On January 14, 1941, Col. Clarence Tinker landed a twin-engined B-18 Bomber on the first MacDill Field runway and a new era for Tampa was born. Soon after, the U.S. would enter World War II and MacDill's pilot training would prove to be an important . . . — — Map (db m34109) HM
On July 14, 1939, the Tampa Morning Tribune announced the war department's decision to build the "Southeast Air Base" in Tampa. The land selected was a 6000 acre marshy area known as Catfish Point. As part of President Roosevelt's New Deal Program, . . . — — Map (db m34118) HM
MacDill's First Base Commander • Col. Clarence L. Tinker took command on March 11, 1940 • First Native American to attain the rank of Major General • Killed in action in Pacific Theater during Battle for Midway in 1942 • Tinker AFB . . . — — Map (db m34123) HM
As MacDill Field's first runways were being completed in 1941, only 8,500 men were enlisted in the Army Air Corps. But by the end of World War II in 1945, over 2.5 million Americans had joined the newly renamed Army Air Forces. The demands of war . . . — — Map (db m34125) HM
Since the first wave of B-18 Super Heavy Bombers arrived at MacDill in 1940, the base has seen a remarkable variety of America's finest military aircraft. MacDill's first mission included transitional training on the B-17 Flying Fortress. After . . . — — Map (db m34132) HM
Although the F-4 Phantom was used as a fighter jet in Vietnam, it was originally designed as an interceptor for defense of the fleet against air attack. The need for a jet designed as a fighter led to the introduction of the F-16. Between 1979 and . . . — — Map (db m34140) HM
3 F-80 Shooting Stars Fly to Korea In February 1951, MacDill's 307th deployed to Okinawa for the Korean conflict. It was one of the first units to move its fighting forces overseas. MacDill During Vietnam During the Vietnam conflict, . . . — — Map (db m34149) HM
As the base and the City of Tampa progress through the 21st century, they face new challenges in the ever-changing global landscape. Today, over 50 different groups operate from the base and over 13,000 military and civilian personnel are assigned . . . — — Map (db m34153) HM
1950's SCCOA Races During the 1950s, the Sports Car Club of America held regular car races at MacDill and many other Air Force bases throughout the country. 1990's Air Shows Air shows at MacDill have brought out huge crowds to witness the . . . — — Map (db m34154) HM
