In 1941, after the Civil Aeronautics Administration informed Greenville officials that the city would receive federal assistance to build a civilian airport as part of the country's preparation for possible entry into World War II, the project was expanded into a $5 million Army Airforce training base in Hunt County housing 3,000 to 4,000 personnel and 300 airplanes. The base was named for Lt. Truett Majors, the first pilot from Hunt County killed in action in World War II. Construction of the base and three auxiliary airfields in the county boosted the local economy and provided employment for thousands of area residents. Fully operational on January 5, 1943, Majors Army Airfield provided cadet pilots with preflight and primary training. Cadets trained in BT-13s and P-47s and visited Greenville for recreation and to socialize with local citizens when not exercising, studying, or training. In addition to U.S. Army Air Corps pilots, companies of Women's Army Corps members, Royal Air Force pilots, and Mexican Air Force pilots were trained there. The base later became an advanced training center before being deactivated on July 15, 1945.