The airfield was originally built in the Second World War for the RAF but when Luftwaffe tactics changed, it was surplus to requirements so command of the station was given to the Royal Navy in 1942.

Fairey Aviation used two large A1 (aircraft production) hangars on the northeast edge of the airfield for the modification, repair and flight-testing of Barracudas, Fireflies and Fulmars before they were dispatched to their operational squadrons.

The Manchester branch of the Fleet Air Arm Association continue to celebrate the life of Anne McCormick in the annual remembrance service held at St Cross Church in June.

There are a total of 11 'war graves' in St Cross churchyard, of personnel from HMS Blackcap, including those of two Free Dutch Naval Officers serving in the Fleet Air Arm.

One notable incident included an Attacker FB Mk.1, WA535 which crashed on 5 February 1953 near Winwick, killing Commissioned Pilot RE Collingwood (aged 22).

A second fatal accident took place on 10 November 1955 in an Attacker FB Mk2 WP281 172ST which crashed near RNAS Stretton while avoiding a collision with a Percival Sea Prince.