The airport was constructed during
World War II, and was used as a bomber and communications base for many years. Known World War II
United States Army Air Forces Fifth Air Force units assigned to Iron Range Airport were: •
22d Bombardment Group, (29 September 1942 – 4 February 1943) :
19th Bombardment Squadron, (15 September 1942 – 4 February 1943)
B-26 Marauder :
33d Bombardment Squadron, (29 September 1942 – 4 February 1943)
B-26 Marauder •
90th Bombardment Group, (November 1942 – February 1943) (Headquarters) •
64th Bombardment Squadron (
43d Bombardment Group), (12 October – 8 November 1942)
B-17 Flying Fortress •
65th Bombardment Squadron (43d Bombardment Group), (13 October – 7 November 1942)
B-17 Flying Fortress •
403d Bombardment Squadron (43d Bombardment Group), (17 October – 23 November 1942)
B-17 Flying Fortress In addition, the 479th Service Squadron provided supplies for the B-26 and B-17s assigned to the airport, as well as operating a repair and maintenance depot for
B-24 Liberator aircraft. ==Airlines and destinations==