The Making of Eagle Field
Eagle Field Museum - History
The Making of Eagle Field
Eagle Field was founded in 1942 as a U.S. Army Air Field and primary pilot training school for American pilots. A broad, flat stretch of desert land 10 miles south of Dos Palos was selected, and construction began immediately following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 12, 1942
On May 4th, 1942, Captain Richard L. Ault, the Commanding Officer of the detachment, made the first landing at Eagle Field.
The first official inspection also took place while the construction continued. Buildings such as gatehouses and hangars began to take shape on the site.
Construction of Eagle Field continues, driven by the dedicated efforts of various subcontractors on site. Follow the step-by-step journey of the main hangar floor installation as it takes shape. Each stage marks a tangible step forward in the making of this historic airfield.
On May 20th, 1942, workers laid the first roofing and raised the flagpole — a symbol of the site’s growing spirit and purpose. Construction of new facilities such as kitchens, a recreation building, and a vital water supply line started to take place. This rare footage captures more than just construction — it reveals the determination, skill, and care of those who shaped what would become a lasting piece of history.
From late May to early June, 1942, several important and carefully executed steps were taken in the underground construction of Eagle Field. Underground piping was laid, and pumps were set for the wells, which successfully drew water at this remote location. The dedication and careful work by the skilled workers at Eagle Field are well captured in this footage.
Enjoy the panoramic view of historic Eagle Field, captured here at a pivotal moment in its creation. The expansion was still underway, but the air buzzed with anticipation. On June 15, 1942, the first training aircraft arrived from the Ryan factory - Ryan PT-22 Recruits - marking the beginning of Eagle Field’s proud legacy as a World War II pilot training base.
Even before construction was completed, the first Army cadets arrived by train in June 1942, stepping off at the South Dos Palos station. From there, they were transported to the base on a tram that had originally been used at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island. The same morning, Major Malcolm made an unofficial inspection, arriving in a P-35 Seversky, and was greeted by Harry White and Captain Richard Ault.
On June 2, 1942, the first trainer plane rumbled down the Eagle Field runway and lifted into the sky. Months of dedication and hard work by skilled hands had reshaped the land, transforming Eagle Field into a bustling training ground where new pilots now learned to fly for the Army Air Forces.
We have been following the step-by-step journey of bringing Eagle Field to life. After months of dedicated and skilled work, Eagle Field now stands nearly complete. With the coastal mountains in the background, heritage buildings—including the hangars, school, recreation hall, hospital, and more—are fully constructed. It’s moving to see these spaces as they were once used by so many people, giving a glimpse into everyday life on the base. This marks the beginning of Eagle Field’s story, the training ground that graduated more than 5,000 pilots during World War II.
180 days after the ceremony on March 12, 1942, construction of the facilities was completed. and the site became fully operational. In this rare footage, panoramic and aerial views reveal the enormous scale of this remote location, built with professionalism and dedication by numerous skilled workers. Cadets march and aircraft soar above the runway, which remains at Eagle Field today.
Eagle Field's heritage endures, opening a path to a bright future. The transformation and legacy of Eagle Field continue, as it serves as a private airfield and testing site for new technologies.