Pope Field, located adjacent to Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1919 as Pope Airfield. Throughout World War II, it evolved into a vital troop carrier training site, significantly contributing to airborne operations by collaborating closely with paratrooper training at Fort Bragg. This collaboration underscored its role in integrating air and ground forces for comprehensive airborne missions.
In 1992, a significant transformation occurred when the 23rd Wing, known as the "Flying Tigers," was activated at Pope Air Force Base under the newly formed Air Combat Command. The Wing comprised the 74th Fighter Squadron, operating F-16 Fighting Falcons, the 75th Fighter Squadron with A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, and the 2nd and 41st Airlift Squadrons flying C-130E Hercules. This restructuring enhanced the base's operational capabilities, integrating diverse aircraft to support both combat and airlift missions.
A notable event in Pope Field's history is the tragic Green Ramp disaster on March 23, 1994. During routine training operations, a mid-air collision between an F-16 and a C-130 resulted in the F-16 crashing into a parked C-141 aircraft on the ground. The ensuing explosion and fire claimed the lives of 24 82nd Airborne paratroopers and injured over 80 others, marking it as one of the most devastating incidents in the base's history.
In 2007, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations, the 23rd Fighter Group, along with its A-10 aircraft, relocated from Pope Air Force Base to Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The base was then handed over to the US Army and renamed (again) as Pope Field.
Today, Pope Field continues to serve as a crucial component of the U.S. military's airborne and special operations community, reflecting its enduring legacy and adaptability through a century of service.