Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Airport | runway, former air force base

Panama / Colyn / Cativa /
 airport, runway, former air force base
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Established 9 April 1920. Designated in honor of Lt. Howard J. France, first US Army pilot killed in Panama.

Formerly home to the Headquarters, 6th Observation Group from 1921 to 1922, the Headquarters, 6th Composite Group from 1922 to 1927, the Headquarters, 6th Bombardment Group from 1937 to 1941, the 1st Depot Squadron from 1936 to 1940, the 3rd Bombardment Squadron from 1940 to 1941, the 7th Observation Squadron from 1919 to 1939, the Base Headquarters and 16th Air Base Squadron from 1936 to 1940, the 24th Pursuit Squadron from 1922 to 1932, the 25th Bombardment Squadron from 1922 to 1941, the 39th Observation Squadron from 1940 to 1941, the 44th Observation Squadron from 1931 to 1932, the 63rd Service Squardron from 1923 to 1934, and the 78th Pursuit Squadron from 1931 to 1932.

This is the old runway where they would occasionally land large aircraft. It also was the place for the once/year grand prix, cars and motorcycles. We used to see how fast the family car would go here (115 mph) and practice spinning out in the rain.
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrique_Adolfo_Jiménez_Airport
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   9°21'33"N   79°52'1"W

Comments

  • To Whom it May Concern; Dear Sir/ Madame, Some 30 years ago I came across an ashtray that was hand carved At France Field, Panama in 1927. It was done by someone attached to the U.S. Army Air Corps and bares detailed carvings such as bi planes, the insignia of the US Army Air Corps,an eye patch wearing pirate with a propeller across his chest, the date 1927 and the title "Air Corps Canal Zone". Finally, there appears to be a squadron insignia carved into it. The design is of a diamond with a palm tree in the center. There are no other carvings or markings to identify the squadron or the artist. Is there any information that might help me to identify, at least, the squadron? Thank you in advance for your kind assistance in determining the specifics of this historical item. Respectfully Yours, Brian V. Trimbach California, U.S.A.
This article was last modified 8 years ago