Original World War II Observation Tower Foundations Located

Michael Stowe, founder of the Millville Army Air Field Museum, center, recently returned to New Jersey for a visit and offered an excursion to the original World War II gunnery ranges, located on the Bevans/Millville Wildlife Wildlife Management Area just south of Millville Executive Airport. Stowe helped locate the original foundations for World War II observation towers, one of which was recently moved to the airport for restoration.

Two observation towers were built here by the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II and used for training P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilots at off-site ground gunnery ranges that were part of the Millville Army Air Base. Observation towers were one of the most important features of the gunnery range facilities. Pilot instructors observed training exercises from the towers to determine whether the pilot in training was qualified in their flying and gunnery skills.

On the property of the former DeCinque farm that is now part of the wildlife management area, still stands a round metal well with holes from .50 caliber machine gun shots fired by World War II pilots while training at the Millville Army Air Field.
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The Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM) preserves the history of the Millville Army Air Field, which was “America’s First Defense Airport,” dedicated by the United States War Department in 1941. Located in the original World War II Base Headquarters Building, the Museum displays a large collection of World War II aviation artifacts of local and national interest. It recognizes the more than 10,000 men and women who served at Millville during WWII, including 1,500 pilots who received advanced fighter training in P-47 “Thunderbolt” and P-40 “Warhawk” fighter planes. The Museum recognizes all aspects of aviation history through its displays, community events, and educational programs. The MAAFM is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays by appointment.