Naval Air Station Alameda

Naval Air Station Alameda was built in 1938 with the following function:

- To support four aircraft carrier groups, five patrol squadrons and 2 utility squadrons.
- Facilities to carry out aircraft and engine overhauls
- Piers to dock two aircraft carriers
- To have several support airfields

Naval Air Station Alameda was dubbed the "Gateway to the Pacific". When World War II reached the US, the base was not yet complete, but the personnel did begin wartime duties. In March 1942, Alameda was the base of the aircraft carrier Hornet, which began its secret mission on April 2: The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.

The base expanded throughout the war, as its functions piled up. It was also one of the busiest naval air stations in the US.

Original hangars for seaplanes can be found at W Midway Av.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Wayne Hsieh
• Richard E. Osborne, World War II Sites in the United States - A Tour Guide & Directory