Category Archives: History

WWII – ASAAF Military Airport

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During World War II, Newark Liberty International Airport, then known as Newark Metropolitan Airport, was taken over by the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1942. This transition was part of a broader effort to mobilize and repurpose civilian infrastructure to support the war effort. The airport’s strategic location and advanced facilities made it a crucial asset for military operations.

In 1942, the federal government, under the authority of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, began overseeing the operation of airport control towers to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. This move was part of a series of legislative actions that extended federal control over civil aviation during the war, including the establishment of the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA), which later became the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). These bodies were responsible for regulating airline operations, safety programs, and air traffic control.

During its military tenure, Newark Airport underwent several significant modifications. Runways were extended and reinforced to accommodate the heavier and larger military aircraft, including bombers and transport planes. Additional hangars, maintenance facilities, and storage buildings were constructed to support the increased operational demands. These enhancements allowed the airport to function as a vital logistical hub for the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies.

Newark Airport served as a base for several key military units during World War II, including the Air Transport Command (ATC). The ATC was formed in June 1942 to unify civilian and military air transport operations, coordinating the movement of aircraft, cargo, and personnel. The ATC operated a vast network, delivering essential supplies to various war zones and supporting both European and Pacific theaters of operation.

During the war, Newark handled a substantial volume of military traffic. In its peak operational months, the airport supported thousands of military flights, facilitating the transportation of hundreds of thousands of troops and significant amounts of cargo. This high level of activity underscored Newark’s strategic importance and its capacity to support large-scale military operations【129†source】.

After the war, Newark Airport was returned to civilian control in 1945. The infrastructure improvements made during the war laid the foundation for Newark’s rapid post-war growth, helping it evolve into a major international airport known today as Newark Liberty International Airport.

First Traffic Tower in USA

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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), established in 1928 as Newark Metropolitan Airport, became the site of the first air traffic control tower in the United States in December 1935. This pioneering structure was developed in response to the increasing volume of air traffic and the need for a systematic approach to managing arrivals and departures. By the early 1930s, Newark had become the busiest airport in the world, handling over 500,000 passengers annually.

The establishment of the air traffic control tower was a collaborative effort involving the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA), the precursor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CAA played a crucial role in setting up air traffic control protocols and ensuring the necessary technology and training were in place. The project was funded by the federal government as part of broader efforts to improve aviation safety and infrastructure during the 1930s, under the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The initial control tower at Newark was a simple wooden structure, elevated to provide air traffic controllers with a clear view of the runways and surrounding airspace. Equipped with basic radio communication systems, it allowed controllers to communicate directly with pilots, using a combination of visual signals and radio communication to manage aircraft movements. This setup marked a significant advancement in aviation technology and operational safety, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and ground accidents.

The original control tower was replaced in the 1950s with a more modern structure to accommodate the growing needs of the airport. Today, the current air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty International Airport is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced radar, communication, and surveillance systems, continuing the legacy of ensuring aviation safety and efficiency.

The establishment of the first air traffic control tower at Newark set a precedent for other airports worldwide, leading to the widespread adoption of air traffic control towers as an essential component of airport infrastructure. This innovation significantly improved aviation safety and efficiency and laid the foundation for modern air traffic management systems.

Nearby Airship Operations

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Newark Liberty International Airport, originally known as Newark Metropolitan Airport, was designed for fixed-wing operations in the early 20th century.

Airships, particularly those operated by the German Zeppelin Company, used Newark and nearby facilities extensively. However, military involvement in airship operations, specifically in the context of Newark, was limited.

In the 1920s and 1930s, airships were primarily used for commercial passenger travel and mail transport. The German Zeppelin Company, led by Hugo Eckener, was at the forefront of airship technology with notable airships like the LZ 129 Hindenburg. These airships conducted transatlantic flights, providing luxurious and relatively fast travel compared to sea voyages.

The Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937, is one of the most infamous events associated with airship travel. The Hindenburg, filled with hydrogen, caught fire while attempting to land at nearby Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey, a facility equipped to handle such large airships. The disaster resulted in 36 fatalities among the 97 people on board, along with one worker on the ground.

Military involvement in airship operations was more pronounced during and after World War I, primarily for reconnaissance and patrol missions rather than commercial purposes. The U.S. Navy operated several airships for these purposes. However, by the time of the Hindenburg disaster, military use of airships had declined significantly in favor of airplanes, which were proving to be more versatile and reliable.

During the Hindenburg’s operations, the U.S. Navy’s role was more about providing infrastructure and logistical support rather than direct involvement in commercial airship operations. The Naval Air Station Lakehurst, where the Hindenburg was attempting to land, was a key facility for airship operations due to its extensive mooring and maintenance facilities.

The Hindenburg disaster marked the end of the airship era, as public confidence in hydrogen-filled airships was shattered. This event accelerated the transition to fixed-wing aircraft for both commercial and military purposes.