They were used during World War I as part of the Second Air Instructional Center (2d AIC), American Expeditionary Forces for training United States airmen prior to being sent into combat.

The airfield complex is located about three miles northwest of the city of Tours, Department of Indre-et-Loire, on the main road to Vendome.

[1] Tours initially was established by the French Aeronautique Militaire as a training school for pilots prior to the United States entry into World War I.

Ten members were ordered to Paris to receive ground commissions while the balance were sent to Tours for flying training.

However, owing to a limited number of personnel available, the French retained overall control of the school until the end of the war in November 1918.

The rivalry between cadets was intense, for the honor at stake was that of being the first pilot of the Air Service to be breveted in France.

[1] On 1 November 1918, a transfer ceremony was held which turned over control of the school to the AEF, however, it was necessary to retain French instruction personnel.

[1] Additional buildings were constructed during the summer of 1918 included 23 barracks, 3 maintenance shops, 10 warehouses and 3 hangars.

Aircraft included 9 Caudrons, 10 Niewports, 12 Salmsons, 43 Breguets, 47 de Havilland 4s, 25 Sopwiths, and 4 Spad XIIIs.