Santa Monica Airport Clover Field

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About Santa Monica Airport Clover Field

Santa Monica Airport, originally known as Clover Field, was established in 1923 as a military airfield for the United States Army Air Service. During its early years, Clover Field served as a base for the Army Reserve's 477th Pursuit Squadron and was instrumental in pilot training and aircraft testing. During World War II, the adjacent Douglas Aircraft Company ramped up production of military aircraft, making the airfield a vital hub for the delivery and testing of warplanes such as the C-47 Skytrain. Following the war, military operations at Clover Field decreased, and the airfield transitioned to civilian control, eventually becoming the Santa Monica Airport.

Unit Members

Joseph Lee

U.S. Coast Guard

Santa Monica Airport Clover FieldView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About Santa Monica Airport Clover Field

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins as Clover Field: Santa Monica Airport was originally known as Clover Field, named after World War I aviator 2nd Lt. Greayer "Grubby" Clover, who died in France in 1918. • Military Use in World War II: During WWII, Clover Field was requisitioned by the U.S. military and used for aircraft production, testing, and pilot training, making it a vital asset for the war effort. • Birthplace of the Douglas Aircraft Company: The adjacent Douglas Aircraft Company factory produced thousands of military aircraft, including the famous Douglas DC-3/C-47 "Skytrain" transport planes. • Historic First Flight: The prototype DC-3, one of the most influential aircraft in history, made its maiden flight from Clover Field on December 17, 1935. • Secret Operations: The airport and Douglas plant were camouflaged during WWII to resemble a suburban neighborhood from the air, hiding it from potential enemy bombers. • Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP): Female pilots, part of the WASP program, ferried military aircraft from Clover Field to bases across the country during the war. • Celebrity Pilots: Hollywood stars and pilots such as Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart were frequent visitors and users of Clover Field in its early years. • Postwar Transition: After WWII, the field returned to civilian use but remained a key part of the Southern California aerospace industry. • Presidential Visits: Several U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, visited Clover Field during its active years due to its strategic importance. • Legacy Today: While now a municipal airport, Santa Monica Airport (Clover Field) retains historic structures and commemorative plaques, preserving its military and aviation legacy.