Rhein-Main Air Base - USAF Use

USAF Use

After the U.S. 7th Army moved through the Frankfurt area, the 826th Engineer Aviation Battalion (EAB), a unit of the IX Engineer Command, arrived at Frankfurt/Rhein-Main Airfield 26 April 1945 It was classified as Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) Y-73. On 11 May 1945, the engineers began the task of clearing rubble and reconstructing major buildings. The Army engineers also built new runways and extended and widened the existing runway, constructed aprons and hardstands as well as taxiways leading to the terminal.

Initially Frankfurt/Rhein-Main Airfield was used by the Ninth Air Force as a tactical fighter base. Tactical air groups stationed at the airfield were:

• 362d Fighter Group (8 April 1945 - 30 April 1945)
• 377th Fighter Group (14 April 1945 - 2 May 1945)
• 378th Fighter Group (14 April 1945 - 2 May 1945)
• 379th Fighter Group (8 April 1945 - 30 April 1945)
• 425th Night Fighter Squadron (12 April 1945 - 2 May 1945)