Willow Grove Naval Air Station

[Airbender]

I live near Willow Grove Naval Air Station (KNXX) in SE Pa. The base has been part of my life for decades. It was slated for closure in the last round of BRAC and units have been leaving over the last couple of years. There are still a few left, but nothing like before. In the past the Tower was always manned 24/7.

Today I heard a flight of two C-130’s report on the Tower freq that they were “Ten Miles out to land”. Then they reported entering the downwind leg and finally turning base to final. Every transmission was preceded by ‘Willow Grove traffic”. That’s when it hit me. The tower was CLOSED. They were landing VFR just like you would at an un-controlled field. Aaaaah! Later this was confirmed when a civilian helicopter called the tower for permission to enter the field’s airspace. He got no reply after several attempts and finally just stated his position and intentions.

This is a sad day. I new it was coming but it sill hurts. At one time there were 1,500 civilian employees working there. What a time to lose your job.

Forgive my ‘venting’… I feel better just telling someone..

 

[trap5858]

I believe Philly is controlling that airspace. I have not looked at a sectional lately to see what the instructions are about entering the airspace.

I too am sad to see them go. I've lived close by all of my life and the base has been a good source of monitoring.

Another thought is that Maguire might have their radar slaved to their tower.

 

[CalebATC]

Sad to see a NAS go. I always thought Navy was the most interesting mil air to listen to. Times are hard though.

 

[wheelerg]

I live near Willow Grove Naval Air Station (KNXX) in SE Pa. The base has been part of my life for decades. It was slated for closure in the last round of BRAC and units have been leaving over the last couple of years. There are still a few left, but nothing like before. In the past the Tower was always manned 24/7.

Today I heard a flight of two C-130’s report on the Tower freq that they were “Ten Miles out to land”. Then they reported entering the downwind leg and finally turning base to final. Every transmission was preceded by ‘Willow Grove traffic”. That’s when it hit me. The tower was CLOSED. They were landing VFR just like you would at an un-controlled field. Aaaaah! Later this was confirmed when a civilian helicopter called the tower for permission to enter the field’s airspace. He got no reply after several attempts and finally just stated his position and intentions.

This is a sad day. I new it was coming but it sill hurts. At one time there were 1,500 civilian employees working there. What a time to lose your job.

Forgive my ‘venting’… I feel better just telling someone..

I can feel your pain, i live near one of the largest transport bases in Canada, once in a while i will imagine it closed and vacant of any activity and it makes me sick to think of it.......sorry about your loss.
Gary