Construction began in the summer of 1942 under Captain Stratton O. Hammon, who used broad authority over laborers, suppliers, and the railroad, and the base was in use by February 1943. More than 1,000 workers were employed during construction. The base covered over 2,000 acres, cost over four million dollars, and included more than one hundred buildings intended to be temporary. During World War II, it was used to train B-25, B-26, and glider pilots, and by 1944 wounded from Europe were received there for Wakeman Hospital. Wounded soldiers were also received there during the Korean War. It was renamed in 1954 to honor John Bakalar, and the base closed in 1970. An original building was made into a chapel, then restored and named for Women's Air Service Pilot Jean Lewellen Norbeck in the 1990s.