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Brunswick Golden Isles Airport History In August 1942, the U.S. Navy began building its second Glynn County air station, on 2,400 acres in the northern part of the county. Named NAS Glynco, it was launched as an operational base for lighter-than-air airships, more commonly known as blimps. In 14 months, workers at the new air station built two enormous wooden hangars, measuring 1,058 feet long, 297 feet wide and 182 feet tall, to house a six-ship fleet and to provide maintenance for blimps from other bases. Capable of sustained flight and state-of-the-art electronic submarine detection, blimps flew thousands of hours on convoy escort duty, protecting vulnerable ships delivering essential war materials. This convoy escort program has often been cited as one of the most successful defense operations of the war. NAS Glynco also contributed significant advances in developing new communications and electronics equipment, as well as new search and rescue procedures. NAS Glynco was slated for decommissioning in 1949, when tensions in Korea prompted the Navy to reconsider the value of the airship's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A full complement of blimps returned to Glynco, and all airship training for the Navy was moved to the Brunswick air station in 1953. Other training functions followed, and when the Navy discontinued the airship program in 1959, Glynco's mission expanded to offer air traffic control instruction for all armed forces, as well as other highly specialized courses. The mammoth blimp hangars succumbed to the effects of time and climate, and the unique landmarks were demolished in 1971. The entire community was stunned when plans were announced to close the base at the end of 1974. NAS Glynco had been a strong influence in Glynn County for 31 years, both economically and as a proud element of local identity. The community hastily took control of its destiny when a group of 19 community leaders formed the Glynco Steering Committee to attract new users to the facility. Their hard work paid off in 1975, when the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) selected the former Glynco site for a consolidated training academy for federal law enforcement personnel. The community retained the airfield, which was designated the official county municipal airport in 1975. Both developments proved to be invaluable to the future of Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Contributions to the local economy and population of Glynn County by the FLETC have exceeded even the Navy's considerable impact, and the 8,000-foot jet runway has been an important community asset. The Glynn County Airport Commission was established in 1980 to manage and develop new opportunities for both the Brunswick and St. Simons Island airports. Since that time, the Airport Commission has continued to improve service and facilities through a series of important upgrades and repairs. To more accurately reflect the destination for travelers and pilots, the Glynco Jetport was renamed Brunswick Golden Isles Airport in 2003. The elegant new passenger terminal, completed in 2005, reflects the local tradition of hospitality and welcome for passengers of scheduled carrier service. Other improvements have encouraged the expansion of general aviation traffic as well. |
 A blimp hangar at NAS Glynco under construction, 1942. Photo courtesy of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. 
Students inside a ground controlled radar (GCR) training trailer at NAS Glynco, circa 1966. Photo donated by Lt. Commander Roy A Norman.
 Dedication ceremonies for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, September 1975. Photo courtesy of FLETC. | |
 Passenger Terminal at the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport |
 Main lobby area of the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, July 2005. | |
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