World War II
During World War II, Hamilton was an important West Coast air training facility. Its mission was that of an initial training base for newly-formed fighter groups. The airfield was rapidly expanded to a wartime status, with construction of additional barracks, mess halls, administration buildings, warehouses, Link trainer buildings, schools, hospital and other structures.
The following units trained at Hamilton:
| Group | Assigned Dates | Aircraft Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78th Fighter Group | May 1942 – November 1942 | P-38 "Lightning" | |
| 329th Fighter Group | July 10, 1942 – July 13, 1942 | P-38 "Lightning" | |
| 354th Fighter Group | November 10, 1942 – January 18, 1943 | P-39 "Airacobra" | |
| 357th Fighter Group | December 1, 1942 – March 4, 1943 | P-51 "Mustang" | |
| 363rd Fighter Group | March 1, 1943 – August 1943 | P-39 "Airacobra" | |
| 367th Fighter Group | July 15, 1943 – October 11, 1943 | P-38 "Lightning" | |
| 369th Fighter Group | August 1, 1943 – November 5, 1943 | P-40 "Warhawk" | |
| 372nd Fighter Group | October 28, 1943 – December 7, 1943 | P-40 "Warhawk" | |
| 478rd Fighter Group | December 1, 1943 – December 12, 1943 | P-39 "Airacobra" |
Auxiliary training fields used by Hamilton AAF during World War II were:
- Montague Air Force Auxiliary Field 41°43′45″N 122°32′30″W / 41.72917°N 122.54167°W / 41.72917; -122.54167
- Napa Army Airfield 38°12′56″N 122°16′49″W / 38.21556°N 122.28028°W / 38.21556; -122.28028
- Willows Municipal Airport 39°31′12″N 122°13′13″W / 39.52°N 122.22028°W / 39.52; -122.22028
- Redding Army Airfield 40°30′42″N 122°17′38″W / 40.51167°N 122.29389°W / 40.51167; -122.29389
- Siskiyou County Army Airfield 41°46′53″N 122°28′05″W / 41.78139°N 122.46806°W / 41.78139; -122.46806 (Siskiyou County Army Airfield)
In addition, the Air Transport Command (ATC) used Hamilton as a major aerial port and transshipment facility for troops and cargo heading to the Pacific and CBI Theaters. The ATC West Coast Wing was headquartered at the airfield, with the 64th Transport Group being assigned early in 1942.
Read more about this topic: Hamilton Air Force Base
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