Isla Grande Naval Air Station
| Type | 29 Air Base | |
| Historical Name of Location | San Juan, Puerto Rico | |
| Coordinates | 18.456667000, -66.098333000 |
Contributor: C. Peter Chen
ww2dbaseSan Juan Bay in Puerto Rico was an excellent harbor, and prior to WW2 that location was recommended for a large naval base. Approval was granted by the United States Congress in 1939, and funding was provided in 1940. Isla Grande, the location selected for the eventual Naval Air Station at San Juan Bay, had the size of 340 acres. The site already had an airstrip previously used by Pan American Airlines; it was re-surfaced with asphalt and extended to the size of 5,400-foot by 500-foot. A secondary 2,300-foot by 150-foot was built. Additionally, two steel aircraft hangars, one utility hangar, one engine overhaul shop, four seaplane ramps with connecting bulkhead, asphalt parking areas, a 450-foot concrete tender pier, and other structures were built. After the war, the facility's role shifted to become a dual military-civilian airfield; in this role, it served as San Juan's main international airport until 1954. In 1971, US Coast Guard Air Station San Juan at the Isla Grande site was relocated to Ramey Air Force Base further to the west on the island of Puerto Rico. It remained a civilian airport through the time of this writing in 2017.
ww2dbaseSources:
US Department of the Navy, Building the Navy's Bases in World War II: History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks
Wikipedia
Last Major Update: Jan 2018
Isla Grande Naval Air Station Interactive Map
Photographs
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Isla Grande Naval Air Station Timeline
| 1 May 1940 | The US Navy established the Naval Air Station Isla Grande in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a part of the Tenth Naval District. The first commanding officer of the base was Captain Virgil C. Griffin, Jr. |
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Visitor Submitted Comments
9 Feb 2023 07:39:28 AM
The old powderhouse, which became the Navy chapel, is still there; however, it has been seriously vandalized over the past 10 years. It stood intact and in good condition since 1776, but now it is in ruins.
6 May 2024 03:22:33 PM
My father was also stationed at the San Juan Naval Base from the mid 50’s through 1966. He was a musician in the Navy Steel Band. I was born in Old San Juan in 1960 and lived in San Patricio Navy housing until we moved to Virginia in 1966. I understand that San Patricio is now a park. I’m going back this June to visit the island for the first time since leaving as a child.
20 Jul 2024 01:17:48 PM
I'm a local puertorrican. Chapel still there. Is a little out of reach because of vegetation. Some old base buildings, hangars are still there. some abandoned and others used as warehouses.
19 Sep 2024 12:45:20 PM
My stepdad was Captain John M Watson USNavy. He retired I believe in 1966 and became distribution manager for the exchange system. I spent a lot of time on this base and worked as a bag boy in the commissary. It was called Food Circus. I recall subs and seaplanes there. I would love to go back and visit. My mom and stepdad were married in that chapel. The exchange was in one of the large old warehouses and even sold Honda motorcycles from mini to full size. I went to Antilles Middle School on Fort Buchanan in the old barracks buildings. I want to return and explore but it looks like not much is left.
All visitor submitted comments are opinions of those making the submissions and do not reflect views of WW2DB.
| WW2-Era Place Name | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Lat/Long | 18.4567, -66.0983 |
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31 Jan 2023 04:11:09 PM
In the mid 50's my father, Terrence W Banks (Final Rank Chief) was stationed at what I thought was called Navel Station San Juan. We were able to join him for 56 and 57 and lived in San Patricio. I went to school and church at the Navel Station. I remember the school, church, chapel, PX and touring the USS Canberra. It appears from what I can find online that the Isla Grande Navel Air Station is what I thought was called Navel Station San Juan and was closed in 1971. What is left? I assume that the chapel would still be there. We will be coming to Puerto Rico this summer and I would like to view memories from my childhood (age 6 and 7). I also would like to see San Patricio if it is still there and Ft Buchanan (which I just learned was NOT named for President Buchanan). Is it possible to get into an active base? Please send any info you think would be helpful to me. Thanks a lot.