Who knew!

These 12 airports were once military bases. Can you tell by just looking?

Many American airports began their lives in uniform, so to speak. During World War II and the Cold War, dozens of airfields were built for military use. When defense needs changed, some bases found a second life as civilian airports. Today, thousands of travelers pass through these hubs without even knowing it. Learn more about their secret military origins.

Before becoming one of America’s busiest vacation airports, Orlando International Airport was McCoy Air Force Base. Strategic Air Command bombers operated there during the Cold War, and the airport code MCO still honors Colonel Michael McCoy, for whom the base was named.

After the base closed in the 1970s, the city that’s home to Disney World and other tourist destinations transformed its large runways into a civilian airport. Today, millions of visitors arrive each year, landing on runways originally built for military aircraft.

Austin’s main airport stands on the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, a Cold War installation that supported fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. The base closed in 1993 as part of a nationwide military downsizing program.

Six years later, the site reopened as Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. Many original structures were reused, giving the modern airport a layout shaped by its military past.

Stewart International Airport began during World War II as Stewart Army Airfield and later became Stewart Air Force Base. It supported military training and cargo operations for decades in the Hudson Valley.

As military use declined, the airfield gradually transitioned to civilian aviation. Today, it serves commercial travelers heading to the Hudson Valley and the greater New York region.

Pease International Airport was once Pease Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation that housed long-range bombers and aerial refueling aircraft during the Cold War.

After the base closed in 1991, the area was redeveloped as Pease International Tradeport. Commercial flights now share the former military airfield with business and cargo operations.

Bradley International Airport originated as a U.S. Army airfield built in 1941. It was named for Lieutenant Eugene Bradley, a pilot who died in a training accident nearby.

Following World War II, the federal government transferred the airfield to the state of Connecticut. It gradually grew into New England’s second-largest airport, welcoming travelers where military planes once trained.

Palm Beach International Airport began as Morrison Field, a major U.S. Army Air Corps base during World War II. Thousands of aircraft passed through on their way to overseas theaters.

After the war, Morrison Field was turned over to local authorities and adapted for civilian use. Over time, it became the primary airport serving Florida’s Palm Beach region.

Plattsburgh International Airport occupies the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base near Lake Champlain. During the Cold War, it hosted nuclear-capable bombers due to its strategic northern location.

When the base closed in 1995, its long runways proved ideal for commercial aviation. The airport now markets itself as a convenient alternative for travelers heading to Montreal.

Laredo International Airport was originally Laredo Army Air Field and later Laredo Air Force Base. During World War II, it trained thousands of pilots and crew members.

The base closed in the early 1970s, and its facilities were converted for civilian use. Today, the airport serves travelers in South Texas who may not even know about its past.

San Bernardino International Airport stands on the former Norton Air Force Base. The installation supported airlift operations for decades and played an important role in global logistics.

After Norton closed in 1994, the site was redeveloped. The airport now handles cargo and limited passenger service, using infrastructure originally designed for military transport aircraft.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport was developed next to Scott Air Force Base as a joint-use facility. Shared runways allow both civilian and military aircraft to operate in the same area.

Opened in 1997, the airport expanded commercial service in the St. Louis region east of the city. Travelers today use facilities that were carefully planned to operate alongside an active military base.

Grissom Aeroplex occupies the former Grissom Air Force Base, once home to Strategic Air Command bombers and aerial refueling aircraft during the Cold War.

After the base was downsized in the 1990s, part of the airfield was converted for civilian use. The long runways built for heavy bombers remain a distinctive feature.

Ellington Airport began as Ellington Field, a military training base established during World War I and later used by the U.S. Air Force and NASA-related operations.

Today, the airport supports civilian flights along with government and space-related activities. Its long history makes it one of the oldest continuously active military airfields in the U.S.