ottumwa , provided vigorous pilot training for 4,626 Navy pilots from its inception in March 1943 to the end of the war .
But , why Ottumwa ?
“ Local authorities learned that recent government policy was to remove flight training activities from coastal operating areas … New bases within the continental United States were needed to relieve population congestion on the coast . Perhaps a military airport was the answer to both Ottumwa ’ s needs and the country ’ s ,” writes Elsie Mae Cofer , author of “ Carrier on the Prairie .”
Ottumwa ’ s flat terrain also proved to be an ideal location for flying . On Aug . 12 , 1942 , the Navy took possession of 1,440 acres of land about six miles north of Ottumwa — including some of the richest farmland in Wapello County . According to Cofer , NAS Ottumwa was one of 38 new naval bases , with an estimated cost of nearly $ 16 million .
Final construction consisted of 60 structures , including hangars , barracks , a fire station , a drill hall , hospital , training facilities , a jailhouse , an administration building , storage sheds and the Mess Hall . The station even had its own bowling alley , gym , swimming facility , gift shop , ice skating rink and sports facilities for activities like boxing and
Photos : Top : Navy aviation cadets , circa January 1945 . Bottom : A postcard cadets would use to write letters to family and friends while stationed at NAS Ottumwa .
16 We Are Ottumwa