Naval Air Station Oceana, Military aviation facility in Virginia Beach, United States
Naval Air Station Oceana is a naval air station in Virginia Beach on the East Coast of the United States, serving as the main base for F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. The facility covers roughly 9.2 square miles (24 square kilometers) with several parallel runways, hangars, and maintenance buildings for supersonic aircraft.
The base was built between 1941 and 1943 as a training ground for naval pilots during World War II and quickly grew from a small facility into one of the most important air stations on the East Coast. After the war it remained active and was converted into a master jet base with the arrival of jet fighter technology.
The name Apollo Soucek Field honors a Navy record-setting pilot from the 1930s whose altitude flights changed aviation. Military families live in housing neighborhoods near the runways and have woven the roar of launching jets into their daily routines.
As an active military base, access for the public is highly restricted except during special events such as the annual air show. Visitors should observe photography and security restrictions and bring identification if cleared for an event.
The airfield was a backup landing strip for NASA space shuttles until 2011 and appeared on emergency contingency lists after rocket launches. Near the runways stands a small museum with restored aircraft that trace the history of naval aviation.
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