Peterson Airfield: 75 Years of service

  • Published
  • By Robb Lingley
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The Peterson Diamond Council hosted the Diamond Jubilee birthday for Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, at The Club, April 28, 2017, marking 75 years of service.

Peterson AFB was originally established as Colorado Springs Army Airbase on April 28, 1942 at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport where it had served Colorado Springs since 1926.

“When we heard that Diamond Jubilee meant a 75th anniversary it only made sense that the Diamond Council would take the lead for this event,” said Master Sgt. Gerald Morey, Wing Staff Agency first sergeant. “It just so happens that the Peterson Air Force Base’s 75th birthday falls on Final Friday. In the grand scope of things it’s a big birthday party for the base.”

The Peterson Diamond Council, made up of first sergeants, recognizes superior Airmen performers who have actively demonstrated their commitment to Air Force values or have gone above and beyond helping others by presenting the Diamond Sharp award.

The Peterson AFB museum staff presented static display items showing the timeline of the base.

Col. Eric Dorminey, 21st Space Wing vice commander and Master Sgt. Candi Schneider, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant had a cake cutting ceremony honoring the days event.

Peterson Army Air Base, or commonly known as Peterson Field, dates back to the early years of World War II. The first mission at the location was as a photographic reconnaissance operational training unit. Over the years, missions at Peterson Field ranged from combat crew training, fighter training station, Air Force Instructor School and it served as an airfield facility for Strategic Air Command’s 15th Air Force.

Peterson Field deactivated when Headquarters, 15th Air Force moved to March Air Force Base, California, in 1949. It was reactivated in January 1951 after the establishment of U.S. Air Force Air Defense Command and the 4600th Air Base Group at Ent Air Force Base, near downtown Colorado Springs.

Ent AFB deactivated in April 1975, and the 4600th ABG relocated to Peterson Field in April 1975. One year later, on March 1, 1976, it was renamed Peterson AFB.

 

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