Sewart Air Force Base, Smyrna Tennessee

Sewart Air Force Base was a former United States Air Force installation located near Smyrna, Tennessee. Active from 1941 to 1971, it served as a major training and transport hub, particularly for tactical airlift operations. The base played a key role during World War II, the Korean War, and the early Vietnam War era before its closure.

Originally activated as Smyrna Army Airfield in 1941, the base trained pilots and crews for bomber and transport aircraft. In 1947, following the creation of the U.S. Air Force, it was renamed Sewart Air Force Base to honor Major Allen J. Sewart Jr., who was killed in action during World War II.

During the Cold War, Sewart AFB became a key center for tactical airlift training. Units such as the 314th Troop Carrier Wing and later the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing operated aircraft including the C-119 Flying Boxcar and C-130 Hercules. The base's training programs supplied transport pilots for operations worldwide.

In 1971, the base was closed as part of post-Vietnam defense realignments, with many of its missions moved to Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. The airfield was converted into the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, which continues to support civilian aviation and National Guard operations.