Arming the Skies

Fairfield Air Depot at Patterson Field was one of the Army Air Forces’ largest logistics centers before and during World War II. The depot shipped supplies and equipment inside the continental U.S. and overseas by air, rail, and sea. Addressing maintenance issues for both evolving aircraft at Wright Field, and fielded aircraft at Patterson Field, the depot pioneered advances in maintenance that provided the foundation of the modern logistics systems of today.

Patterson Field also served as a training center for supply and maintenance skills. One of the most impressive efforts at the depot involved training teams of maintenance specialists, known as Air Depot Groups, to act as miniature depots and perform all applicable functions at remote locations. Other groups trained included service groups, depot repair squadrons, and in-house training of new personnel for Fairfield and other depots.

Patterson Field also cooperated with the Ohio Board of Vocational Education and other local boards of education to establish pre-service instructional classes for high school seniors, in administrative and maintenance skills. The first of these classes was offered at Springfield High School in March 1943, to prepare graduates for either duty in the military or civilian employment at Wright or Patterson Field.

Douglas C-39	C-39	German POW Mural in Building 280
Fairfield Operations Command Building	Patterson Field	Enlisted Mechanics

Last Update: 7 Jun 02