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Phoenix Goodyear Commemorates 70 Years

For Phoenix Goodyear Airport, July marked an exciting time in their history as staff celebrated Goodyear’s 70th anniversary. Phoenix Goodyear Airport played a vital role in U.S. history during the World War II era.

With land donated to the United States Navy by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Aerospace Division, ground was broken on July 15, 1941, to construct the Naval Aircraft Acceptance Facility (NAAF). The NAAF was in use during the 1940s and later became the Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park (NAFL).

Throughout World War II, the facility played a valuable role in supporting the war effort through manufacturing, modification, testing and storage of aircraft. Later, the U.S. military consolidated operations in Tucson, and the city of Phoenix purchased Goodyear Airport in the late 1960s as a general aviation reliever airport. Today, Phoenix Goodyear Airport remains a general aviation airport and has one of the best general aviation runways in the country.

“The staff at Goodyear is proud of our airport and its historical significance as we are an important part of the city of Phoenix Airport System,” said Joe Husband, Phoenix Goodyear Airport Manager. “We share our pride and appreciation with all Aviation employees and tenants.”

To celebrate Phoenix Goodyear’s historic anniversary, Goodyear staff had lunch with tenants and reminisced about the Airport’s history by viewing historical documents, photos and a film that showed off Goodyear’s glory days during World War II.

Happy Anniversary Phoenix Goodyear Airport!

First posted: 8/1/2011