Before the iconic LaGuardia and JFK airports became synonymous with New York’s air traffic, a modest airstrip in Brooklyn carried the city’s aviation ambitions. Opened in 1931, Floyd Bennett Field was the first dedicated airport in New York City and laid the groundwork for modern aviation. Though it eventually ceded its primacy to larger commercial hubs, its legacy—especially during World War II—remains indelible.
From Civil Airfield to Strategic Naval Base
When the war in Europe intensified in 1941, the U.S. Navy recognized Floyd Bennett Field’s strategic value and seized the property. Although the United States had not yet entered the war, the Navy immediately began using the site for training ground crews and pilots. The field’s location—just a short flight from the Atlantic—made it an ideal launch point for units that would soon be pivotal in protecting Allied convoys across the ocean.
After the U.S. formally entered the conflict, Floyd Bennett Field became the launchpad for anti‑submarine patrols. Aircraft taking off from the field were tasked with guarding American and British convoys as they crossed the Atlantic, confronting the relentless threat posed by German U‑boats. The base’s presence helped to tilt the balance in the Allies’ favor by providing a reliable aerial shield over the sea lanes that were vital for supplies and troops.
The PBY Catalina: Flying Artillery of the Allies
Among the most iconic aircraft stationed at Floyd Bennett Field was the PBY Catalina—a versatile seaplane that earned the nickname “Flying Artillery.” The Catalina’s combination of endurance, firepower, and versatility made it a linchpin in the Allies’ anti‑submarine campaign.
- Firepower: Equipped with four machine guns for both defense and attack.
- Payload: Capable
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