Naval Air Station North Island is known as the "birthplace of naval aviation". It is the home to many planes and aircraft carriers. North Island is now the home of the USS Ronald Regan and the USS Nimitz. During World War One North Island was called Naval Air Station, San Diego. Prior to the United States entering the war, Glen Curtiss had a flying school named Signal Corps Aviation School at this location. The name of the school was changed to Rockwell Field in July of 1917 in honor of Lt. Lewis Rockwell. In August 1917 when the United States finally entered the war, Rockwell Field was moved to the south end of North Island and the Navy moved into the north end. During World War One Rockwell Field was used to train pilots and crews who were to be sent off to France to fight. The Navy first occupied North Island on September 8, 1917 but it was not purchased until 1919. For this reason North Island was not able to play a substantial role in World War One because it's construction was not finished until after the war. The Navy started out in North Island with "Camp Trouble." This camp consisted of only three pilots, three tents and three planes. It also included mechanics. Many buildings were constructed during the war and are still standing today. These include the gatehouse/meter room that was shared by the Army and the Navy and the Seaplane Hangars. These buildings were shared by the Army and the Navy. Aviation schools were essential to the United States once entering the war and this is why the Army and the Navy shared Rockwell Field and used it to train military pilots to fly in the war. Pilots were taught to fly in battle formation, and were trained on JN planes such as the Jennie.
Home
Picture Sources