Also known as Big Delta Airfield, this facility was built and named in 1942. Fun fact, Fort Greely was built after the airfield was already established and in use.
My workplace for two years. I’ve swept it, walked the rafters under the roof, avoided the bear in the dark and been kissed in this building. Allen Army Airfield was my introduction to helicopters and other small aircraft that landed there. Sometimes a quick stop to refuel, other times a rare drop off of civilians. Didn’t happen often, was notable when it did. Allen Army Airfield was rated for larger aircraft, yet helicopters were the craft tucked away under the vast blue siding. UH60’s (Hueys) mostly.
My first Kiowa flight launched from Allen Army Airfield. I remember my supervisor being jealous, as he had always wanted to ride in a Kiowa. They are very small aircraft (pictured below), with only room for the pilot and one passenger, right up front. The flight was from Fort Greely to Eielson AFB, for some sample testing. A ride in the front seat of a helicopter, over the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, is as gorgeous and memorable as one would think it is.
Kiowa Warrior Attack Helicopter.
Kiowa Warrior Attack Helicopter Photo Credit:
“120229-Z-NI803-501” by Matt Hecht is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/?ref=openverse.
Allen Army Airfield history is my history. I earned my military CDL by driving a fuel tanker on the back runway of the airfield, in the winter, on ice. Another indelible memory. The Army was my first full-time job, and that airfield was my first long term workplace. I shake my head thinking how many years ago that was.
Thank you for reading.
You can read about me then: https://ftgreelymemories.com/about-ft-greely-memories/, or see what I am up to now; visit my youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@8thcelisabeth
~The End
