So wow, it was sometime back in the early 80s that I flew an Army OH-58A (bell jet ranger) from Hunter AAF (Savannah) down to Cecil Field to pick up a needed part for some helicopter repair work. And having just spent the last week in west Jacksonville helping my son relocate there, I took in a few visits of the place.
Even though NAS Cecil Field was decomissioned in the 90s, it still has the distinct feeling of a military base (grew up on them and then served on them). I got the same vibes as when I visited Fort Ord, CA, about 20 years ago after it had been closed.
Here's one pic I found while looking at the history of NAS Cecil Field:
Too cool. And they had a giant, million dollar jet engine repair shop! A million bucks! I guess it had to be giant for that kind of money.
So the one thing I liked was that they seem to be building a POW-MIA-KIA Memorial that will feature the USS Saratoga (the 50s version). The launch end of the vessel will protude out into a manmade lake/pond and the amidships (did I say that right?) will be on land and covered with some kind of a roof.
This whole thing will be built next to the Navy (or former Navy?) chapel. And I kid you not, the name of it is the "Church of the High Speed Pass"
Current major tenants include Flightstar Aircraft Services, LSI, P&W. Minor tenant includes the Coast Guard's Hitron which way back when in the 80s was used to put a 50 cal. single shot into the motor block of those go fasts. I think our Admirals got tired of flying over them unable to do anything other than harrass them with the loudhailer Not really sure what that mission has evolved into over the past 30 years.
Anyway, definitely worth a visit if you're in that town and looking for a nice and very safe place to just wander around. I did a couple of 2 hour dog walks there last week.
That's all!
Larry
Even though NAS Cecil Field was decomissioned in the 90s, it still has the distinct feeling of a military base (grew up on them and then served on them). I got the same vibes as when I visited Fort Ord, CA, about 20 years ago after it had been closed.
Here's one pic I found while looking at the history of NAS Cecil Field:
Too cool. And they had a giant, million dollar jet engine repair shop! A million bucks! I guess it had to be giant for that kind of money.
So the one thing I liked was that they seem to be building a POW-MIA-KIA Memorial that will feature the USS Saratoga (the 50s version). The launch end of the vessel will protude out into a manmade lake/pond and the amidships (did I say that right?) will be on land and covered with some kind of a roof.
This whole thing will be built next to the Navy (or former Navy?) chapel. And I kid you not, the name of it is the "Church of the High Speed Pass"
Current major tenants include Flightstar Aircraft Services, LSI, P&W. Minor tenant includes the Coast Guard's Hitron which way back when in the 80s was used to put a 50 cal. single shot into the motor block of those go fasts. I think our Admirals got tired of flying over them unable to do anything other than harrass them with the loudhailer Not really sure what that mission has evolved into over the past 30 years.
Anyway, definitely worth a visit if you're in that town and looking for a nice and very safe place to just wander around. I did a couple of 2 hour dog walks there last week.
That's all!
Larry