Keep in mind that during World War II we took a lot of islands in the pacific to build airstrips much shorter than these. From your description of the airfield, it's actually a very strategic location. If an attack came from the west and airfields along the coast were taken out, this airfield could get an advance warning and deploy it's defensive aircraft to the West. All landing probably came in from the East, like with LAX at present day. The mountains on the East would not pose an issue.
I stumbled on this old airstrip 35 years ago on a dirt bike trip. I don't know anything about it's history but it was definitely an old airstrip. Thanks for the memory.
Or a Herk, which we did quite frequently back in the day. But my point is, there were no C-17s or Herks in early 1942, and Garlock Road probably wasn't even paved, so construction, supply, and resupply were probably unfeasible. And for the reasons I mention, maintenance probably would have been a nightmare.
Keep in mind that during World War II we took a lot of islands in the pacific to build airstrips much shorter than these. From your description of the airfield, it's actually a very strategic location. If an attack came from the west and airfields along the coast were taken out, this airfield could get an advance warning and deploy it's defensive aircraft to the West. All landing probably came in from the East, like with LAX at present day. The mountains on the East would not pose an issue.
juvevk 8 months ago
I stumbled on this old airstrip 35 years ago on a dirt bike trip. I don't know anything about it's history but it was definitely an old airstrip. Thanks for the memory.
gonefishin1950 8 months ago 2
it's a lost portion of the Nazca lines. the old prospector who lived in the first cabin you crossed, dawson, stole it
desertdreg 11 months ago
There was definitely an airstrip there. Can't really say more
Jshrew22 1 year ago
Or a Herk, which we did quite frequently back in the day. But my point is, there were no C-17s or Herks in early 1942, and Garlock Road probably wasn't even paved, so construction, supply, and resupply were probably unfeasible. And for the reasons I mention, maintenance probably would have been a nightmare.
herk115 1 year ago
you can drop equipment out the back of a c17 and have that strip ready to roll in a week
dzacharias 1 year ago