The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1946-05-25
MAS HISTORY
Continued from Page Onel

Naval Air Bases, 7th Naval Dis
trict.
THE Seaplane base at Key
West has its dredged landing and
takeoff areas: night landing facih-
ties are included. Eleven bar
racks, five BOQ's housed 1000
personnel during the summer Of
1914 and for some months after
ward. It's recreational facilities
grew from zero to an air-condi-
toned movie theater, two swim
ming pools, an enlisted mems
patio, tennis courts, athletic fields
and kindred advertisements.
World War l Site
"The site of MAS includes the
smaller site first used by the
Navy in World War for training
planes, observation balloons and
dirigibles based in Key West
along with surface craft to block
enemy attempts at obtaining oil
from Mexican ports, and to pa
troll adjacent waters. At that
time there were three small
ramps, $4,000 yards of concrete
parking area and paving, a blimp
hangar and an administration
building. The base continued in
use throughout the early 20's,
after which it was visited only
sporadically until 1889, when
planes of Patrol Wing Five arriv-
ed for emergency patrol.
"Since its establishment as a
Naval All rStation in 1910, it has
functioned as both an operational
and training base for fleet air
craft squadrons and has afforded
facilities for minor upkeep and
limited repair. Coast Guard
planes used the station as an adj
vance base. Nature of operations
flown was largely anti-submarine
patrol and escort, Training was
primarily anti-submarine.
"Boca Chica, was originally
the site of a municipal airport
for Key West. constructed un-
der CAA auspices. Shortly aft
er the outbreak of war. the
Army took over. on lease from
Monroe County. and began
construction of what has be-
come superb air field
'The Navy focused its eyes upon
Boca Chica early in 1912, and be-
gan negotiations for its acquisi-
ton in September. These were
the subject of protracted CORE
spondence into the following year.
On February %, 1913, the chief of
naval operational training form
ally proclaimed Boca Chica a Ma
val auxiliary air facilities. But
the Navy did not occupy the
premises until April /, with some
resultant friction with the Army
occupants who apparently had
not received orders to vacate and
continued operations Jointly for
several months.
Principal function of Boca
Chica was in training pilots for
carrier duty. though numerous
VB units combined training op-
erations in ASW. In 1882. VB
1872 was serving as a special
striking force while undergoing
extensive training.
"Boca Chica's maximum per-
sonnet was reached early in 1915
when the total Appropriated A.
900.
''Meacham Field was acquired
by the Navy by transfer from the
Army as satellite field for MAS.
Like Boca Chica, its use by the
Navy overlapped Army occupan-
cy, the chief of NACTC assign
ing Meacham to MAS as a satel-
lite December 10, 1912 though
It was not until July l, 1943, that
he Army transferred its lease to |
he Navy.
Commanding Officers
mas has had five command |
ng officers since its establish |
nent Commander Cater Cap |
aim James H. Mckay, USN, as
iumed command February Is,
I94l, as the first commanding
officer of the station which pre-
yiously had been under the di-
'ection of a Naval Station. For /
short period from June II, 1912, Il
o June 80, 1912, Comdr. Mckay /
Ilso assumed temporary duty as
citing commandant, MOB. He re-
NAMED in command of the Air
station until November 20, 1912,
when he was relieved by Com
nander Delbert l.. Conley. USN, |
Who served until September 4,
943. Subsequent commanding
officers were: Capt. Albert Hand /
y, USN, Sept. 4, 1943, to Dec. 9,
.943; Capt. Allan P. Flagg, USN
retire0, Dec 9, 1943, to April |
70, l945, and Capt. William H. t
USN, April 20, 1945, to