Fort Carson, since it’s conception in Jan. 1942, has been a
major asset that makes up the structure of the United States
Army. It has a history as a major training center for 3
major military engagements as well as a camp for prisoners
of war. Today, the post consists of 132,538 acres of land
just south of Colorado Springs and stretches as far as
Pueblo; and is home to over 15,000 troops and their
families. Fort Carson has been cited as a great place to
live over its years of growth and development, with dining
and entertainment as well as outdoor recreation, it is a
fine community in its own right. As a neighbor to Colorado
Springs the post has been a consistent friend to the
community, safeguarding that relationship with stringent
environmental and social policies. Working together with
city and post liaisons, Fort Carson is a prime example of
how a military installation and a city can truly thrive and
benefit from each other.
Peterson AFB traces its roots to the Colorado Springs Army
Air Base, established on 6 May 1942 at the Colorado Springs
Municipal Airport which had been in operation since 1926.
The base carried out photo reconnaissance training under the
auspices of the Photo Reconnaissance Operational Training
Unit (PROTU). On 22 June 1942 Colorado Springs Army Air Base
was assigned to the 2d Air Force, headquartered at Fort
George Wright, Washington.
Since then, the base has been known for its role in training
of heavy combat bomber groups during WWII and has been
developmentally important in the growth and establishment of
the United States Air Force as we know it today.
Now Peterson is home to the 21st Space Wing, the Air Force's
only organization responsible for worldwide missile warning
and space control. The men and women of the 21st Space Wing,
Team 21, work throughout the Colorado Springs area in what
is known as the Peterson Complex—Peterson Air Force Base,
Schriever Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Station (NORAD)—as
well as 26 locations in 4 countries around the globe.
Peterson Air Base is yet another outstanding example of
military involvement and community preservation in Colorado
Springs. |
