Roswell, New Mexico, is known worldwide for its alleged connection to UFOs. But beyond the extraterrestrial theories, the city houses the Roswell Air Center, a significant location with a rich history. This article explores the exact location of Roswell and delves into the historical importance of the Roswell Air Center.
The Roswell Air Center is strategically positioned five miles south of Roswell’s central business district. It serves as a vital hub for southeastern New Mexico’s industrial activities. This location played a critical role in American military history, evolving from a World War II army airfield to a key base during the Cold War.
From Military Base to Industrial Hub: The Roswell Air Center’s Transformation
Originally known as Roswell Army Airfield during World War II, the site transitioned into Walker Air Force Base during the Cold War. At its peak, the 4,600-acre base was the largest within the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command. Its closure on June 30, 1967, marked a significant shift, leading to the development of the Roswell International Air Center (RIAC). The base’s namesake, General Kenneth Newton Walker, a New Mexico native, lost his life in a bombing mission over Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, in 1943. His bravery, which included direct hits on nine Japanese ships despite enemy fire, earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor. Walker Air Force Base received its name on January 13, 1948, honoring the fallen hero.
The closure of Walker AFB in 1966 resulted from budgetary constraints imposed by Congress during the Vietnam War. The Department of Defense sought to consolidate and close bases to manage expenses.
Roswell and the UFO Incident: A Connection to the Air Center
The Roswell Air Center is inextricably linked to the infamous Roswell UFO incident of July 1947. Allegedly, a “flying disk” crashed near Corona, New Mexico, approximately 70 miles northwest of Roswell. Reports suggest that debris from the crash was transported to the then Army Air Field, forever cementing the location in UFO lore.
Beyond its association with the UFO incident, the air field served a scientific purpose for several years, launching stratospheric balloons for Air Force projects.
The Roswell Air Center Today: A Multifaceted Facility
The Roswell Air Center continues to play a vital role in aviation. It functions as a storage facility for retired American Airlines Airbus A300-600R wide-body jetliners. Furthermore, it served as the launch site for Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric freefall jump in 2012. The jump propelled him to speeds exceeding the sound barrier making it a landmark event in aviation history.
The Roswell Air Center, located just south of Roswell, New Mexico, stands as a testament to the city’s dynamic history. From its military origins to its modern-day functions, the location remains a significant landmark in American aviation and popular culture.
