Lawson Army Airfield

Lawson Army Airfield is located at Fort Benning in Chattahoochee County, Georgia, south of Columbus. The United States Army established the site in 1918 as a camp for the Infantry School of Arms, adding a landing field for balloon observations in 1919. The facility became a permanent Army post in 1922 and was named in honor of Captain Walter R. Lawson in 1931.

Initial aviation operations included Flight B of the 16th Observation Squadron, which arrived in 1931 operating Douglas O-25 aircraft. The airfield became a separate Army Airfield under the Army Air Corps in 1940. During this period, it hosted the 16th Reconnaissance Squadron, the 97th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and the 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light). During World War II, the Army expanded the infrastructure with barracks and parking aprons. In 1942, the installation was transferred to the I Troop Carrier Command, hosting units including the 316th, 314th, 63d, 10th, and 438th Troop Carrier Groups. These units primarily operated C-47 aircraft.

In 1947, the facility was designated Lawson Air Force Base following the establishment of the United States Air Force. Post-war units included the 434th Troop Carrier Wing, operating C-46 Commandos, and the 464th Troop Carrier Wing, operating C-119 Flying Boxcars. The Air Force transferred the installation back to the Army in 1954, after which it was designated Lawson Army Airfield.

The airfield is operated by the United States Army and functions as the force projection platform for Fort Benning. Stationed aviation assets support the Infantry School and other tenant units. Infrastructure includes an asphalt runway, hangars, and support facilities. The runway was expanded in 1965 to accommodate large jet transports.