Nielson Field: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Nielson Field (Luzon, the Philippines) was the location of the Far East Air Force headquarters. Most of USAFFE's aircraft were based at either Clark Field or Nichols Field.

The field was named after Laurie Reuben Nielson, a businessman from New Zealand, who with his American wife, moved to 1930s Manila to establish several business interests, including building an aviation school and airport. Nielson Field was on the outskirts of Manila, built on 42 hectares of land leased from Ayala y Cia, in an area that is now the Makati Central Business District. It first served as Manila's international airport, and then was taken over by the FEAF during the Second World War. After the war, it resumed civil aviation duties until it ceased opeations in 1948.

The control tower can still be seen; it now houses the Filipinas Heritage Library, and the original runways are what are now two of the busiest streets in Makati, Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue.

See also:

• Geography of the Philippines
• Military History of the Philippines
• Military History of the United States