Gerstner Field

Gerstner Field was an aviation training facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana, containing 24 aircraft hangars, 12 barracks, and 12 officer buildings along with numerous other structures. The infrastructure supported large-scale training operations with all essential facilities for flight operations.

The United States Army established this training base in 1917 as part of the national World War I effort and operated it until 1919. The brief operational period was crucial for developing early military aviation techniques.

The site represented Lake Charles's shift from traditional transportation to modern aviation, bringing military aircraft into the community's experience. This transformation shaped how local people understood technological progress and military presence in their region.

A historical marker stands at the intersection of Highway 27 and Old Camp Road to mark the site of the former facility. The location is easily accessible via these roads and today the marker is the main point identifying this former military site.

The facility pioneered aerial gunnery training using floating targets and operated Louisiana's first flight ambulance service. These two innovations made the base a leader in developing specialized aviation techniques and emergency response methods.

Location: Louisiana

Inception: 1918

GPS coordinates: 30.11580,-93.08000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44