Veterans Memorial Park of Northeast Michigan

Wurtsmith Air Force Base

1923-1993

After visiting the Oscoda area on a fishing trip in 1923, pilots from Selfridge Army Air Field proposed an airfield near Van Ettan Lake. Townspeople, still rebuilding after the disastrous 1911 fire, eagerly accepted the idea and raised $600 to clear 40 acres of land. They called it the Loud Reames Aviation Field in honor of two local heros who had died in airplane crashes in late 1924, it was officially named Camp Skeel in memory of Captain Burt Skeel. Until 1940, units of The First Pursuit Group, based at Selfridge used Camp Skeel for gunnery practice and winter maneuvers, landing on the frozen lake in ski equipped aircraft.

During World War II, the camp, then named Oscoda Army Air Field, served as a bombing and aerial gunnery training site for a number of squadrons. In 1943, the famous all black 100th Pursuit Squadron was temporarily stationed here, and in 1944 many Free French received training at Oscoda. In 1944, Oscoda Air Field became an independent base, rather than a sub-base of Selfridge Field. After the war, in 1945, the base was closed.

In 1948, Selfridge fighter squadrons began using the field for air to air gunnery training, and by 1950 Oscoda Air Force Base was again used year round. During the Korean Conflict the 63rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron from Selfridge moved to Oscoda AFB, flying F-86 Sabre jets. On July 4, 1953, the base was renamed Wurtsmith Air Force Base in memory of Detroit native, Major General Paul B. Wurtsmith.

The Strategic Air Command took over and expanded the base in 1960, bringing in the 379th Bombardment Wing with B-52H Stratofortresses and KC 135A Stratotankers. For thirty years the 379th maintained a strategic alert status at Wurtsmith AFB. Besides serving in their primary role as a deterrent to nuclear war during the cold war period, they participated in the early 1990’s. During the Gulf War, loaded B-52’s left wurthsmith and with the aid of mid-air refueling, flew non-stop to Iraq and dropped their bombs before landing in Saudi Arabia. On June 30, 1993, due to the end of the cold war, the development of new weapons, and military downsizing, Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. Then, as before, the Oscoda area townspeople eagerly accepted their task and soon Wurtsmith was being converted from a military installation into a productive civilian center. Dedicated to and in honor of the men and women who defend our country and kept the peace while serving here.

August 8, 1998