began in
1926 when
Harold Frederick Pitcairn constructed a
Hangar and a grass airstrip in
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania .
From 1926 to 1942 he used the airfield for design, development, construction and testing of a number of aircraft, including the
Mailwing which was put into use by the
United States Postal Service .
After the start of
World War II , the
United States purchased the grounds, and launched a classified
Anti-submarine Warfare program at the base.
Following the war it became a reserve training station, a duty it continues to this day. As part of its joint recruitment efforts, the base is an annual host to one of the largest
Airshows on the East Coast.
Today Willow Grove is home to the
111th Fighter Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 49 And Navy Fleet Logistic Squadrons 52 And 64. .
On
May 28 2006 , the
Base Realignment And Closure commission recommended that this base be closed. This may be subject to change by the
President Of The United States and the
United States Congress .
