During World War II, one of the most important bases in the United States was the Buckingham Army Airfield, the largest airfield in all of Florida and home to one of the most important training grounds in the war over the sky.
The airfield had the distinction of training aerial gunners who fought in the air during World War II. It’s how Gunnery Road got its name.
The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club will honor these heroes with “Hamwaves of History,” a live commemorative amateur radio event from Tuesday through Thursday, March 17 to 19.
This event will serve as a tribute to the brave men and women who served at Buckingham Army Airfield (BAAF) during World War II.
Daniel Eaton, public information officer for FMARC, said the event will serve as a bridge between generations so people can learn the history of the airfield.
“We are honoring the heroes who trained there,” Eaton said. “It’s all about communication. Back then it was Morse Code and very challenging. That’s where we do the blending. The airfield is so historical.”
The public can join FMARC at the Lee County Mosquito Control District Homestead House (the former site of the airfield) at 15140 Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres on March 17 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about the history of the base and see ham radio operators in action.
Established in 1942, Buckingham Army Airfield served as a premier “School of Aerial Gunnery.”
At its peak, the base was a massive military city of 16,000 personnel, dedicated to training “flexible gunners.”
These specialists manned the movable machine guns on B-17 and B-24 bombers, providing a critical 360-degree defense known by the motto “Death from the Corners.”
During the event, FMARC operators will operate live from the historic grounds with an event call sign of XXXX where nearly 50,000 gunners graduated to defend Allied bombers in the skies over Europe and the Pacific.
Visitors can watch operators use modern and vintage radio technology to connect with other enthusiasts worldwide, sharing the story of Buckingham’s pivotal role in achieving Allied air superiority and victory in World War II.
Attendees will have the opportunity to watch a live transmission, explore local history about how the base operated, and discover amateur radio and the mission of FMARC.
“The premise is operating the radios and bringing attention worldwide to the airfield years later,” Eaton said. “It gives the public an opportunity to see the history and what we do and how we do it, which is important during hurricane season. When the cell phones go down, ham operation is still going to work.”
Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for Amateur Radio.
The club meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.
Call (941) 275-9145 to attend a meeting or visit fmarc.net to learn more about the FMARC.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com