During World War II NASGI was one of the largest primary flight training stations for Naval aviators, and RAF pilots.

Among the many thousands of Navy pilots who began their careers at NASGI is game show host Bob Barker.

[1] Former President George H. W. Bush finished his active Navy career at NASGI attached to Torpedo Squadron 153(VT-153).

[3][4] Though that was the official beginning, the air station traces its roots back to July 1925 when four US Naval reservists started an aviation unit near Detroit.

[16] During the depression money was hard to come by, but NRAB Grosse Ile, MI continued to grow, many of its reservist drilling without pay.

With no Coast Guard station nearby, the helicopters were a highly useful addition to NASGI, and were soon earning their keep performing rescue operations for stranded boaters on Lake Erie and along the Detroit River.

[35][36] There are still some signs of the old naval air station, with the former Hangar 1 now serving as the Township Hall and offices.

The original Curtiss-Wright flying school hangar still remains and is used to house civilian aircraft and a dance studio.

Even the original tin hangar floated down the Detroit River in 1927 still stands, though it's on land controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and not accessible to the public.