This Central Florida Base, which started as a secondary field for Orlando
Army Air Field in 1942, has evolved from its wartime role of research and development, to
its present day status as a two-edged sword in the defense scheme of our nation.
Since its beginning when it was known as Orlando Army Air Field Number Two, it has had
two other designations. Pinecastle Army Airfield, when B-17 Flying Fortresses roamed its
ramps, developing strategic bombing techniques that led to final victory in World War II,
and then in the past-war era . . . Pinecastle Air Force Base, when it sported B-29’s
and P-80 jet fighters. In 1946 with total demobilization, the base was deactivated. Then
came the Korean War, and in April
1952 Pinecastle AFB was
re-activated under the Air Training Command. Its schools turned out a steady stream of jet
pilot instructors and fighter pilots who saw service in Korea..
On the 15th of December, 1953, the 321st Bombardment Wing was activated here and the following spring on the 24th of May, Colonel Michael N. McCoy was appointed its commander. By June the 32lst was fully operational as a combat unit of the Strategic Air Command, and took over the installation from Training Command. One month later the 19th Bomb Wing joined the 321st and the two units came under the control of the 813th Air Division, commanded by Brigadier General Keith K. Compton. The 813th was subsequently deactivated in the summer of 1956 when the 19th Bomb Wing moved to Homestead Air Force Base near Miami, Florida, and the base again came under the control of Colonel Mcoy and the 321st.
The Second Strategic Support Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. Vernon Q. Mullin arrived in September 1956. This unit was equipped with the huge C-124 Globemasters. SAC’s long range transport aircraft. The Second Strategic Support Squadron remained at McCoy AFB until 15 June 1961 when it was in-activated.
In November 1957 the base was host to the medium bombers participating in the annual Stratigic Air Command Bombing Navigation and Reconnaissance Competition. An aircraft accident took the lives of Colonel McCoy, Group Captain John Woodroffe of the Royal Air Force, Lt. Col. Charles Joyce and Major Vernon Stuff during preparations for this event. Despite this tragedy, the 321st Bomb Wing, under the direction of its new commander, Colonel Robert W. Strong, Jr. Won the top honors of the meet, including the coveted Fairchild and McCoy trophies, distinguishing the 321st as the top B-47 Wing in SAC.
Another unit with distinction was assigned to McCoy AFB in November 1957. This was the 76th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, the modern descendants of the famous "Flying Tigers." The 76th FIS was commanded by Major Morris F. Wilson and flew the F-89 "Scorpion" all weather interceptors. On 1 February 1961 the fighter interceptor squadron was transferred to Westover AFB, Mass.
On May 7, 1958 this central Florida base was renamed McCoy Air Force Base in memory of the late Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy. Formal dedication ceremonies were held on 21 May 1958 in conjunction with a mammoth open house, during which an estimated 30,000 Floridians attended.
One of the largest single construction programs in the history of the base began on 5 August 1959. This was the Capehart housing project consisting of 668 family quarters for officers and airmen. The project cost approximately $11 million and was rated as the finest in the southeastern area. The last unit was completed in March 1961.
The first complete reorganization of the base since the activation of the 321st Bomb Wing began in the summer of 1961. A program got under way to convert the base from B-47’s to heavy B-52’s bombers. The 321st Bomb Wing began phasing out its operations in June 1961. On 1 July 1961 the 4047th Strategic Wing (Heavy) was designated and organized. Its first commander was Lt. Col. Francis S. Holmes, Jr.
In August 1961 the first B-52’s were assigned to the new wing, and on 1 September 1961 the 347th Bomb Squadron was re-assigned from Westover AFB to McCoy AFB to fly the heavy bombers. On 15 September the 321st Combat Support Group was organized. Also, on that same date, Colonel William G. Walker, Jr. assumed command of the 4047th Strategic Wing.
The 321st Bomb Wing was discontinued on 25 October 1961, ending almost eight years of active service as one of SAC’s deterrent forces, Lieutenant Colonel Harry F. Baker was commander of the 321st when it was inactivated.
The newest addition to the SAC family at McCoy AFB is the 306th Air Refueling Squadron which will be transferred to this base from the 306th Bomb Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida in the summer of 1962. Its huge KC-135 flying "service stations" are capable of transferring thousands of pounds of fuel to a bomber in a short period of time, enabling SAC’s strike aircraft to remain airborne for indefinite periods of time.
The history of McCoy is a colorful and an eventful one. However, the base is not resting on its laurels or reminiscing about the past. It is keeping a watchful eye on the future and will bear the burden of its important mission with pride, devotion and efficiency. The mission? . . . . stand as one of SAC’s sentinels of peace and maintain a powerful deterrent force against any would-be aggressors. This is indeed a proud role in the overall defense of our nation and way of life.
...McCoy AFB, Directory and Guide, circa 1961
306th BW (McCoy) Reunion Organization. All rights reserved. This page last updated: 30 Apr 2005