Ent Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Established in 1943, it served various roles throughout its operational history before its closure in 1976.
History:
- Named after Major General Uzal Girard Ent, a prominent figure in early military aviation.
- Initially served as the headquarters for the Second Air Force, a training and logistics command.
- Housed the headquarters of the Air Defense Command (ADC) in 1948, responsible for continental air defense during the Cold War.
- In 1950, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) was established at Ent Air Force Base, assuming broader air defense responsibilities across North America.
- Notably, Ent Air Force Base became the founding location for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in 1957, safeguarding the airspace of the United States and Canada.
Closure and Legacy:
- Due to changing strategic needs and budget constraints, Ent Air Force Base was closed in 1976 after 33 years of operation.
- The land was subsequently transferred to the United States government and used to develop the United States Olympic Training Center, which remains operational to this day.
Significance:
Ent Air Force Base played a significant role in the United States’ air defense strategy during the Cold War. It served as the headquarters for various critical commands and witnessed the establishment of NORAD, a vital organization for North American airspace security. While no longer operational, the base’s legacy continues to be recognized for its contributions to national defense.
Ent Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base located in the Knob Hill neighborhood of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A tent city, established in 1943 during construction of the base, was initially commanded by Major General Uzal Girard Ent (1900–1948), for whom the base is named. The base was opened in 1951.
Ent Air Force Base | |
|---|---|
| Part of Air Defense Command (ADC) | |
| Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA | |
 Ent Air Force Base at E. Boulder (center to upper left) and N. Union Blvd (center to upper right). | |
| Coordinates | 38°50′27″N 104°47′47″W / 38.84083°N 104.79639°W |
| Type | Air Force Base |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States Air Force |
| Site history | |
| In use |
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From 1957 to 1963, the base was the site of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which subsequently moved to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. The base became the Ent Annex to the Cheyenne Mountain facility in 1975. The base was closed in 1976. The site later became the location of the United States Olympic Training Center, which was completed in July 1978.
