Bluie East Two

Bluie East Two. It was a United States Army Air Forces airfield established in Iceland during World War II. The base played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic and the Allied air bridge to Europe. Its operations were vital for Anti-submarine warfare and the transit of Aircraft to the European Theater of Operations, United States Army.

History

The site was selected in 1941 following the British occupation of Iceland and the subsequent United States occupation of Iceland under an agreement with the Icelandic government. The United States Department of War authorized its construction as part of a network of bases codenamed "Bluie" to secure North Atlantic shipping lanes. Its establishment was a direct response to the threat posed by Kriegsmarine U-boats to Allied convoys. The base became operational under the command of the United States Army Air Forces before being transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Navy later in the war.

Construction and facilities

Construction began in late 1941 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, facing severe challenges from the Arctic climate and rugged Icelandic terrain. The facility featured a single Runway built with Pierced steel planking to support heavy Bomber aircraft. Support structures included Nissen hut barracks, Fuel depots, Ordnance storage, and a Control tower. The infrastructure was designed to support squadrons from the 8th Air Force and later, Fleet Air Wing units of the United States Navy. Its location provided a critical refueling and repair point for aircraft en route to Britain and the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.

Role in World War II

The base's primary mission was Anti-submarine warfare patrols over the Denmark Strait and the GIUK gap, protecting vital Lend-Lease supply routes to the Soviet Union. Aircraft such as the Consolidated PBY Catalina and Lockheed P-38 Lightning operated from here under the Eastern Air Command. It served as a key transit and staging point for North American P-51 Mustang and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters being ferried to the European Theater of Operations, United States Army. Personnel stationed there also participated in Air-sea rescue operations for downed Royal Air Force and United States Navy aircrews.

Postwar use and legacy

Following Victory in Europe Day, the base was scaled back and used briefly by the Military Air Transport Service before being formally deactivated in 1947. The site was returned to Iceland under the terms of the original defense agreement. Some infrastructure was incorporated into Icelandic Coast Guard facilities, while much of it was abandoned. The history of Bluie East Two and similar bases is preserved in archives at the National Museum of the United States Air Force and is studied as part of the Atlantic Wall and Military history of the United States during World War II. Its establishment marked a significant moment in United States–Iceland relations and the broader History of the United States Air Force.

See also

* Bluie West One * Meeks Field * History of the United States Air Force * United States Army Air Forces in Iceland * Battle of the Atlantic

Category:World War II airfields