{{short description|US Army military airport located on the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, TX}} {{Use American English|date=May 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox airport | name = Biggs Army Airfield | image = File:Biggsaaf-28jan1996.jpg | image-width = | caption = USGS 1996 photo of Biggs Army Airfield | IATA = BIF | ICAO = KBIF | FAA = BIF | type = Military | owner = [[File:United States Department of the Army Seal.svg|23px]] [[United States Army]] | operator = | location = [[Fort Bliss]], [[El Paso]], [[Texas]] | built = 1916 | used = 1916–present | commander = | occupants = | elevation-f = 3,946 | elevation-m = 1,203 | coordinates = {{Coord|31.849|N|106.367|W|display=inline, title}} | website = | r1-number = 4/22 | r1-length-f = 13,554 | r1-length-m = 4,131 | r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete]] | footnotes = | pushpin_map = }}

'''Biggs Army Airfield''' {{airport codes|BIF|KBIF|BIF}} (formerly '''Biggs Air Force Base''') is a [[United States Army]] military airbase located on the [[Fort Bliss]] [[military base]] in [[El Paso]], [[Texas]].

==History== ===Biggs Field (1916–47)=== On 15 June 1919, following an attack by [[Pancho Villa]]'s forces on [[Ciudad Juárez]], [[United States Army Air Service]] personnel equipped with [[Airco DH.4|Dayton-Wright DH-4]] aircraft were sent to Fort Bliss to begin patrols of the U.S.-Mexico border, initiating the [[United States Army Border Air Patrol]]. In August 1919 construction commenced on a steel hangar for an airship station at Camp Owen Bierne, Fort Bliss and in December 1919 the 8th Balloon Company moved there from [[Brooks Air Force Base|Brooks Field]], Texas. In January 1920 the [[3d Operations Group#History|1st Surveillance Group]] moved from [[Kelly Field Annex|Kelly Field]] to Fort Bliss.<ref name=Maurer>{{cite book|last=Maurer|first=Maurer|title=Aviation in the U.S. Army, 1919–1939|publisher=United States Air Force Historical Research Center|year=1987|isbn=0912799382|pages=99–101}}</ref>

The airfield was officially named "Biggs Field" on 5 January 1925 after Lieutenant James Berthea "Buster" Biggs, an El Paso native killed in a plane crash on 27 October 1918 at Belrain, France.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Texas State Historical |title=Biggs Army Air Field |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/biggs-army-air-field |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Texas State Historical Association |language=en}}</ref>

===Biggs Air Force Base (1947–66)=== [[File:Biggs AFB front gate postcard - late 1950s.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Biggs AFB gate in the late 1950s]] On 16 March 1948 the [[97th Air Mobility Wing#Biggs AFB, Texas|97th Bombardment Wing, Heavy]] operating [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress|B-29 Superfortresses]] moved to Biggs AFB from [[Schilling Air Force Base#Postwar era, 1945-1949|Smoky Hill Air Force Base]], Kansas.<ref>{{cite book|title=Air Force combat wings : lineage and honors histories 1947–1977|date=16 September 1984 |publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=9781428993563|page=137}}</ref>

The [[810th Strategic Aerospace Division#Biggs Air Force Base|810th Air Division]] was activated at Biggs AFB on 16 June 1952, it comprised the [[95th Air Base Wing#Bombardment Operations at Biggs Air Force Base|95th Bombardment Wing (H)]], 97th Bombardment Wing (H) and the 810th Air Base Group.<ref name=810th>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10152|title=Factsheet 810 Strategic Aerospace Division|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120219/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10152|date=11 October 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> In September 1953, the 95th began training with the [[B-36 Peacemaker]] bomber while the 97th flew the [[B-50 Superfortress]].<ref> "Abstract (Unclassified), Vol 1, History of Strategic Air Command, Jan–Jun 1957 (Secret)". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 4 March 2014.</ref>

On 12 February 1959, the last operational [[Convair B-36 Peacemaker|B-36J Peacemaker]] left Biggs AFB where it had been serving with the 95th Bombardment Wing. The 95th then transitioned to the [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52B Stratofortress]] and the [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135A Stratotanker]].

In July 1959 the 97th Bombardment Wing (H) moved from Biggs AFB to [[Blytheville Air Force Base]], Arkansas.

On 1 July 1962 the 810th Air Division moved from Biggs AFB to [[Minot Air Force Base]], [[North Dakota]].<ref name=810th/>

In December 1965 it was announced that Biggs AFB would be closed. In January 1966 [[Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness|Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations and Logistics)]] [[Paul Robert Ignatius|Paul Ignatius]] testified to Congress that "The operational environment at Biggs poses serious problems. Such factors as the proximity of [[El Paso International Airport]], the suburbs of El Paso, and mountainous areas adjacent to Biggs…weapons testing areas to the north and the convergence of civil airways carrying heavy…traffic combine to create serious safety and traffic control problems."<ref>{{cite book|last=Shaw|first=Frederick|title=Locating Air Force Base Sites History's Legacy|publisher=Air Force History and Museums Program|url=https://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-131018-055.pdf|year=2004|isbn=9780160724152|pages=110–1}}</ref>

On 25 June 1966 the 95th Bombardment Wing (H) moved from Biggs AFB to [[Goose Air Base]], [[Newfoundland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432718/95-air-base-wing-afmc/|last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 95 Air Base Wing (AFMC)|date=20 June 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>

===Biggs Army Airfield (1966–1973)===

Starting in 1966, a branch of the [[Defense Language Institute]] (DLI) conducted Vietnamese training using native contract instructors at the airfield. <ref>{{citation|url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED021492.pdf|title=Defense Language Institute|publisher=Headquarters Defense Language Institute| access-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115141805/https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED021492.pdf| archive-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Vietnamese instruction continued at the Defense Language Institute-Southwest (DLISW) until 2004, concurrent with the establishment in 1972 of the US Army's Sergeants Major Academy.<ref>{{citation|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD1117065.pdf|title=History of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy 1 July 1972-31 December 1974 Volume 1|publisher=US Army Sergeants Major Academy|access-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115132733/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD1117065.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>

===Biggs Army Airfield (1973–present)===

The former Biggs AFB remained under DoD control in a caretaker status until 1973 when it was transferred to the U.S. Army as a sub-post of nearby Fort Bliss. Renamed Biggs Army Airfield, the installation was reactivated in 1973 as a permanent airfield for the U.S. Army, which turned into the world’s largest Army Airfield at that time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://militarybases.com/texas/biggs/|title = Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss in el Paso, TX}}</ref>

Biggs AAF was used as a refueling stop for [[NASA]]'s [[Shuttle Carrier Aircraft]].

Biggs AAF is the base of [[Joint Task Force North]], a [[United States Department of Defense]] multi-service organization tasked to support [[Federal law enforcement in the United States]] in the interdiction of suspected transnational threats within and along the approaches to the continental United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/Fact-Sheets/Article-View/Article/564000/joint-task-force-north/|title=Joint Task Force North |work=U.S. Northern Command |date=16 May 2013|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>

The [[Border Patrol Tactical Unit]] (BORTAC) operates from its headquarters co-located with its training unit at Biggs Army Airfield.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://greydynamics.com/bortac-the-us-border-patrol-tactical-unit/ | title=BORTAC: The US Border Patrol Tactical Unit }}</ref>

The [[Silas L. Copeland]] Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group at Biggs Army Airfield serves military and civilian personnel who deploy to their overseas assignments, such as to and from Southwest Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/190247/pre-dawn-dacg-multiple-units-deploy|title=Pre-Dawn at A/DACG – multiple units deploy|publisher=Defense Media Activity|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>

On 14 July 2017 a new {{convert|116|ft|m|adj=on}} air traffic control tower was opened at the field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortblissbugle.com/monitor/2017/07july/072717/pdf/072717part1a.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731162613/http://fortblissbugle.com/monitor/2017/07july/072717/pdf/072717part1a.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=31 July 2017|title=Fort Bliss Bugle|publisher=1st Armored Division|date=27 July 2017|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>

The annual [[Culture of El Paso#Amigo Airsho|Amigo Airsho]], which was held at Biggs Army Airfield from 1982 - 2012 is set to return in October 2024, after a 12 year hiatus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amigo Airsho returns in 2024 to El Paso's Biggs Army Airfield after decade hiatus |url=https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/money/business/2024/01/26/amigo-airsho-returns-to-el-paso-fort-bliss-with-canadian-snowbirds-as-headliners/72371203007/ |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=El Paso Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Units== * [[File:United_States_Army_1st_Armored_Division_CSIB.svg|50px]] [[1st Armored Division (United States)|1st Armored Division]] ** '''[[Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (United States)|Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division]]''' "Iron Eagle" *** [[File:501st Avn Bn crest.jpg|25px]] HHC *** [[File:501st Avn Bn crest.jpg|25px]] 1st Battalion (Attack), [[501st Aviation Regiment]] "Iron Dragons" *** [[File:501st Avn Bn crest.jpg|25px]] 2nd Battalion (General Support), 501st Aviation Regiment "Desert Knights" *** [[File:501st Avn Bn crest.jpg|25px]] 3rd Battalion (Assault), 501st Aviation Regiment "Apocalypse" *** [[File:6CavRegtDUI.jpg|25px]] 3rd Squadron (Heavy Attack-Reconnaissance), [[6th Cavalry Regiment]] "Heavy Cavalry"<ref>{{cite web|title=First Apache battalion to carry drones: reflags as 'Heavy Cav'|url=http://fortblissbugle.com/first-apache-battalion-to-carry-drones-reflags-as-heavy-cav/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502073403/http://fortblissbugle.com/first-apache-battalion-to-carry-drones-reflags-as-heavy-cav/|archive-date=2 May 2016|access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, in Iraq|date=21 March 2016 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/164542/Unmanned_Aerial_System__More_than_just_remote_controlled_planes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808112747/http://www.army.mil/article/164542/Unmanned_Aerial_System__More_than_just_remote_controlled_planes/|archive-date=8 August 2016|url-status=live|access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=3-6 'Heavy Cav' wins aviation award, in Iraq|url=http://fortblissbugle.com/3-6-heavy-cav-wins-aviation-award/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105073742/http://fortblissbugle.com/3-6-heavy-cav-wins-aviation-award/|archive-date=5 November 2016|url-status=usurped|access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref> *** [[File:127th ASB.jpg|25px]] 127th Aviation Support Battalion "Work Horse"

==Accidents and incidents== *8 December 1941: [[Martin B-26 Marauder|B-26]] ''40-1443'' crashed shortly after takeoff. All 4 crewmembers killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-martin-b-26-ma-marauder-biggs-aaf-4-killed|title=Crash of a Martin B-26-MA Marauder in Biggs AAF: 4 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> *20 May 1944: [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|B-24J]] ''42-100002'' after takeoff crashed {{convert|6|mi}} north of the base. 2 crewmembers killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-consolidated-b-24j-60-co-liberator-near-biggs-aaf-2-killed|title=Crash of a Consolidated B-24J-60-CO Liberator near Biggs AAF: 2 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> *18 April 1951: [[Boeing B-50 Superfortress|B-50D]] ''49-0279'' after takeoff crashed {{convert|2|mi}} north of the base. 1 crewmember killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-boeing-b-50d-110-bo-superfortress-biggs-aaf-1-killed|title=Crash of a Boeing B-50D-110-BO Superfortress in Biggs AAF: 1 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> *11 December 1953: [[Convair B-36 Peacemaker|B-36B]] ''44-92071'' crashed into the [[Franklin Mountains (Texas)|Franklin Mountains]] while on approach to Biggs. All 9 crewmembers were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-convair-b-36b-15-cf-peacemaker-near-biggs-afb-9-killed|title=Crash of a Convair B-36B-15-CF Peacemaker near Biggs AFB: 9 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> *28 August 1954: B-36D ''44-92097'', lost power on approach to Briggs and crashed. 1 crewmember killed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/B-36/B_36.htm|title=Convair B-36 Peacemaker Losses and Bail-outs|publisher=Ejection-history.org|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102192306/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/B-36/B_36.htm|archive-date=2 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> *31 August 1957: [[Douglas C-124 Globemaster II|C-124C]] ''52-1021'', operated by the [[971st Airborne Warning and Control Squadron|1st Strategic Support Squadron]], crashed during an [[instrument flight rules]] approach to Biggs AFB, in bad weather. 5 aircrew were killed, 10 injured.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Dallas Morning News|title=5 Airmen Die in Crash of Globemaster|date=1 September 1957|page=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1952.html|title=1952 USAF Serial Numbers|publisher=Joebaugher.com|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723045439/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1952.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> *5 March 1961: KB-50D ''49-0328'' on a flight from [[Wake Island]] crashed {{convert|6|mi}} from Biggs on a night [[visual flight rules]] approach. All 9 crewmembers were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-boeing-kb-50d-120-bo-superfortress-biggs-aaf-9-killed|title=Crash of a Boeing KB-50D-120-BO Superfortress at Biggs AAF: 9 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>

==References== {{Air Force Historical Research Agency}} {{Reflist}}

{{El Paso}} {{Authority control}}

[[Category:Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces in Texas]] [[Category:United States Army airfields]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in El Paso, Texas]] [[Category:Fort Bliss]] [[Category:Military airbases established in 1919]]