Scribner Army Airfield

Hooper Communications Annex

Offutt GLOBECOM Communications Annex #3


Aerial Image Scribner State Airfield


Initially a satellite base of Sioux City Army Airfield, Scribner became a main Army Airfield and provided training during World War II. After the war, the base became a staple of Cold War communications


World War II

Construction at Scribner began in October 1942 and was rapidly opened on December 9, 1942. Scribner was originally a satellite field for the larger Sioux City Army Airfield but achieved independent status in 1943. Until 1943, it supported B-17 and B-24 training. After 1943, the mission primarily switched to P-47 Thunderbolt fighter training (the 36th Fighter Group trained here before deployment to England shortly before D-Day in March 1944).

The field also featured camouflage training, resulting in a farm-like look to the base with at least one hangar painted to represent a barn.

The field would close in December 1945, assets going to the State of Nebraska the following year


The Cold War

As elements of the World War II-era base lingered on, the U.S. Air Force took notice of the site and at some point during the 1950's would be used as an emergency relocation position for Strategic Air Command headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. This role ended in April 1959, however a permanent high frequency radio receiver site was set up here around the same time when GLOBECOM sites near Mead deactivated. This Hooper Communications Annex (Also known as Offutt Communications Annex #3) provided support for the Strategic Air Command's GIANT TALK, later evolving into today's Global High Frequency Communications System (GHFCS). The site remains operational

As a state airport / communications detachment

Scribner's today has two active runways, however the field is relatively quiet. Scribner State Airfield remains a part of the Nebraska Department of Transportation


Links


 

Make a free website with Yola