Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base
Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base is a front-line French Air and Space Force base located approximately 5 km north-northwest of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, in the Ain department of the Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France.
Overview
Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base is a primary repair depot and supply centre for avionics, ground telecommunication equipment, navigation aids and the manufacture of simple equipment.It also supports calibration and repair of all Armée de l'Air precision measuring equipment and the manufacture and repair of aircrew survival equipment.
Ambérieu has two Jodel D140C Mousquetaire aircraft assigned for courier duty.
World War II
Built during World War II as a temporary all-weather airfield, the facility was constructed by the United States Army Air Forces XII Engineer Command during late August 1944 after German forces were cleared from the area. It was built on a graded surface using Pierced Steel Planking for runways and parking areas, as well as for dispersal sites. In addition, tents were used for billeting and also for support facilities; an access road was built to the existing road infrastructure; a dump for supplies, ammunition, and gasoline drums, along with a drinkable water and minimal electrical grid for communications and station lighting. The airfield was known as Ambérieu Airfield or Advanced Landing Ground Y-5.It was turned over to the Twelfth Air Force for operational use on 6 September 1944. The 324th Fighter Group flew P-40 Warhawks from the field during September, after which it moved up to Tavaux. Once the 324th moved out, Ambérieu Airfield became a rear area support base operated by the 1st Air Service Squadron for transport aircraft moving supplies and equipment to the front.
With the end of the war in Europe in May, 1945 the Americans began to withdraw their aircraft and personnel. Control of the airfield was turned over to French authorities on 29 May 1945.