National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Gateway National Recreation AreaJamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge - West Pond
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Gateway National Recreation Area
Floyd Bennett Field
 
nasnytbftakingoffforthumbnailweb

Floyd Bennett Field was opened as New York City's first municipal airport on May 23, 1931. Throughout the 1930's, it was the site of many important first and record breaking flights, which helped to advance aviation technology during the "Golden Age of Aviation."

In 1941, Floyd Bennett Field was sold to the United States Navy and became Naval Air Station-New York. During World War II, Floyd Bennett Field was the busiest naval air station in the United States. The field was used for training and antisubmarine patrol flights. It was also the home of the Naval Air Ferry Command which was responsible for the acceptance, commissioning, and ferrying of naval aircraft from the factories to the fleet.

For a more detailed history of Floyd Bennett Field, Click here.

Floyd Bennett Field is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

View the National Register Nomination for Floyd Bennett Field Historic District.

The National Register of Historic Places has made the site part of its "Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms." Travel Itinerary. To view this information, click here.

Floyd Bennett Field has a "Teaching with Historic Places Lesson Plan". Click here to learn more.

Floyd Bennett Field Historic Structures Report, Volume 1

Floyd Bennett Field Historic Structures Report Volume 2

View The Administration Building, (Ryan Center) Historic Structures Report.

Riis Park in 1940.
Jacob Riis Park
Learn more about NAS Rockaway and Jacob Riis Park
more...
Fort Tilden's Battery Harris
Fort Tilden
Learn more about Fort Tilden
more...
Aeiral view of the eastern portion of Jamaica Bay  

Did You Know?
At approximately 32 square miles and over 13000 acres, Jamaica Bay is the largest natural open space in New York City.

Last Updated: November 02, 2009 at 00:36 EST