Quonset Point Air National Guard Station

Quonset Point Air National Guard Station is situated near North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States. The site was originally commissioned as Naval Air Station (NAS) Quonset Point on July 12, 1941, encompassing what was once Camp Dyer. It served as a major naval facility throughout World War II and into the Cold War. During its naval operation, it hosted various aviation squadrons, including land-based patrol squadrons (P-2 Neptune), carrier-based antisubmarine and airborne early warning squadrons (S-2 Tracker, E-1 Tracer, SH3D Sea King, A-1 Skyraider), and Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VX-6/VXE-6). NAS Quonset Point was also home to a major aircraft overhaul and repair facility (later Naval Air Rework Facility) and served as a homeport for several Essex class aircraft carriers. The naval air station was decommissioned on June 28, 1974.

Following the Navy's departure, a military presence was maintained as Quonset Point Air National Guard Station. It is the home base of the Rhode Island Air National Guard's 143rd Airlift Wing, an Air Mobility Command-gained unit, operating C-130J and C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft. The Rhode Island Army National Guard also operates an adjoining Army Aviation Support Facility for the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, utilizing UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The facility is now known as Quonset State Airport (KOQU/OQU), functioning as a public general aviation airport that shares its airfield with the Air National Guard and Army National Guard flying activities. It features two active runways, 16/34 and 5/23, both with asphalt surfaces.