Capitán FAP Víctor Montes Arias International Airport

Cap. FAP Víctor Montes Arias International Airport is an airport serving Talara, Peru. It is run by AdP S.A.. An important airport in the Piura Region, it is used both as a relief airport for Cap. FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport and for faster access to the famous Los Órganos, Máncora and Punta Sal beaches.

History

During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force defending the South American coastline against Axis powers submarines. The first American forces arrived on March 8, 1942 and construction of barracks and other facilities began during August. The station complement was the 336th Service Group which provided the necessary support resources for the personnel assigned.
American flying units assigned to the airport were:

397th Bombardment Squadron August 18, 1942 – May 4, 1943
51st Fighter Squadron Dec, 1942-March 9, 1943
3d Bombardment Squadron Apr, 1-May 23, 1943
91st Reconnaissance Squadron 1943-1944

In July 1944, the last aircraft departed from the airport, and most Americans departed. A few remained manning a communications station operated by the Army Communications Service 153d Communications Squadron. The communications facility remained open until January 31, 1947, largely training Peruvian military personnel in communications.

[El Pato Air Base]

El Pato Air Base of the Peruvian Air Force is located north-east of FAP Captain Víctor Montes Arias International Airport.