Chennault International Airport

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Chennault International Airport
IATA: CWF - ICAO: KCWF
Summary
Airport type		Public
Operator		Chennault International Airport Authority
Serves		Lake Charles, Louisiana
Elevation AMSL		17 ft (5.2 m)
Coordinates		30°12′38.13″N, 93°08′35.48″W
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
Direction	ft	m	Surface
15/33	10,701	3,262	Concrete

For the United States Air Force use of this facility, see Chennault Air Force Base

Chennault International Airport (IATA: CWF, ICAO: KCWF) is a public airport located 4 miles (6 km) east of the city of Lake Charles, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, USA. It was previously Chennault Air Force Base and before that, Lake Charles Air Force Base, and as such, was home to the now deactivated 44th Bomb Wing in the 1950s.

While a fully operational airport, it is an industrial center and provides no commercial air services. It is named for Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault, the aviator famous for commanding the Flying Tigers fighter group during World War II^[1].

Its mission statement reads as follows: "The Authority created pursuant hereto shall be established for the primary object and purpose of stimulating and encouraging the development of an industrial park for economic development through commerce, industry and research and for the utilization and development of natural and human resources of the area and provide job opportunities."^[2]

Northrop Grumman Corporation is Chennault's major aircraft manufacturing and modification tenant. E.A.D.S. Aeroframe Services, Inc. specializes in maintenance and overhaul services for Airbus. The Chennault Jet Center, the focus of Chennault's Fixed Base Operations for business and general aviation, as well as charter operations, is also located nearby. Airborne Express air freight operations serve Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas with daily DC-9 jet service from its on-airport truck hub, providing tenants with immediate access to express air shipping.

[edit] Other features

SOWELA Technical Community College, located on the former Chennault Airforce Base, offers a variety of academic and technical programs with terminating certificates, diplomas, and/or associate degrees. The College's Workforce Development unit tailors training programs to meet local business, industry and community training needs.

The site is also officially designated by NASA as an alternative landing site for the Space Shuttle.

The Mallard Cove Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course, is located near the airport.