Savannah Air National Guard Base
Summary
Operating Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
Location | 🇺🇸 United States |
Status | ◉ Active |
Usage | Dual |
Year built | 1942 |
Operating Organization | US Air National Guard |
Units |
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Description
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, identified by IATA code SAV and ICAO code KSAV, is a commercial and military-use airport located in Savannah, Georgia. The site's military history began in 1942 when the U.S. Army Air Corps took over the newly constructed airfield, naming it Chatham Field, and utilized it as a bomber and crew training base during World War II. In 1948, the facility was transferred to the Georgia Air National Guard and renamed Travis Field in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis. The airport saw significant upgrades over the decades, including runway extensions and new terminal buildings in 1958 and 1994. It was renamed Savannah International Airport in 1983 and then Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in 2003. The airport covers 3,650 acres and has two concrete runways: 10/28 measuring 9,351 feet and 01/19 measuring 7,002 feet. A notable feature is the presence of two concrete grave markers within Runway 10, belonging to the property's original owners, which were left undisturbed during construction. The airport is also home to Savannah Air National Guard Base, where the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard is stationed, operating C-130H Hercules tactical airlift aircraft. The 165 AW also includes the collocated Georgia ANG Combat Readiness Training Center and Air Dominance Center. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. Future expansion plans include additional TSA security lanes and four new gates.