US restores military airfield dating back to World War II

The US Marine Corps has reopened the Camp Davis airfield, which was closed to aircraft in 1946.

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The airfield was recently upgraded for $28 million, making it possible to create another training centre for Marine aviators.

The upgraded runway now functions as a multi-purpose remote landing site capable of accommodating all types of Marine Corps aircraft. These include the KC-130 Hercules transport aircraft, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the MV-22 Osprey convertible and various types of helicopters. In addition, the airfield can handle C-17 heavy aircraft of the US Air Force.

"Air and ground forces across the region will be able to use this runway to conduct a full range of training capabilities in preparation for missions around the world, including simulated harsh airfield conditions combined with expeditionary extended base operations," said Colonel Ralph J. Rizzo Jr.

The airfield is used primarily for training purposes and no aircraft are based there, with minimal infrastructure. The runway is 1,097 metres long and consists of an asphalt surface. It is also equipped with concrete turnarounds at each end for vertical take-offs and landings. The total area of the airfield is 275 hectares.

During the 18-month refurbishment, the entire old runway was dismantled, raised and resurfaced with three layers of stone, gravel and asphalt.

Source: MARINES