In May 1944, the recently improved field was provided to the United States Army Air Forces for use by American aircraft operating in support of the shuttle bombing program.

Unlike the other two such bases (Myrhorod and Poltava), Piryatin was designated for use by fighter aircraft due to the limitations of the field.

It was used by the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces for shuttle bombing missions (Operation Frantic) from June 1944 through September 1944.

Piriatyn was one of three Ukraine installations operated by Headquarters, Eastern Command, United States Strategic Air Forces Aircraft, predominantly P-51s and P-38s, would fly into the field from either Great Britain or Southern Italy after attacking enemy targets in Eastern Europe.

The aircraft would refuel and rearm at the airport, then attack enemy targets on return missions to Southern Italy.