Some stories from The Beam .... 1941-42

Note: This article is reprinted from the March 7, 1942 issue of The Beam

The Naval Air Station, which will observe its first anniversary next month, is stillgrowing.

Rapidly enlarging along the lines of the expansion program calling for the graduation of an increased number of aviation cadets to be trained here, NAS is experiencing the construction of new buildings and additions to present buildings. Three additional seaplane hangars are nearing completion and barracks for the growing number of recruits sent here from the various training centers are being given finishing touches.

With present stock widely distributed in hangars and other points about the station, the central Small Stores building is greatly in need of the nearly completed addition to the south wing, which will furnish space for the storage of small stores merchandise.

The central Administration Building is also being enlarged. Four decks will be added to the east wing, with the lower and second decks slated to house the log room and other important divisions of the Aviation Training Department. The third and fourth decks, which will be constructed on the order of the northside tower of the building, will be used by the Communications and Aerology Departments.

Changes in the central Dispensary have been started, with additional offices to take care of public health. Included in the addition, together with plans for the two store houses and additions to the garage housing the ambulances and other dispensary vehicles.

To accommodate the recruits now occupying the eight new barracks, the crew mess halls are being enlarged to provide a larger table space. An addition is being erected to provide a larger storage space for the Ship’s Store Ashore, and other renovations include enlargement of the Ship’s Service Store and the Labor Board office at the South Gate.