Walker Air Force Base

Contents

1. Overview
2. Etymology
3. Cultural Impact

For the civil use of this facility and airport information, see Roswell International Air Center .

Roswell Army Airfield Part of Strategic Air Command Roswell, New Mexico

A 2006 United States Geological Survey aerial photograph offers a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling grounds.

Site information

Type: Air Force base
Location: Roswell, New Mexico
Coordinates: 33°18′06″N 104°31′50″W / 33.30167°N 104.53056°W / 33.30167; -104.53056 (Walker AFB M-90)
Built: 1941
In use: 1941–1967

Map all coordinates using OpenStreetMap . • Download coordinates as KML .

Enlisted men are depicted in an undated photograph, meticulously selecting cameras for bomb-spotting missions aboard a Beechcraft AT-11 at the Roswell Army Flying School.

Walker Air Force Base, a former installation of the United States Air Force , occupied a strategic position three miles (5 km) south of the bustling central business district of Roswell, New Mexico . Its origins trace back to 1941, when it was established as an Army Air Corps flying school. The base served a critical role throughout World War II and the subsequent postwar era, known then as Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF). During the nascent stages of the Cold War , it ascended to become the largest installation within the Strategic Air Command . Furthermore, Walker AFB is inextricably linked to the infamous Roswell UFO incident , an event that unfolded on July 4, 1947. It is widely alleged that a “flying disc” met its demise during a violent thunderstorm in close proximity to the base, near Corona, New Mexico .

The base was officially christened Walker Air Force Base in honor of General Kenneth Newton Walker . A native son of Los Cerrillos, New Mexico , General Walker perished during a bombing mission over Rabaul , located in New Britain , Papua New Guinea , on January 5, 1943. His squadron achieved remarkable success, scoring direct hits on nine Japanese vessels before being engaged by enemy fighters. General Walker was last observed departing the target area, his aircraft trailing smoke from a damaged engine, with multiple fighters in pursuit. In recognition of his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. The base bore his name from January 13, 1948. However, budgetary constraints, exacerbated by the escalating costs of the Vietnam War , ultimately led to the base’s closure in 1967.

History

The facility that would eventually become Roswell Army Air Field was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces in 1941. The land was purchased from rancher David Chesser with the express purpose of establishing a Military Flying Training Center and a Bombardier School. From its inception, the base was envisioned as a vast and extensive complex, taking advantage of New Mexico’s consistently favorable flying weather. The airfield itself boasted an impressive array of seven concrete runways: two parallel runways oriented North/South, measuring 7,329 feet by 200 feet and 7,000 feet by 200 feet, respectively; two parallel runways running Northeast/Southwest, at 7,200 feet by 200 feet and 5,655 feet by 200 feet; two parallel runways aligned Northwest/Southeast, at 6,964 feet by 200 feet and 5,900 feet by 200 feet; and a single East/West runway, 6,884 feet by 200 feet.

Beyond the primary runways, no fewer than nine auxiliary landing fields were meticulously established in the surrounding area to accommodate overflow traffic and facilitate touch-and-go landing and takeoff practice. The construction efforts were sufficiently advanced for the base and airfield to be officially activated and assigned to the United States Army Air Corps Training Command on September 20, 1941.

World War II

The Roswell Army Flying School commenced operations on September 20, 1941. Its primary mission was the rigorous training of third-phase aviation cadets, instructing them in the operation of twin-engine aircraft. The school utilized Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan twin-engine trainers and comprised four dedicated Two-Engine Flying Training Squadrons: the 548th, 549th, 550th, and 551st. Complementing the flying school was the Bombardier’s School, which also operated three training squadrons, similarly equipped with the AT-11.

By 1943, the expanding operational tempo necessitated the addition of three more twin-engine flying training squadrons. Furthermore, two additional squadrons were integrated into the Bombardiers School as more runways became operational. The expansive parking ramp was often filled with over 300 trainers, including Vultee BT-13 and BT-15 Valiant single-engine trainers and Cessna AT-17 twin-engine trainers.

Up until the autumn of 1944, the Second Air Force held the sole responsibility for all Boeing B-29 Superfortress transition training for the Army Air Forces. This responsibility shifted on September 12, 1944, when HQ AAF directed Training Command to establish B-29 schools dedicated to the transition training of crews, encompassing pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. Initially, the availability of B-29 aircraft for training purposes was limited. However, by January 1945, Roswell AAF had successfully transitioned its training programs. The 3030th AAF Base Unit (Pilot School, Specialized Very Heavy) , which focused on B-29 Superfortress four-engine pilot transition and bombardier training, was activated.

Although a bombing target was situated adjacent to the runway, the only ordnance released from aircraft during training were bags of sand or flour. The designated practice bombing and gunnery ranges were located directly south of the airfield and extended onto Matagorda Island along the Texas Gulf coast.

In addition to the airfield infrastructure, a Prisoners of War (POW) camp was constructed at Roswell, capable of housing up to 4,800 individuals. The majority of the POWs interned at the camp were German and Italian soldiers captured during the North African campaign . These POWs were actively utilized as labor for local construction projects, and it is widely acknowledged that many of Roswell’s parks owe their existence to their efforts. The Spring River, which meanders through downtown Roswell, was lined with concrete and stones, a task undertaken by POW labor. The prisoners even employed stones of varying colors to meticulously fashion an Iron Cross design in the riverbed.

With the conclusion of World War II, the training mission at Roswell AAF officially ceased on November 1, 1945. The base was subsequently designated as a permanent Army Air Force facility, and jurisdiction was transferred to the 238th Army Air Forces Base Unit, under the command of Second Air Force and Continental Air Command .

Strategic Air Command

The 509th Composite Group , having returned from its wartime deployment on Tinian , was relocated to Roswell on November 6, 1945. Initially, it was assigned to Second Air Force under the broader umbrella of Continental Air Forces. Amidst the extensive demobilization efforts of late 1945, the Army Air Forces engaged in considerable organizational restructuring. The 509th was reassigned to the 58th Bombardment Wing at Fort Worth Army Airfield on January 17, 1946. Subsequently, on March 21, 1946, the 509th became one of the inaugural eleven organizations assigned to the newly formed Strategic Air Command .

In April 1946, a significant portion of the group’s Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft were deployed to Kwajalein as part of Operation Crossroads , a series of atomic bomb tests. The remaining aircraft formed the nucleus of two new squadrons established within the group: the 715th Bomb Squadron and the 830th Bomb Squadron. In May 1946, the Army Air Forces bestowed upon the nascent SAC the critical responsibility for atomic bomb delivery. At that juncture, only the 509th possessed the requisite training and readiness for this specialized mission.

The squadrons assigned to the 509th included:

On July 10, 1946, the group was officially renamed the 509th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Following the establishment of the United States Air Force as an independent service branch, the group transitioned into the combat component of the 509th Bombardment Wing on November 17, 1947. Its operational readiness was fully realized on September 14, 1948, with the appointment of Colonel John D. Ryan as commander.

The wing distinguished itself by pioneering a novel concept on June 30, 1948, with the activation of the 509th Air Refueling Squadron as an integral part of the 509th BW. Alongside the 43rd ARS at Davis-Monthan AFB , Arizona , these represented the very first units of their kind. The incorporation of KB-29M tankers significantly extended the operational reach of the 509th’s bombers, enabling them to target virtually any location on Earth. In June 1950, the wing began receiving the upgraded version of the B-29, designated the Boeing B-50A Superfortress . As the formidable Convair B-36 Peacemaker entered the Air Force inventory, the designation “Very Heavy” was retired. The 509th, along with all other B-29 and B-50 wings, was subsequently redesignated as “Medium.”

By January 1954, the aging KB-29M tankers were supplanted by the Boeing KC-97 aerial tanker. The wing fully embraced the jet age in June 1955 with the arrival of its first all-jet bomber, the Boeing B-47 Stratojet . On June 16, 1958, the 509th Bombardment Wing was transferred to Pease AFB , New Hampshire .

The 468th Bombardment Group arrived at Roswell on January 12, 1946, having previously been stationed at West Field, Tinian . Upon arrival at Roswell, the group exchanged aircraft and equipment with the 509th. The B-29 aircraft with the lowest flight hours and deemed most reliable were subsequently transferred to Carswell Air Force Base , Texas , for modification to Silverplate (Atomic Bomb-Capable) specifications. The remaining aircraft were placed into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona or at Pyote Army Airfield in Texas. The 468th Bombardment Group was inactivated on March 31, 1946.

33rd Fighter Group

The 33rd Fighter Group was assigned to Roswell on August 25, 1947. Prior to this assignment, the group had been stationed at Bad Kissingen AB in West Germany for a year, performing occupation duties. The squadrons comprising the 33rd at Roswell were:

59th Fighter Squadron (equipped with F-51 and F-84 aircraft)
60th Fighter Squadron (equipped with F-51 and F-84 aircraft)

Initially, the group was attached to the 509th Bombardment Group, tasked with providing fighter escort. The 33rd Fighter Group was redesignated as the 33rd Fighter Wing on October 15, 1947. It remained stationed at Roswell until November 16, 1948, when it was transferred to Otis Air Force Base , Massachusetts .

6th Bombardment Wing

The 6th Bombardment Wing , Medium, was activated at Walker AFB on January 2, 1951. It was initially equipped with Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft. On August 1, 1951, the 307th Air Refueling Squadron was attached to the wing, operating KB-29 tankers until its inactivation on June 16, 1952. The 6th Wing, alongside the 509th Bombardment Wing at Walker, formed the SAC 47th Air Division , a command structure that persisted until June 1958, when the 509th was reassigned to Pease AFB.

However, the wing’s three squadrons – the 24th, 39th, and 40th – were soon re-equipped with SAC’s new heavy bomber, the Convair B-36D Peacemaker , and the unit was redesignated the 6th Bombardment Wing (Heavy).

The B-36D represented the primary production variant of this bomber, featuring two pairs of General Electric J47-GE-19 turbojets mounted in pods beneath the outer wings, designed to augment the six R-4360-41 piston engines. The B-36D demonstrated remarkable flight performance, capable of operating effectively on as few as four or even three piston engines, making it common practice to shut down some engines during cruising flight. The turbojets were typically reserved for high-speed dashes over the target area or for takeoff. The 6th Wing conducted strategic bombardment training with this aircraft, undertaking deployments to Andersen AFB , Guam, from October 1955 to January 1956.

The gradual phase-out of the B-36 commenced in 1957, as the wing began receiving the advanced Boeing B-52 Stratofortress jet bomber. These new aircraft were operated by the wing’s existing squadrons. The final B-36 departed Walker AFB in 1958.

To ensure the air defense of the base, United States Army Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile sites were constructed in 1959 in the vicinity of Roswell (W-10) • 33°26′10″N 104°20′06″W / 33.43611°N 104.33500°W / 33.43611; -104.33500 and Hagerman (W-50) • 33°07′35″N 104°32′38″W / 33.12639°N 104.54389°W / 33.12639; -104.54389, New Mexico. The sites were selected and built, the battalion activated, batteries were assigned, and then the entire system was decommissioned. A considerable number of personnel were subsequently transferred to Omaha, Nebraska, to bolster the defenses of Offutt AFB .

In September 1959, the 24th and 30th Bombardment Squadrons were integrated into the newly assigned 4129th Combat Crew Training Squadron, focusing on training B-52 and KC-135 crews. The 40th Bombardment Squadron continued to fly operational missions until June 10, 1960. From June 10, 1960, to December 1, 1961, the wing engaged in a limited number of operational missions while in a non-combat ready status. The 40th Squadron returned to operational status on December 1, 1961. The other two bomb squadrons regained tactical status on September 5, 1963. The 39th Squadron was deactivated a few days later, but the 24th and 40th continued their global bombardment training through December 1966, at which point they began phasing down for inactivation.

The 6th Air Refueling Squadron , operating early-model KC-135 A aircraft, was stationed at Walker AFB from January 3, 1958. On February 3, 1960, a “short-tail” (lacking hydraulic-power-assisted rudder) KC-135A experienced a catastrophic crash during takeoff amidst strong and gusty crosswinds. The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control, coupled with an excessively early rotation at 5–10 knots, resulted in the aircraft settling onto the dirt apron of the runway. It subsequently shed two engines, traversed the aircraft parking area, and came to rest within an aircraft hangar. This singular incident led to the destruction of three KC-135 aircraft and the tragic loss of eight military personnel.

The wing was redesignated the 6th Strategic Aerospace Wing on May 1, 1962. On June 25, 1965, the 310th Air Refueling Squadron was attached to the wing. It operated KC-135A aircraft until the base’s closure, at which point the unit was relocated to Plattsburgh AFB , New York, on January 25, 1967.

579th Strategic Missile Squadron

In 1960, construction commenced on Atlas missile silos in the vicinity of Roswell. Reportedly, the initial Atlas missile to arrive in Roswell was greeted with a celebratory parade. On January 2, 1961, the 579th Strategic Missile Squadron was activated as part of the 6 BW at Walker AFB. New Mexico Governor Edwin L. Mechem delivered the keynote address at a Site 10 ceremony held on October 31, 1961, marking the official turnover of the first missile site to the Air Force.

While residents of Chaves County expressed patriotic pride at the news of the missile squadron’s arrival, Roswell citizens submitted ten permit requests for bomb shelters in October 1961 as construction progressed.

The 579th SMS received its first operational missile on January 24, 1962. In April 1962, a completed liquid oxygen plant, constructed at Walker AFB, was formally transferred to the Air Force. The squadron finalized missile installation approximately one month prior to the tense Cuban Missile Crisis .

Roswell’s missile sites gained a notorious reputation due to three separate missile explosions. On June 1, 1963, launch complex 579-1 was obliterated during a propellant loading exercise. On February 13, 1964, another explosion occurred during a similar propellant loading exercise, destroying launch complex 579-5. Tragically, just one month later, on March 9, 1964, silo 579-2 became the site of a third explosion during a propellant loading exercise.

It is important to note that these missiles were not mated with their warheads at the time of these incidents. The only reported injury was sustained by a crewman who ran into barbed wire while fleeing one of the sites.

The series of accidents at Walker AFB and other Atlas and Titan I sites accelerated the decision to inactivate these systems. On March 25, 1965, the 579 SMS was inactivated, and the Air Force proceeded to remove the missiles from their silos. After undergoing demilitarization, the former missile sites were returned to private ownership.

686th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron

Walker AFB was designated as a component of the planned deployment by Air Defense Command of forty-four mobile radar stations across the United States. This network was intended to supplement the permanent radar infrastructure established during the Cold War for the air defense of the nation. The projected operational date for this deployment was mid-1952. However, funding issues, continuous site modifications, construction delays, and challenges with equipment delivery collectively impeded the deployment schedule.

A temporary radar site, designated L-46, was activated at Walker AFB in 1950 to safeguard the base’s approaches. L-46 was situated within an old government housing building and operated with a complement of fewer than 100 personnel from the 120th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. The 120th AC&W Squadron comprised members of the federalized Arkansas Air National Guard , who had been called to active duty during the Korean War . This station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron’s crucial role was to guide interceptor aircraft towards unidentified airborne objects detected on the unit’s radar scopes.

Scheduled to receive a new radar system as part of the mobile radar program, this radar site continued to operate on a “lashup” basis into late 1952, utilizing an AN/TPS-1 B radar. A more permanent facility at Walker AFB became operational with the activation of the 686th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron on October 1, 1953. This unit replaced the federalized ANG unit, which was subsequently inactivated. The 686th Squadron consisted of approximately 150 officers and airmen.

The 686th AC&W Squadron operated AN/MPS-7 search and AN/MPS-14 height-finder radars.

In addition to the main facility, Walker AFB maintained several AN/FPS-14 Gap Filler sites:

Santa Rosa, NM (M-90B): 34°51′40″N 104°45′25″W / 34.86111°N 104.75694°W / 34.86111; -104.75694 (M-90B)
Sierra Blanca, TX (M-90E): 31°41′53″N 105°22′57″W / 31.69806°N 105.38250°W / 31.69806; -105.38250 (M-90E)

In March 1963, the Air Force issued orders to shut down the site. Operations officially ceased on August 1, 1963. Today, the cantonment area remains largely intact and is currently utilized by the physical plant crew of Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell (ENMU-R). The radar site itself is in a state of disrepair and abandonment, with refuse scattered around the buildings and the concrete road exhibiting significant cracking and deterioration.

Closure

In 1967, the Air Force officially announced the impending closure of Walker AFB. This decision was part of a broader initiative to close and consolidate stateside bases, a measure undertaken by the Department of Defense to manage the escalating financial burden of the Vietnam War within the budgetary constraints imposed by Congress. The 6th BW was redesignated as the 6th Strategic Wing and was subsequently relocated to Eielson AFB , Alaska .

Walker AFB was officially decommissioned on June 30, 1967. Since then, the site has undergone redevelopment by civil authorities and is now known as the Roswell International Air Center . Large numbers of out-of-service aircraft are presently stored on the parking ramps and disused taxiways/runways, awaiting refurbishment and sale. Furthermore, The Boeing Company utilizes RIAC for crucial braking performance testing of its aircraft, most recently involving the testing of BF Goodrich carbon brakes on the 737-900ER model. Similar brake testing was also conducted on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU ) has established a substantial campus on the western periphery of the former base. Despite this development, a significant portion of the base retains the distinct appearance and atmosphere of its former Air Force installation. Numerous former Air Force buildings, including aircraft hangars, maintenance shops, barracks, and administrative offices, have been repurposed for private commercial and industrial use. The extensive housing area also persists, with the former government housing units now under private ownership. A considerable number of buildings have been demolished or removed, leaving vast tracts of vacant land interspersed with streets, former parking lots, and concrete foundations.

In 2005, the base served as the venue for a clandestine Foo Fighters concert, commemorating the band’s tenth anniversary.

Previous names

Roswell Army Flying School, 1941–1942
Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF), 1942–1947
Roswell Air Force Base, 1947–1948
Walker Air Force Base, 1948–1967

Major commands to which assigned

West Coast Air Corps Training Center, 1941–1943
Western Flying Training Command, 1943–1945
Second Air Force , 1945–1946
Strategic Air Command , 1946–1967

Major units assigned

Roswell Army Flying School, 1941–1945
3030th AAF Base Unit , 1944-1945
509th Bombardment Group (Wing) , 1945–1958
468th Bombardment Group , 1946
33d Fighter Group (Wing) , 1947–1948
6th Bombardment (later Strategic Aerospace) Wing , 1951–1967
47th Air Division , 1951–1958
58th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (ADC), 1959–1960
22d Air Division , 1963–1965
579th Strategic Missile Squadron , 1961–1965

SM-65F Atlas Missile Sites

The 579th Strategic Missile Squadron maintained operational control over twelve missile sites, each housing a single missile.

579-1 (1962–1963)*, 0.8 miles NW of Acme, NM 33°35′52″N 104°20′27″W / 33.59778°N 104.34083°W / 33.59778; -104.34083 (579-1)
579-2 (1962–1964)*, 8.1 miles ENE of Acme, NM 33°38′27″N 104°12′10″W / 33.64083°N 104.20278°W / 33.64083; -104.20278 (579-2)
579-3, 16.1 miles ENE of Acme, NM 33°41′17″N 104°04′29″W / 33.68806°N 104.07472°W / 33.68806; -104.07472 (579-3)
579-4, 12.7 miles ENE of Rio Hondo, NM 33°25′31″N 104°11′17″W / 33.42528°N 104.18806°W / 33.42528; -104.18806 (579-4)
579-5 (1962–1964)*, 20.0 miles SE of Acme, NM 33°25′24″N 104°02′54″W / 33.42333°N 104.04833°W / 33.42333; -104.04833 (579-5)
579-6, 12.4 miles ESE of Hagerman, NM 33°04′24″N 104°07′12″W / 33.07333°N 104.12000°W / 33.07333; -104.12000 (579-6)
579-7, 4.2 miles E of Hagerman, NM 33°06′16″N 104°15′29″W / 33.10444°N 104.25806°W / 33.10444; -104.25806 (579-7)
579-8, 7.3 miles S of Hagerman, NM 33°00′15″N 104°20′22″W / 33.00417°N 104.33944°W / 33.00417; -104.33944 (579-8)
579-9, 2.5 miles ENE of Sunset, NM 33°21′17″N 105°02′07″W / 33.35472°N 105.03528°W / 33.35472; -105.03528 (579-9)
579-10, 11.2 miles E of Sunset, NM 33°22′21″N 104°52′59″W / 33.37250°N 104.88306°W / 33.37250; -104.88306 (579-10)
579-11, 6.2 miles W of Arroyo Macho del, NM 33°35′58″N 104°34′33″W / 33.59944°N 104.57583°W / 33.59944; -104.57583 (579-11)
579-12, 16.7 miles NW of Acme, NM 33°43′47″N 104°34′05″W / 33.72972°N 104.56806°W / 33.72972; -104.56806 (579-12)
Missile explosion destroyed site