| Scene in the control tower, overlooking a seaplane ramp, Naval Air Station (NAS), Norfolk, Virginia, circa 1944-45. 1 of those present is a WAVE. Planes on the ramp are Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes. The “Naval Air Detachment, Naval Operating Base, Hampton Roads” was established in 1917. Seaplanes were flown across the James River and moored to stakes in the water until canvas hangars were constructed. The new seaplane ramp location at Breezy Point offered proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and an ice-free harbor with good anchorage and room for expansion. During World War I, the station trained aircraft mechanics, ran antisubmarine patrols, and ran an experimental facility. On July 12, 1921, the name was changed from NAS Hampton Roads to NAS Norfolk. It began to appear on aviation charts in 1932. The outbreak of war in Europe in 1939 meant NAS Norfolk underwent a massive expansion. On October 21, 1939, United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) declared a 600-mile neutrality zone around United States territory. 4 Norfolk-based patrol squadrons, Patrol Squadron 51 (VP-51), Patrol Squadron 52 (VP-52), Patrol Squadron 53 (VP-53) and Patrol Squadron 54 (VP-54) were among the 1st units to enforce the zone. Dilapidated hangars and workshops from World War I were torn down, reclaiming 353 acres (142 hectares) for new runways. More ramps for seaplanes, hangars, barracks, officer quarters, and family housing were added. At the completion of the 1st round of construction in 1940, Breezy Point’s capacity was estimated at 72 seaplanes. By 1942, NAS Norfolk hosted 24 squadrons. Today, since seaplanes are no longer operated by the United States Navy, the seaplane ramp is used for Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1931.jpg |
| Image Size | 2.12 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5742 x 4470 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | January 1, 1945 |
| Location | |
| City | Norfolk |
| State or Province | Virginia |
| Country | United States |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 80-G-K-2924 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
Author of the World War II Multimedia Database