Fleming Island Navy Outlying Field, Then and Now

[RMHoward]

Fleming Island Naval Outlying Field, one of many outlying fields around Northeast Florida used to train countless student pilots.   The came from NAS Jax, NAAS Cecil Field and NAAS Green Cove Springs to practice take-offs, landings, and carrier qualifications.  One of the runways for FLOLF is within a few hundred yards of my home.  From following pictures, not much had changed through 1999.  Then, progress caught up with it.  

FLOLF 1943 high altitude.  


FLOLF 1943 with 5 aircraft visible on airfield (see following pics)


FLOLF 1943 2 planes visible


FLOLF 1943 2 or 3 planes visible toward center of picture


FLOLF 1 plane visible


FLOLF 1953 Almost looks as though pavement has been removed.  More likely covered with sand/dirt.  Note small building.


FLOLF 1999


FLOLF 2007  All gone


Overlay of 1943 image over 2008 Google Earth image using existing roads, drainage ditches for reference.  Interesting how two runways intersected immediately in front of Thunderbolt Elementary School.