During
World War II, the airfield was constructed and used by the
Third Air Force of the
United States Army Air Forces for training. Developed on ,
Perry Army Airfield became operational on 9 June 1943 as a sub-base to
Dale Mabry Army Airfield in Tallahassee, Florida under the authority of the
338th Fighter Group of the
Third Air Force. Perry AAF was a replacement training unit, hosting the
312th and
441st Fighter Squadrons. Pilots received their final training in
P-40 Warhawks,
P-47 Thunderbolts, and
P-51 Mustangs at Perry AAF prior to joining operational units in the European or Pacific theaters. With the close of hostilities, the last military pilots left Perry AAF in September 1945. The airfield was subsequently deeded to Taylor County by the War Assets Administration in April 1947, and the field reverted to civilian aviation purposes. It has been used as a general aviation airfield ever since. ==See also==