Pope Field

Pope Field is a military airfield located within the boundaries of Fort Liberty in Cumberland County, North Carolina. It is a unique joint-use facility operated by both the United States Air Force under Air Mobility Command and the United States Army, primarily supporting the global mobility and rapid deployment missions of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. The installation serves as a critical hub for airlift, airdrop, and aeromedical evacuation operations, playing a pivotal role in United States power projection.

History

The airfield's origins trace back to 1919 when it was established as a staging area for artillery training and named for First Lieutenant Harley H. Pope, an Army aviator who died in a crash. During the interwar period, it evolved into a major facility for United States Army Air Service training and testing. Its significance grew exponentially during World War II as a key training base for glider and paratrooper units, including those of the 82nd Airborne Division, preparing for major operations like the Invasion of Normandy and Operation Market Garden. Throughout the Cold War, it remained central to airborne readiness, supporting deployments during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 2011, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process, the adjacent Pope Air Force Base was merged into Fort Bragg, and the airfield was redesignated.

Facilities and units

The airfield features a single primary runway capable of handling the largest strategic airlift aircraft in the United States Air Force inventory, including the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. Key operational facilities include the Green Ramp complex, the primary departure point for airborne operations, and the Joint Airborne and Air Transport Training facilities. The 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group, part of Air Mobility Command, manages all airfield operations and en route support. The United States Army side is dominated by the 82nd Airborne Division and its supporting Combat Aviation Brigade, which utilizes UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Other critical tenants include the Air Force Reserve Command's 440th Airlift Wing (prior to its inactivation) and various elements of United States Special Operations Command.

Based units

Major flying and support units based at or operating from the airfield include the 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group and its subordinate squadrons, which provide command and control, maintenance, and aerial port functions. Army aviation assets are centered on the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, comprising multiple battalions flying AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters, and CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters. The 18th Air Support Operations Group provides vital Tactical Air Control Party personnel to coordinate close air support for ground forces. While not permanently stationed, aircraft from Air Mobility Command, the Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command are routinely present for training and deployment missions.

Accidents and incidents

The airfield has been the site of several significant aviation accidents. A major disaster occurred in 1994 when a F-16 Fighting Falcon collided with a C-130 Hercules on approach, causing the fighter to crash into a parked C-141 Starlifter on the ground near the Green Ramp; the resulting fire and explosions killed 24 United States Army paratroopers and injured over 100. In 2012, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine training flight in the nearby training areas, resulting in fatalities. Other incidents have involved C-130 and C-17 aircraft experiencing landing gear failures or runway excursions during training exercises, though with fewer casualties.

See also

* Fort Liberty * 82nd Airborne Division * Air Mobility Command * XVIII Airborne Corps * United States Army Aviation Branch * Green Ramp disaster * List of United States Air Force installations

Category:United States Army airfields Category:Airfields of the United States Air Force in North Carolina Category:Buildings and structures in Cumberland County, North Carolina Category:1919 establishments in North Carolina