There was a question a few weeks back about the origin of the Hattiesburg airport (Bobby Chain airport). I found an article from the Hattiesburg Historical Society that tells the full story. Flags and bunting decorated city buildings and the Masonic Temple, where local clubs hosted a joint civic luncheon for 400 guests, civic leaders, and members. After lunch the Woodmen of the World band led a procession to the airport. Boy Scouts posted the colors and Admiral Magruder, ignoring a quickly passing shower, gave the principal address praising Hattiesburg for its progressiveness. Dozens of private, commercial, and military airplanes (including planes from the Naval Station in Pensacola) participated in the races and airshow. Hundreds of visitors and thousands of local spectators at the field and in the downtown streets enjoyed the day-long celebration. For a time during World War II when additional bases were needed for the U.S. Army Air Corps, a lease agreement allowed the civil airport to be used as Hattiesburg Army Airfield. The first mission was antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico. Activities phased down in 1945, and full civil control was returned in 1946. Although commercial airline service moved to the Hattiesburg- Laurel Regional Airport in 1974, the municipal airport is still there and playing a vital role serving the needs of the Hattiesburg area. In 1980s the facility was renamed the Bobby Lee Chain Municipal Airport. The hanger built in 1930 serves as the maintenance building as of 2014.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:18:41 +0000
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