What is fort drum airfield?

Fort Drum Army Airfield, also known as Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, is a military airport located within Fort Drum, a U.S. Army training facility in Jefferson County, New York. It is situated approximately 75 miles north of Syracuse, and about 10 miles northeast of Watertown. The airfield is primarily used by the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed unit in the U.S. Army, for aviation training and to support the global mobility mission of the Department of Defense.

The airfield covers an area of about 3,000 acres and features two asphalt runways, measuring 6,470 feet and 5,089 feet in length respectively. It also has a helicopter landing zone, fuel storage facility, aircraft maintenance hangars, and support structures. The airfield is operated by the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, the training institution responsible for developing Army Aviation leaders, doctrine, and capabilities.

Fort Drum Army Airfield serves as a strategic hub for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, which provides aviation support to the 10th Mountain Division as well as other military units. The airfield also hosts several aviation units, such as the 10th CAB Headquarters, the 10th Aviation Regiment, and the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, among others.

In addition to its military role, the airfield also supports civilian operations, such as search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and medical evacuations. It has been instrumental in providing air support for local emergency responders during natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires in the region.

Overall, Fort Drum Army Airfield plays a crucial role in the U.S. Army's aviation mission, supporting a wide range of military operations and providing crucial infrastructure for training and maintaining the readiness of Army aviation units.