Aguadulce Army Air Field Explained

Aguadulce Army Airfield
Ensign:6thaf-filled.jpg
Ensign Size:65px
Partof:Sixth Air Force
Location:Located in Panama
Pushpin Map:Panama
Pushpin Label:Aguadulce AAF
Pushpin Mapsize:300
Type:Military Airfield
Controlledby:United States Army Air Forces
Used:1941-1945

Aguadulce Army Airfield (also known as Airdrome Aguadulce) is a former United States Army Air Forces World War II airfield in Panama used as part of the defense of the Panama Canal. It was closed on 1 March 1948.

Established on 1 April 1941, Aguadulce Airfield's mission was to defend the Panama Canal. Most of its operational history was that of an auxiliary airfield, hosting fighter squadrons. Training of South American air force personnel was also conducted at the field.

Wartime units assigned were:

8 November-11 December 1941 (B-18 Bolo)

13 February-1 May 1945 (B-24 Liberator)

Detachment operated from: Hato Field, Curaçao, 13 January-24 September 1942

Detachment operated from: Dakota Field, Aruba, 14 January-24 September 1942

With the end of World War II Aguadulce was reduced in scope, with only a skeleton staff. It was closed on 1 March 1948 due to budget reductions. For several years, it was used as a civil airport, but was later closed; today the airfield is abandoned, with the runway still visible but in poor condition.

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