In that year, the Navy permitted the Army to develop the field as a strategic base for medium bombers to counteract the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands.

Early in 1943, the Japanese threat in the Aleutians diminished and at the same time the Naval carrier program required additional training fields within reach of gunnery ranges in the Puget Sound area.

By August 14, 1945, Arlington was a well-balanced station equipped to support two light carrier air groups for either day or night operations.

The grassroots aviation presence at Arlington is very strong, rivaling that of many larger airports across the United States, including nearby Paine Field (KPAE).

Items specific to general aviation included in the 2002 Master Plan Update were additional T-hangars, a 100' by 1,000' (50' pavement / 50' turf) ultralight runway, and a compass rose.

A 124-acre (50 ha) business park was created on the west side of the airport in 2002 and includes offices, hangars, and light manufacturing.

[12] In April 2014, the airport saw the arrival of President Barack Obama in Marine One, the presidential helicopter, after flying from Paine Field in Everett.

[2] For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2015, the airport had 133,492 aircraft operations, an average of 365 per day: 98% general aviation, 2% air taxi and <1% military.