[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONG BEACH AIRPORT

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                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, On November 26, 1923, a famed aviator and 
well-known community leader in Long Beach piloted his airplane to the 
very first landing at the brand-new Long Beach Airport. Today, I want 
to note not only that landing by Earl S. Daugherty but the fact that it 
launched the outstanding history of the Long Beach Airport. This year 
marks the airport's 75th year of service to Long Beach, southern 
California and the nation.
  Earl Daugherty gained fame at the beginning of this century not only 
as an aviator but as a builder of aircraft, helping to lay the 
groundwork for southern California's vital aerospace industry. He also 
was the driving force behind the creation of the new airport for his 
hometown of Long Beach, where the only landing strip was the huge 
crescent-shaped beach. In 1923, the Long Beach City Council set aside 
150 acres near the intersection of Spring and Cherry Streets to become 
Long Beach's airport.
  Appropriately named Daugherty Field, the airport quickly proved an 
immediate success and the business of aviation began to flourish in 
Long Beach. Conditions at the airport were deemed perfect in the 
aviation community, making the facility known as one of the better 
year-round airports on the West Coast.
  Within five years the airport had grown to 380 acres, with 16 large 
commercial hangars capable of accommodating more than 75 planes. By 
this point, several aircraft manufacturing businesses were established 
at the airport as well. During this time of growth the airport also saw 
the arrival of the United States Army and Navy at hangars and 
administrative offices provided by the city.
  Two runways were added to the expanding airport in the mid 30's and 
soon the Civil Aeronautics Authority (known today as the Federal 
Aviation Administration) began operating a new air traffic control 
tower. In 1941, the current terminal building was added. The terminal 
building was designated a City of Long Beach Cultural Heritage Landmark 
in 1990. While the terminal has expanded over the years, excellent 
planning has retained its distinguishing architectural characteristics. 
In 1991, in honor of the building's 50th anniversary, the Long Beach 
Airport Historical Aviation Exhibit was opened. This important exhibit 
allows travelers to learn first hand the significance of air travel to 
the City of Long Beach.
  Throughout the Second World War the field was focused on the war 
effort, expanding to 500 acres as many famous military units, including 
Captain Eddie Rickenbacher's 94th Pursuit Squadron, passed through on 
their way to Europe or the Pacific. Many longtime residents of Long 
Beach remember that the airport also served as home to the Air 
Transport Command's Ferrying Division, which included a quadron of 18 
women pilots commanded by Barbara London, a preeminent Long Beach 
aviatrix, who still maintains business at the airport.
  As the City of Long Beach continued to grow, so too did its airport. 
Today, the airport has grown to 1,166 acres with five runways. It has 
remained a key part of the aerospace industry ever since it attracted 
the attention of Donald Wills, who brought the McDonnell Douglas 
Corporation to Long Beach. Now part of the Boeing Corporation, plants 
at the airport turn out both commercial aircraft, such as the new 717, 
and the C-17 military transport and employ more than 20,000 workers. 
That makes Boeing the largest employer in Long Beach.
  The Long Beach Airport is well situated between the major business 
and tourism areas of both Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Currently, 
there are more than 200 businesses located on airport property. As a 
leader in the aviation field, Long Beach boasts not only Boeing, but 
also Cessna Citation and Gulfstream Aerospace aircraft service centers.
  The City of Long Beach owns and operates the airport today. The 
airport generously contributes time and resources to the Long Beach 
community through its sponsorship of schools and a volunteer tour 
program which brings in more than 3,000 children annually.
  I congratulate the City of Long Beach on the continued success of the 
airport. The proud history of the Long Beach Airport demonstrates the 
foresight of Earl Daugherty and all of those who advanced the airport 
to its current respected status. I also commend the men and women who 
work on a daily basis to insure that the Long Beach Airport continues 
to offer the highest level of aviation safety and service that has 
become synonymous with this fine airport. I wish a happy 75th 
anniversary to the Long Beach Airport.




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