Reconnaissance and operational flights originated from Key West.

The next big event for NAS Key West was the Cuban Missile Crisis. World War II came to a close, but this time Key West remained active as a training facility. NAS Key West again expanded to support a wide variety of sea crafts and aircrafts that were used in the war effort. It was used as an operating and training base for fleet aircraft Squadrons. In 1940, the base was designated as a Naval Air Station. The buildings that had once adorned the island were destroyed or dismantled and relocated. NAS Key WestвЂ™s ready access to open sea lanes, ideal flying conditions made it the perfect year-round training facility.ДЄt the conclusion of World War I, NAS Key West rapidly lost activity.

In 1918, Key West saw its first class of student aviators arrive for seaplane training. By December, the Naval Air Base Key West was commissioned with LT Parker as first commanding officer. In September of the same year, the first Naval flight departed from Key West. In July, ground was broken for the Trumbo Point Annex, which would become the site for the Marine Corrison Facility. fleet, and to prevent German ships from reaching oil supplies in Mexico.ДЎ917 was a big year for NAS Key West. Its mission was to supply oil to the U.S. World War I saw another expansion of the base at Key West. During the Spanish-American war, the United States Atlantic Fleet was stationed at Key West. The base grew during the Mexican-American and Spanish-American Wars. Famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain William Kidd, were drawn to Key West because of the wealthy shipping merchants based in the warm waters there. The United States Navy established its presence in Key West in 1832. NAS Key West is notable for its rich history, supreme flying weather, and excellent location for marine pursuits. Naval Air Station Key West (NAS Key West) is one of many Naval Air Stations located throughout the United States.

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