Naval Air Station Norfolk

Chambers Field Naval Station Norfolk
Air Force One landing at Chambers Field
IATA: NGU ICAO: KNGU FAA LID: NGU
Summary
Airport type	Naval Air Station
Operator	United States Navy
Location	Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Built	October 1917
In use	1917-present
Commander	CAPT Douglas J. Beaver - Base Commander CDR Ronald J. Kish - AMC Air Terminal Officer-in Charge
Occupants	Naval Air Force Atlantic Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic
Elevation AMSL	14.8 ft / 5 m
Coordinates	36°56.7′N 76°18.8′W / 36.9450°N 76.3133°W / 36.9450; -76.3133Coordinates: 36°56.7′N 76°18.8′W / 36.9450°N 76.3133°W / 36.9450; -76.3133
Runways
Direction Length Surface ft m 10/28 8,370 2,551 grooved asphalt
Source: AirNav

Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field (IATA: NGU, ICAO: KNGU, FAA LID: NGU), commonly known as just Chambers Field, is a military airport in Norfolk, Virginia that is a part of Naval Station Norfolk. It supports naval air forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean.

NAS Norfolk started its roots training aviators at Naval Air Detachment, Curtiss Field, Newport News, on May 19, 1917. Approximately five months later, with a staff increasing to five officers, three aviators, ten enlisted sailors and seven aircraft, the detachment was renamed Naval Air Detachment, Naval Operating Base, Hampton Roads. The aircraft, all seaplanes, were flown across the James River and moored to stakes in the water until canvas hangars were constructed. The new location offered sheltered water in an ice-free harbor, perfect for seaplane landings, good anchorage on the beach front, accessibility to supplies from Naval Station Norfolk and room for expansion. Its mission was to conduct anti-submarine patrols, train aviators and mechanics and run an experimental facility.

When the United States became involved in World War I, the size of the Navy's air component was rapidly expanded. In the 19 months of U. S. participation, a force of 6,716 officers and 30,693 enlisted served in naval aviation. The training of mechanics to support the aircraft began in January 1918 at the Norfolk detachment and the first patrol was conducted five months later. By then, the air detachment was recognized as one of the most important sources of trained naval aviators. In recognition of its importance, on August 27, 1918, the detachment became NAS Hampton Roads, a separate station under its own commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Patrick N. L. Bellinger.