Walla Walla Regional Airport is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northeast of the central business district of Walla Walla, a city in Walla Walla County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is owned by the Port of Walla Walla.
WALLA WALLA REGIONAL AIRPORT HISTORY
The airport was the location of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ Walla Walla Army Air Base in World War II.
The War Department announced they would be spending over 7.5 million dollars to construct an Army Air Corps Training Airfield adjacent to the existing Walla Walla Airfield. With the old 200-acre (0.81 km2) municipal airport as a nucleus, they commenced development of the Walla Walla Army Air Base, which ultimately comprised 2,164 acres (8.76 km2) of land. Over 300 buildings were constructed and equipped to house, feed and train approximately 6,000 men at one time.
The 91st Bomb Group lays claim to being the first Army Air Forces outfit to utilize the Walla Walla Base. They had initially trained in Florida before arriving in Walla Walla. Upon arrival, they trained and learned to fly B-17 airplanes. The 91st Bomb Group went on to distinguish itself in combat over Europe. Several of these crews made outstanding records during their tour of duty and were well publicized upon their return to the states with names such as “Jack the Ripper”, “Memphis Belle” and “Delta Rebel”. The “Memphis Belle” became the first B-17 to complete 25 missions in Europe.
Late in 1943, Walla Walla Army Airfield lay idle when the Second Air Force withdrew its B-17 Flying Fortress training operation. However, in April of the following year, the Fourth Air Force took charge of the airstrip and established a training base for B-24 Liberator crews.
WALLA WALLA REGIONAL AIRPORT LOCATION
WALLA WALLA REGIONAL AIRPORT FACTS
ICAO/IATA: KALW/ALW
Lat: 46°05′41″N
Long: 118°17′20″W
Elevation: 1,194 ft.
Runway length available: 02/20 6526×150 ft. :: 07/25 4486×150 ft. :: 16/34 5948×150 ft.
