Selfridge Field

Selfridge Field. Established in 1917, it is one of the oldest continuously operating air bases in the United States. Named for First Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge, the first U.S. military officer to die in an airplane crash, the field has been a cornerstone for military aviation training and operations. Its strategic location on the shores of Lake St. Clair made it vital for the defense of the Great Lakes region and the industrial heartland centered on Detroit.

History

The land for the airfield was acquired by the United States Army in 1917 as the country entered World War I. Initially known as Joy Aviation Field, it was quickly renamed to honor the fallen aviator Thomas Selfridge, who perished in a 1908 crash while flying with Orville Wright. The United States Army Air Service established it as a primary pilot training school, with early operations focused on preparing aviators for service in France. The base's early infrastructure included hangars, barracks, and maintenance facilities to support the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny and other training aircraft. Its establishment coincided with the rapid expansion of American air power under leaders like General John J. Pershing.

World War I and interwar years

During the final year of World War I, the field graduated hundreds of pilots who joined squadrons like the 94th Aero Squadron. In the postwar demobilization, it faced reduced activity but remained a key installation. The interwar period saw its transition to the United States Army Air Corps and a focus on tactical development. Notable units like the 1st Pursuit Group were stationed here, flying aircraft such as the Boeing P-12. The base hosted important military exercises and was visited by figures like Charles Lindbergh and General Henry H. Arnold. It also served as a hub for testing and developing airmail routes and early air-to-air refueling techniques.

World War II and postwar use

With the outbreak of World War II, the field underwent massive expansion, becoming a major training center for fighter pilots and bomber crews. It hosted the 56th Fighter Group and trained units destined for the European Theater of Operations. Aircraft like the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and North American P-51 Mustang were common sights. After the war, it transitioned to the new United States Air Force and became a key base during the Cold War, hosting air defense interceptor units equipped with North American F-86 Sabre and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jets. The Berlin Airlift and the Korean War saw increased operational tempo, with the base supporting Air Defense Command missions.

Current status and legacy

Today, the installation is known as Selfridge Air National Guard Base and is home to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, operating the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. It is a joint-use facility, also hosting units from the United States Army Reserve, United States Coast Guard, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The base remains critical for homeland defense, disaster response, and supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command operations. Its long history is preserved at the Selfridge Military Air Museum, and it continues to be a major economic driver for Macomb County. The annual Selfridge Air Show draws thousands of visitors to see demonstrations by the United States Navy Blue Angels and other performers.

Units assigned

Numerous historic units have been stationed at the base throughout its century of service. Early assignments included the First Army Air Service and the 6th Aero Squadron. The famed 1st Pursuit Group was a long-term tenant during the interwar years. World War II saw the training of groups like the 354th Fighter Group and the 379th Bombardment Group. During the Cold War, it hosted the 4711th Air Defense Wing and the 191st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Current primary units are the 127th Wing, the 177th Fighter Squadron, and Coast Guard Air Station Detroit flying the Sikorsky MH-65 Dolphin. Army reserve components, including elements of the 4th Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, also operate from the base.