first plane at macdill

January 14, 2007 | TBHC | 2 comments - add to the conversation!

66 years ago…

January 14, 1941 — Brig. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker lands the first plane on MacDill Field, changing the field from a construction project to an operating air base. Tinker Elementary School, located on the base grounds, is named for him.

Courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center.

2 comments - add to the conversation! → “first plane at macdill”

robert mccullough

2 years ago

im looking for history of lyle johnston simpson 1940’s he had command of ascension island ww2 flew berlin airlift, flew cargo, flew hump. he was my uncle,hero. he has a daughter linda hailey, saganaw mich. he was a major general. anything would be greatly appreciated bob
TSgt Blaze Lipowski

1 year ago

Sir,
I think I may have a photo from the Tampa Tribune with your Uncle as a major, along with MacDill’s very VERY first commander from 1939(He’s so first, he had no troops on base). I’ll be sure to put it on my flash drive and I can send it to you.
Blaze