England Air Force Base, 1942-1992 United States Air Force base near Alexandria, Louisiana, USA
England Air Force Base is a repurposed military facility in Rapides Parish near Alexandria. After closure in 1992, the former airfield with its two runways became Alexandria International Airport and now includes office buildings, warehouses, a golf course, hotels, and residential units spread across the large grounds.
The site started in 1939 as a backup airstrip and grew in 1942 to become Alexandria Army Air Base, where B-17 crews trained during World War II. After reactivation during the Korean War, it was renamed in 1955 to honor pilot Lt. Col. John B. England, who led a bomber squadron there.
Today the site functions as a business and transportation hub that has moved beyond its military roots. Visitors can explore the Flying Tigers Heritage Park near the former main gate, where historic aircraft like the F-86 Sabre and A-10 Warthog are displayed to honor the airmen who served there.
The grounds are expansive and located near Alexandria with good access to highways, rail, and water routes. Visitors should know that parts remain on the large airport property, so there is considerable space to explore depending on where access is allowed.
The Flying Tigers Heritage Park displays rarely seen aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief, a Vietnam War-era fighter that is uncommon to find in public displays. The collection shows the specialized machines that operated from this base during different periods of conflict.
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