First opening in April 1939, the airfield was used by the RAF before being lent to the United States Army Air Forces in 1942.

The closest SAR base under the new Bristow Helicopters contract is Lydd Airport in Kent.

[5] (making it the oldest serving member of Wattisham, having been there as a RAFGSA club when the RAF occupied).

[6] There is a museum on site which tells the history of the airfield and this is open on Sundays during April to October.

[8][9][10][11] 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team / Army Air Corps Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers