Altus Air Force Base History

Activated as a multi-engine flight training school in 1943, Altus AFB has been the cornerstone of southwestern Oklahoma for over 60 years. With an average of over 300 days of weather conducive to flying each year, a generally flat landscape and few obstructions, the base was then, and is still, ideally situated for young airmen to hone their flying

A brief look at the Mighty 97th

A Brief Look at the Mighty 97th 3 February 1942 - The War Department activated the 97th Bombardment Group at MacDill Field, Florida.March - May 1942 - The Group trains with the B-17 Flying Fortress for combat operations, flying anti-submarine patrols of the Florida coast.13 June 1942 - The Group arrives at Polebrook, England with the first American

Altus Air Force Base

Altus Air Force Base - Born out of the cotton fields of southwestern Oklahoma, Altus Air Force Base first became home to military aircraft and personnel in 1943. With an average of over 300 days of weather favorable to flying each year, a generally flat landscape and few obstructions, the base was then and is still, ideally situated to be a perfect