Scott Air Force Base, Military air base in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States
Scott Air Force Base is a military air facility in St. Clair County, Illinois, covering more than 1450 hectares with two runways. The longer strip measures over 10500 feet (3200 meters) and serves both military and civilian aircraft through MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
The facility opened in 1917 as Scott Field, named after Corporal Frank S. Scott who died in an aircraft crash. More than 300 pilots trained here during World War I before the site later expanded.
The Air Mobility Command headquarters operates from this location, coordinating worldwide military airlift from this central point. Personnel live partly in residential neighborhoods on the grounds, while others reside in surrounding communities.
A light rail station connects the grounds to downtown St. Louis, making access easier for authorized personnel. Several bus lines also run through the area, serving both military and civilian workers.
The facility has operated as a joint-use installation since 1997, sharing its infrastructure with the civilian MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. This model allows commercial flights and military operations to function from the same grounds.
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