The Slow Death of Stewart Air Force Base Barracks

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I recently came across these photos taken by photographer Richard Cunningham of the deteriorating barracks of Stewart International Airport. They remind me of the abandoned Brooklyn navy yard houses. Click here to see what they looked like before. This THR article back from 2009 explained that the buildings which date back to the 1940’s were being torn down as part of a $2.5 million state grant given to New Windsor. This is what Richard had to say about the buildings:

A few of the 1950’s era military buildings at the former Stewart AFB in Newburgh, NY still remain in slow demolition. They seem to be recycling the exterior brick. Stewart was later Stewart Army Sub Post a satellite base of West point after the Air Force left in the 1960’s. A small Marine reserve air wing still is near these buildings. The Air National Guard is in a new facility on the other side of the air field which is now Stewart International Airport. These buildings where used occasionally for summer barracks for troops training west point cadets during the summer when I served at Stewart in the reserves in the 80’s. They have not been used at all since the 90’s.

Anyone else have memories of these buildings? Do you think they were so unsightly that they needed to be torn down?

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106 Comment

  • I hate to see these old barracks torn down. I have pictures of them in 1941-1943 with my dad standing in front. He was stationed there in the Army Air Corp and then Air Force.

  • I vivdly recall Stewart Air Fore Base. Born in ’53. I can recall driving in the main entrance, past the guard shack, where you would get a proprer salute entering & exiting the main road. I often would drive past those buildings recalling all the activity I saw when being on the base with Air Force friends as a kid.The oficers club, the additional 40/50’s classic brick buildings that lined the road as you near the current terminal, combined with the barracks, gave one a great sense of being on a military compound. I recall going to an air show before I was 10 yrs old and walking the grounds. We kids growing up in Colden Park in the early 60’s just behind the base would often have some lazy summer days when they would practice parachuting We would ly on our backs looking up to spot the plane . . wait to hear the engines slow . . then look for the chutes to open. I know the brick was removed to save on demo costs and were to be recycled. I also realize the land in valuable . . but what a shame not to somehow have figured a way to take that portion of the base – including that NORAD bunker – and create a historical Cold War tourist site to capture that era.

    • Thanks for the memories Keith

      • Hi. I’m stunned and saddened to see the deterioration of Stewart A.F.B. I was stationed there from May ’61 until September ’64 working as a flight line electrician out of hanger A under T/ Sgt Raymond Kandel. I was also a member of the Honor Guard. During that time I resided in barracks 2006. Some of my most vivid memories are of guarding the P.L.O. dump during the Cuban missile crisis, standing duty outside the chapel during the services for President Kennedy and greeting dignitaries when they arrived at Stewart. Other memories include the Airman’s Club, theater and how can I ever forget the chow hall. Wonder if the Mayflower bar downtown and Willie’s in Poughkeepsie still exist. Oh well, “those were the days my friends”. P.S. Alvin. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had met. I did a lot of electrical work on those B57s.

        • I need some information about the homes/houses at the Base during the early 1960s. Trying to get information about a family whose daughter was my best friend in 1964 – 1966 (we were small children) -until he got stationed over to England. E-Mail me if you are familiar with this era. michellealexian@gmail.com Thank You ! 🙂

        • I work also on B57 1961 1962 PE hanger than went to Transit alert took care of many aircraft there got cert for President Ike coming in and JFK had good times there at base to bad it close and how it looks now

      • I was stationed there from 1965-1966,was such a beautiful base,so sad to see it this way.

  • I was at Stewart Air force Base during most of 1949. Relative to other military barracks, these were palatial. Brick buildings with beautiful hardwood floors. Instead of scrubbing the floors, we used a floor waxer. Unfortunately the floors were full of cigarette burns.

    Walter Winchell once referred to it as a country club on the Hudson.

    • Albert, I wish there were some original photos of the interiors that we could see! Love that, “country club on the Hudson”

  • Thank you for posting the pictures of on-going demo work at former Stewart AFB. I was stationed at Stewart as a result of the 904th MAG being re-called in January 1968 because the USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea. Last year at this time, my wife and I from Oregon vacationed in the local Hudson River Valley. During our stay I visited the former base several times for a fun walk down memory lane. We spoke with local airport personnel and were reminded the barracks were built of brick because the West Point cadets would come to take flight training at the base and wanted to stay in housing resembling West Point Academy. It would be nice if some buildings could be established as museums and historical memorabilia had a home. A place to view and reflect on the base’s long history.

    • Hi Phil. I came across your comments about the USS Pueblo, and it reminded me of my experience at Stewart. I recently graduated from Military Police school at Fort Gordon, Ga in 1969, and was assigned to the 115th MP Company at USMA. The 115th was a National Guard unit out of Long Island, NY., activated when North Korea took the Pueblo. Their mission was in support of West Point’s existing 57th MP Co. I guess the brass decided to beef up our military presence at the Academy in case the North Koreans completely lost their minds. When the 115th was de-activated after 10 or so months as I recall, I was permanently assigned to the 57th. In addition to on-post patrols, I regularly patrolled Camp Buckner and Stewart AFB. At the time, I believe Stewart was used for North American Air Defense (Headquarters, US Army Air Defense Command Region I). I patrolled there until February, 1971. Sad to see the place in ruin.

  • Tha nks for the pictures you posted. I was stationed at Stewart AFB from May 67 – June 69. I was assigned to the 4603 Civil Engineering Squadron. It’s sad to see the old barracks being torn down. My barracks was 1910. Had some wonderful memories from being stationed there. It was a beautiful base at that time. So sad that it couldn’t have been save as part of a museum, or touring site.

    • I agree Gene. I was with the 4603rd CE Sq. also, Aug 66 – Apr 68, before I received a 3 year NATO tour to Naples Italy. As of now, October 2015, our Orderly Room building is just a concrete slab in the ground. Bldg 1910 has been nicely remodeled into a Maine barracks as have that other block of buildings in the immediate area. The library, NCO club, dining hall and the barracks on the hill, including my # 1608 (one of the three CE barracks) are all down. One graceful note, the natural landscaping that has replaced them is to be admired. The PX there still operates for the benefit of the marine detachment there and a Subway occupies the dining area across the entrance inside. The NORAD building still stands and I think is being occupied. Somehow two old 1942 aircraft maintenance buildings immediately north of the Stewart Airport Terminal still stand, as do the brick buildings continuing down the street to the old Base Fire Dept.

    • I was station there 1961 1964 work 4603 Camron B57 PE hanger for year than rest of my time Transit Alert was great time

    • Was there also 67-69. Admin clerk in the Dining Facility/Chow Hall. Lived in Barracks 1610. Got married in the Base Chapel just across the street from my barracks. Going back next year for 50th wedding anniversary. I know there will be nothing there but still worth the trip.

    • Sure, I remember them well. My dad was a civil engineer in the buildings below the hill, and I remember going to cub scout meetings up there in the basement in the early to mid 1960’s. We’d work on our balsa wood race car and rocket projects there, and later race them at the nearby lake. Noticeably the missile on the bottom upon entrance to the barracks is gone from my last visit there a few years back. Was quite a place.
      What’s anyone think about having the SAGE building there – the windowless concrete multi story cube building that served as potential Norad command center if nuclear attack, made into a cold war museum??
      I believe we can get some funding for that.

    • Hi Gene. My dad fred slater was also over there for years until Stuart closed, also in the civil engineering division. I remember a few of the other folks. George Hankin, Bob Schmidt (my god father) Marty (forget last name) and 2 very nice women who would collect and save for me many military patches from their friends in service. As I recall, as I was about 10 or so when visiting, the building was located on the right hand side upon entering a small parking lot on the left side of the main road upon entering Stuart, and had about 4-6 buildings in that lot. I also recall spending a Saturday there 1968 or 69, with 1 of the base photographers getting my picture taken in my New York Military Academy uniform. Still have 1 or 2 of the surplus army desks from there at home.
      Many good memories !

  • My father was stationed at Stewart Gardens in the mid to late 50’s. The base was a wonderful place to live as a child because it backed up to the woods which offered many areas for play and exploration. Our housing unit was located near a back entrance and there were swamps behind the house. We spent hours playing around those swamps which were loaded with fossils. Once we found a cemetary the government was not aware existed on the base. A protective barrier was built around it when a few bones ended up being a part of someone’s fossil collection. Around the rotted remains of an old log cabin was a strawberry field with the best strawberries ever and a huge hedge of lilac bushes. To get to it we paddled a 55 gallon drum across the swamp. Lots of great memories of this base from my childhood.

    • I was at stewart 1958 until 1962. Worked with your dad as a acft mechanic. He was a SSGT at the time.

    • Do you have any pictures of Stewart Gardens I live at 107 Steward Gardens and wars a news paper deliver on the base housing But I do not have any pictures of that time Do you I live on that base fir 6 years and whent to little brittion school If you do please send Pictures Thank you Ron

      • Ron, I have no photographs unfortunately. Our unit was 111 so you lived very close by. My brothers and I attended Little Britton Elementary School as well. Thank you for your response. This is such a small world.

        • Dad was stationed there in 1958-1959 loved playing in the woods and walking to little Brittion school and swimming in the officers club pool. We left and went to MacCord AFB

  • When I returned from Korea in 1967 I was Stationed at Stewart. I worked @ the Headquarters Squadron (Ground & Air Safety) under Maj. Vernon Burke and Mr. Frank Tangretti. Maj. Burke was a former “Tuskeege Airman” and came from Boston which is where I lived. Years after I got out, I worked for the Disabled American Veterans and located his family and they told me that he had just recently passed away. What a shame I waited too long to re-connect. Compared to other Bases I had been stationed at, Stewart was a Country Club, small, Brick Barracks etc. Over the years in my travels (My daughter now lives in N.Y.) I would swing by the base, reminisce and have a drink @ a old watering hole (The Elbow Room) downtown. Earlier this year I swung by and was flabbergasted at what had happened to the Base and Downtown Newburg. I guess this is what happens to a community when the Government shuts down a Military Installation. For old time sakes, I took a brick from my old Barracks #1602. I guess I’m a sentimental fool Ha! At the time I didn’t think so, BUT my time in the Air Force (Especially @ Stewart) were some of the best times of my life.
    Does anyone out there remember the name of the Night Club on Route #9 outside the base that had the “GO GO” Dancers with “Pasties” that we GI’s always went to on weekends Ha! For the life of me I can’t remember. Getting Old!!!

  • Fond memories of when I lived at stewart 57-58. I’ve been back a few times but makes me very sad to see the deterorating buildings.

  • I was assigned to Stewart AFB in the Fall of 1959 straight out of Tech School in Amarillo Texas. As an Aircraft mechanic I was assigned to the T-33 Flight. Stewart was a well manicured beautiful base. I lived in the barracks shown in the second picture and the second building in the picture. I believe Col. Barrett was the base Commander. I remember when President Eisenhower came in to attend the Army football game. As a airman third class I was one of a large group that had to go out and sweep the ramp the after a rainstorm so the President’s airplane would not get dirty.

    • Hi, how are you Sir!
      I’m a child of a deceased USAF Korean Vet.
      My father was also straight out of a tech school , in the Bronx NY
      (Samuel Gompers)! His name was Angelo Mulle, he loved the Brooklyn Bums, my grandparents were Sicillian! The years you served are similar to what I believe my dad did too…
      He said something about KP duty. Peeling potatoes, onions et.
      Can you please help me?
      Thank you for your service , God Bless You!

    • When I was there transit alert I took care of ike plane when he came in and JFK

    • I was at Stewart Tranit alert took care of Ikes plane plus our crew took care of JFK when he arrive too

    • Hi
      I ALSO WENT THERE AFTER AMARILLO IN 65 ALSO IN THE T33 SECTION THENE WENT TO GERMANY
      ON PHANTOM F4.STEWART WAS A GREAT PLACE

  • I was stationed at Stewart AFB from 1963-1967 after trainings and school. Lived in some of these buildings. Base was always active duty assignees, not national guard. Started out with 4603rd ABG which became 1st AF. Rumors were flying about the base was going to be closed from the time I got there until I left; however, something happened at the Flight Line hangers in 1966 with a chemical leak. By mid 1967, personnel were being transferred right and left. Heard the base was closed by end of 1967.

    • Kay Hughes….we were there at the same time. I, too, was in the 4603rd squadron. Where did you work?

    • I need some information about the homes/houses at the Base during the early 1960s. Trying to get information about a family whose daughter was my best friend in 1964 – 1966 (we were small children) -until he got stationed over to England. E-Mail me if you are familiar with this era. michellealexian@gmail.com Thank You ! 🙂

  • Stewart Air Force Base was my first assignment after basic training. I was assigned to the Air Base Group and first worked in base operations (aircraft dispatcher)then as the T-33 scheduler. served for just over 21 years and Stewart was buy far the best looking base I was assigned. Aug63-Jan66.

  • I was an Air Policeman at Stewart 1962-1963. They were two good years for a recruit fresh out of basic. I am pretty sure the middle barracks in the one picture was for the Air Police upstairs and the cooks/bakers downstairs. Our only complaint was the furnance-hotwater heater would malfunction in the winter. It made for some cold rooms and showers. Other than that, I thought the barracks were pretty darn good. I had worse at my next base.
    What I see happening is not what should have been done. I’m glad now I didn’t stop when we drove through the area about three years ago. Reality would have been hard on the memories.

  • I was stationed at Stewart AFB from Jan. 1965 till Feb. 1967. I was in one of those barracks on the hill. We used to stoke the coal furnaces in winter. They were real nice when I was there. I really enjoyed being stationed there, as I was only 90 miles from home. I used to go home every weekend!!! I was in supply and we worked in whse. # 2, towards the front gate. We used to take a duce and half (truck) out to the flight line and watch the F4 Phantoms take off. What a sight. It’s too bad they tore them down. I have good memories of Stewart. We had a civilian named Tony Simonvich (spelling?) He was a nice guy. I remember seeing the Clay vs Liston fight in an old church in Ellenville. When I worked at a golf course in Myrtle Beach, a guy used to be a photographer was from Ellenville. He drove a truck and his name was Chuck. I’ll always remember Stewart back when I was stationed there. Thanks for the photos and the memories.

  • When I left Stewart in 1967, I had orders to Shu Lin Kou Air Station, Taipei, Taiwan with the USAFSS. I was there from Feb. 1967 till May 1968. I had a roommate at Stewart named Pete Brennan from Queens, NY. Also a guy named James Rourke from Clifton, NJ, now deceased. Also new a woman named Ellen from Newburgh and she had the same birthdate as I did. I would like to take a trip there again just to see for myself what I can remember. I just may do that come Sept. I’ll be going up to Selkirk to see my cousin.

  • My dad was USAF! I’m trying so hard to remember details..
    I believe he said he was stationed at Stewart when it was during the Korean War. I’m guessing 1949 or 1950… Ugh. I wish I would have paid more attention to him and his legacy… I’m so ashamed, I now care…. It’s killing me, Trying to remember his stories….

  • Oh Thank God! I’m right… My dad’s name was Angelo Mulle. Does anyone remember him? He is now deceased, and is buried in Calverton out in lI…. He graduated from Samuel Gompers in the Bronx, then immediately joined the USAF! He loved our country and was so proud…

  • I am heartsick. This was such a beautiful base. I was stationed there from 1962-1964. The reason I just googled it is because five of us are having a little reunion there in October! I knew it was now an airport but I cannot imagine this is how they had let it become. It was so picturesque. It has been a lot of years and I know things change but we’re going there to share the old memories of what really were some good times.

  • I remember President Eisenhower arriving at the base. He used the entrance near our housing so a friend and I stood in the pouring rain and waited for him. When Eisenhower’s car passed us it slow to nearly a stop, he rolled down the window and waved at us. We were elated! I told everyone I had seen the president and he waved and smiled at me. I never knew the reason for his visit until I read your entry. Seeing that he arrived by plane, I now wonder what he was doing in a motorcade.
    Yesterday I spoke to my brother who flew an Apache into Stewart for refueling some years ago and saw all the changes to the base. We were reminiscing about riding our bikes and wagons down “Skeleton Hill” and our beagle, Frisky.

  • I was stationed there in in 1967 and worked at the sage building, ( still there) and in base law enforcement. Went there last week and they were tearing down just the housing barracks….Steve kunkel

    • Took a lot pics last week, I need to learn how to put them here…Ugh! Steve kunkel

    • I came to Stewart from Cape Lisburne, Alaska. I worked in the Crypto Center and then the Communications Center. I was also MA in the Airmans Club and worked the snack bars as well.

    • I came to Stewart from Cape Lisburne, Alaska. I worked in the Crypto Center and then the Communications Center. I was also MA in the Airman’s Club and worked the snack bars as well.

    • Thanks for the information. I hope you have success installing your pics for viewing. It would be great to see some current photos of former Stewart AFB.

  • Seeing those photo’s reminded Me, That in the Early 1960’s, b4 our First child, Mary and i took a leisurely trip up thru, Niagara, and then down thru New-York-State… When we stopped at, Sampson AFB, I was knocked-over by the way it was just left; Rotting-to-Ruin….. I’ve read since, that all of it has been made over into a State Park… Also; Way Across the Pacific, into, South-Korea, My former Marine Air-Base Location, K6, near, P’yongtaek, has now been made into, A Booming, Army-Base, ” Camp Johnson “, w/ High-Rise Buildings and now have, U. S.
    Army Families living there… The surrounding, Mud-Brick Houses, in the Town are All-Gone eons ago… Someone told Me that to view a Olde-Type Dwelling, nowadays i would have to visit a Museum,,, Also their, Modern-Rail-Lines Put Us to Shame.. Funny; but wherever U S Troops have formerly been amongst squalor; When We Leave, Many Became Modern Locale’s, and maybe even Surpassed Us, in Rail-Transit in Particular… WOW Watta price was paid for that Real-estate.. Go-Figure ???

  • I was stationed at Stewart 1966-67 before going to Vietnam. Worked in accntg finance in charge of paying af reserves and ang on the northern part of the east coast. My wife and I were married at the base chapel which probably no longer exists.

  • This brings lot of memrories as I was there 1961 1964 great place and seeing theses pictures are very sad I was in different barracks new one made of brick it was torn down long ago the barracks you see in theses pictures are the wac Barracks

  • I was stationed at Stewart AFB two times. I was stationed there after I graduated from Sheppard AFB in Texas in 1965 and then I had been re-assigned there In 1967-69 after coming back from Vietnam. I was an aircraft mechanic at Stewart. I lived in the barracks too, I loved that base, and I have so many great memories there.

  • I was stationed at Stewart right out of tech school and I was assigned to the C-119 sq with a great NCOIC Sgt. Hodges. I lived in the big 3 story barracks at the far end of the base, which I still believe is there. Stewart was great for me because I lived on Long Island and use to hitchhike home on weekends. It was a sad day when they closed it down as a active AF base and we moved to Richards Gebaur AFB Missouri.

  • My family was stationed at Stewart from 64-67.
    We lived in the newer military housing- huge back yard with a stream.
    I left Washingtonville High School when my step-father was transferred and ended up graduating from a school in Massachusetts.
    I missed Stewart so much.
    Am heading off for the 50th reunion of the class of ’66.

  • I really enjoyed reading these memories of Stewart Air Base. I found the article while looking for information about the air base when it was a US Air Force Base, and the scarcity of information was evident. I decided to start a Facebook page for people who lived worked or was stationed there, or even lived near by to share their memories.
    I will leave the page up and see how many people add to it. Feel free to join at

    https://www.facebook.com/Stewart-Air-Base-Memories-1336398293037400/?skip_nax_wizard=true

  • My first assignment was Stewart AFB. Arrived mid November 1968. Was there until December 1969 when the base was starting its close down phase. Lots of good times at SWF. Worked in Base Operations. Remember Woodstock August of 1969 and Col. Frank Borman flying in after his Apollo 8 mission. Still have photos of the base when it was in outstanding shape.

    • I was enrolled in Little Britain Elementary School at that time. My father was assigned to the Comm Sq. (2000 AFCS at the time.) I remember all the buzz about Woodstock that summer and the Mets winning the World Series. I have many fond memories of SAFB. Can you share your photos?

  • I was stationed in those barracks when it was an Army sub-post for six weeks during the summer of 1982 after I was assigned to deliver some basic US Army radio operation training to West Point cadets during their summer field training. My main duty station at that time was with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell Kentucky.

    The barracks weren’t anything to write home about then, but entirely serviceable. There was a PX on the post with an arcade, basic needs, and fast-food. There weren’t many other regular permanent duty US Army personnel based there as I recall.

    Every weekday morning we jumped in the back of a deuce-and-a half outside our barracks and got taken to West Point’s field training area away from the main campus. We gave classes all day and came back to the barracks in the evening.

    It was a nice respite for those of us who came up from Fort Campbell. I remember being able to visit Brotherhood Winery one weekend during our stay there. And Stewart was only a couple hours drive from home, so I was able to get back there a weekend or two.

    When the training was over, we flew back from LaGuardia in NYC.

  • i believe it was ‘THE TRADEWINDS’ . i was there in 1965-66-67. you are right, i can close my eyes and remember my time there very well.

  • tradewinds – 1966. great times what a nice time . loren, roger ,and i went there early to get a table,it was always packed. then i went to vietnam.

  • Hello all,
    I am currently assigned to Stewart as a C-17 Loadmaster. I am also the base historian and I find all of your stories very interesting. I am very interested in hearing more and getting any pictures of the old base from you. I would also be able to coordinate any visits to Stewart that you all might be interested in. Stewart is a far cry from what it once was, but I would love to show you the current day Stewart. please send any inquiries and pictures to me at Anthony.p.galioto.mil@mail.mil

  • I’m looking for anyone who was there around 1976,1977 and has any photographs of Hanger E .

  • I lived in one these building in the eighties before I moved in the housing area on the base. There was a commissary, shoppette, barber shop a clinic near the airfield. There were a few empty building when I was there. Overall it was a very nice place.

  • Do you know if the old SAGE building is still there?

  • I was born at Stewart Air Force Base in 1946, and find it’s a shame that our “history”, not just at Stewart, but across the county is being torn away.

    The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) — known as Walter Reed General Hospital (WRGH) until 1951 — was the U.S. Army’s flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. Located on 113 acres (46 ha) in Washington, D.C., it served more than 150,000 active and retired personnel from all branches of the military. The center was named after Major Walter Reed (1851–1902), an army physician who led the team that confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes rather than direct contact.

    Since its origins, the WRAMC medical care facility grew from a bed capacity of 80 patients to approximately 5,500 rooms covering more than 28 acres (11 ha) of floor space. WRAMC combined with the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland in 2011 to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).

    Walter Reed National Medical Center in Maryland was to be torn down and there was enough back lash that I understand it may become a “medical museum.”, which I think should be done.

    Without Walter Reed and others like him, diseases like malaria would still exist.

  • MY husband was stationed at Sewart Air Force in1957.He was a mechanic in the motor pool.Sgt.Nelson was
    over the motor pool at that time.His name was Kenneth Butler from Cullman Alabama Are there any of his
    comrades that still exist? Does anyone know a Fred Lee Johnson?He was a good friend of his.I would love
    to visit the base but don”t know how to get permission.Could some one tell me how?Kenneth died from
    ALS in2012.

  • Although i was never stationed at Stewart I came very close. When I left Vietnam in late October of 1969 I turned down my six month “early out” because I had orders to Stewart. Unfortunately, upon my return home from Cam Ranh Bay I found a telegram waiting for me that informed me that Stewart was closing and there fore my orders were cancelled and replaced with orders to Hancock Field in Syracuse. Irrespective of the Base closing, the Air Force refused to reinstate my “early out”! Go figure…lol
    Having been born and resided in Newburgh for years, I have many fond memories of going to air shows and displays at Stewart on “Armed Forces Day” and seeing what, as a child, I considered to be exotic aircraft., e.g. C-124 Globemasters and T-33’s. Later, as a member of a rock and roll band in the early 60’s I remember playing many times at the Teen Club on the base. Later still, in the 70’s and 80’s, I remember riding my bicycle past all of the old brick barracks, up the hill past the Officers’s Club ( near the old Nike missile) and even being able to ride completely around the runway, past the old alert hangars (still there) all the way to RT. 17k. One evening we sat outside of one of the hangars on the 17k side and listened to Hall and Oates rehearse for a concert. Sad to see so little left on the base (except for the SAGE site and power plant behind it) that is still recognizable.

  • My dad was the Tower Chief at Stewart from 1963 -1965, went to Thailand for a year and came back to be the Comm Squadron Commander. (2000th Comm Sqd I think). He retired there 1 Jan 1970 when the base closed. We are from Goshen.
    I remember the orderly room building was on of the first on the right after you drove up from the main gate. After he retired he went back to work at Stewart for the MTA, first as an Air Traffic Controller then as the Operstions Supervisor until 1983.

  • I was a medic/veterinary tech. At Stewart Jan 68-Nov69 before shipping out to Nam. Remember the NORAD bunker next to the dispensary. We medics didn’t live on the hill but next to the dispensary. Had many good times in town and met a few locals. I pass thru NY every year and go out of my way to drive I-84 and the Taconic State Parkway to bring back good memories.

  • It saddens me to see these buildings in such bad condition and being torn down. I was stationed there and lived in those barracks from 1965 to 1968 at which time I was sent to Thailand for a year. I have many fond memories of Stewart AFB. I often wonder where many of my old friends from there are now.

  • My father. Col William Davis, was stationed at Stewart from 1960 to 1962, as Comptroller for the 64th Air Division. I graduated from Washingtonville HS in 1962. We had moved there from Pepperrell AFB, Newfoundland, along with quite a few other families, after Pepperrell closed down in 1960. We lived up top the hill in quarters in Stewart Terrace.

    I’ve returned to Newburgh a number of times, the first being in 1982, to attend high school class reunions/gatherings, and in doing so stayed several times in the old temporary lodging facility over by the Officers Club. Was sad to see a littel more of Stewart gone each time I returned.

  • Frank Wilkins here, I was assigned to the 4603RDSPT SQ and worked in the comm center in the sage building from Oct. 65 – Jul 68. I remember the Trade Winds and Lockwoods were favorite watering holes for the troops from the base.

    • Assigned Dec 1967 (newbie AMN) to Dec 1969 when it closed. Worked in the Sage Message Distribution Center (MDC).

  • hi
    i was stationed at stewart from 1965 to 1966.at the T 33 section from amarillo.great memories
    I was lucky to have barracks across from hospital.3 to a room. I went to germany for 4 years after
    cow chief on phantom f4.base was beautiful well kept, sad to see it know

  • I was assigned to West Point and had housing at Stewart Field 1972-1974. Y Street address. Have these buildings been demolished?

  • My Dad was stationed there from 70 to 74 we lived in Stewart Terrace and would love to see some old pictures from there.

    • My dad taught history at West Point (1971 and 1972), and we lived in Stewart Terrace (upper terrace) on Barrett Drive. It’s still for military use. I just visited today, and the housing is all new. But I remembered so much. We would go to Stewart Air Force Base for church and brunch at the officers club.

      • I was there 70-71. Finished 4th grade, all of 5th at Little Britain. I started 6th grade at Washingtonville Jr. My Dad returned from his second tour in Vietnam and our family moved to St Louis. We stayed in the military housing, there was a walkway through the woods to get to school. Remember having lots of friends, a couple great summers at the pool. ‘Big’ Barrett Hill going up to the upper terrace, the easily assessable fields, briar patches and wooded areas.

      • Wow we lived in Stewart terrace from 70 to 74 4085 A Brocklehurst dr.

  • I wasback to Stewart in 2015 and was totally distraught at what I witnessed!! Apple of rubble of my former home of two years.
    Such a terrible loss. I’ll always have fond memories of my two years tehere!!

  • I was there during the Cuban missle crisis, worked in civil engineering,power production.I can well remember if you let the fire go out in that pot belly stove for the hot water you were in trouble.I worked in the block house for a short time in the power plant,I guess those huge diesels are still there.

  • Transferred from an open bay in TAFB, Fla. to a 2 man room on the second floor in the “Stewart Hilton” 1963 – 1965. Worked in the Metal shop alongside the Civilian ANG folks. Worked part time at the Brootherhood Winery. Had the honor to do a small repair on AF-1 when JFK was at WP graduation.

  • I am helping a friend search for members of the 1st Air Force Band stationed at Stewart between 1966 – 1968. Any help would be appreciated

  • Does housing still exist on Stewart Field that West Point used? I lived on Y St. 1972-1974 while stationed at the Point.

  • I spent 3 of the best years of my life from April 1965 thru December 1967. I was posted in Vehicle maintenance, Commercial Transportation. I spent many weekends traveling around the country side looking for auctions with my best friend Leo Z. McKinney who was the maintenance officer(civilian). I really felt a part of me was gone when I returned from my all expense paid trip to Southeast Asia. I met some great people while there, and sad to say I lost complete touch with them all. I hope to hear from any of them. I appreciate the opportunity to post this.

  • I am trying to find the address of the Hangar Bar near Stewart Air Base. My Dad owned this bar in the 1950s. I am sure it doesn’t exist anymore, but it would be very helpful to have the address. Many thanks for any help you can provide.

  • I was stationed there from 1965-1966,was such a beautiful base,so sad to see it this way.

  • I was stationed there from 65 to 67 aircraft mechanic on C119 and C124 with the 904th troop carrier group best Base to be stationed at had a friend at the 904th by the name of Frank who had a house on W. Main St in Middletown NY I had family in Cuddebackville NY which was about 15 miles west of Middletown. After my hitch I joined the NYPD. Sure miss the old days at Stewart they were the best.
    Going on 80yrs young

  • I was stationed at Stewart AFB in ’65 with the 26th Air Division IG office. Our working facilities was in one of these old buildings as shown above; it’s good to see what those buildings now look like.

  • I was stationed at Stewart ’64 to ’65. Worked in the blockhouse for about six months then transfered to a traveling team and spent most of the next six months TDY. June of ’65 got orders with APO number which turned out to be DaNang, Vietnam.

    I enjoyed my time at Stewart. Weekends drinks at Danny’s up 9W north then late night/early morning breakfast at Broadway Diner. Good friends and good times.

  • I was stationed at Stewart AFB in 1954–55 and 56. I was in the12th Weather Squadron – I was an E-6 Sgt and worked in the Personnel section. I lived in the barracks shown in the picture of three barracks up a short little road (That is blocked of in this picture). I lived in the 3rd one. I also was the ‘Player-Manager of the baseball team in 1955- We had a very good team.

  • I was stationed at Stewart in1953 until May of1956. I was assigned to the 12th Weather Squadron and worked in the Personnel section- I was an E-6 Tech Sgt. I was also the “Player-Manager” of the base baseball team in 1955. We played other military bases and also played in the city league in Newburg–We had a Very good win-loss record. When I first got to Stewart i lived in one of those 3 barracks shown in the picture of three barracks up a small road–I lived in the last one–I soon moved off post when my wife and kids came there.

  • I spent some great years at Stewart assigned to Detachment 39, 12th Weather Sq. from 57-61 when reassigned to Elmendorf AFB until the devastating 64 earthquake in Anchorage. Was reassigned back to Stewart as part of Det 11, 12th Weather Sq. at the famous SAGE Building. I was discharged July 65 and went home to NY City. I now live in Miami, FL where I have been for the past 56 years. Proud to have served. “You can take the Airman out of the USAF but you can’t take the USAF out of the Airman” Yhe memories last forever.

  • I spent some great years at Stewart assigned to Detachment 39, 12th Weather Sq. from 57-61 when reassigned to Elmendorf AFB until the devastating 64 earthquake in Anchorage. Was reassigned back to Stewart as part of Det 11, 12th Weather Sq. at the famous SAGE Building. I was discharged July 65 and went home to NY City. I now live in Miami, FL where I have been for the past 56 years. Proud to have served. “You can take the Airman out of the USAF but you can’t take the USAF out of the Airman” The memories last forever.

  • I lived at 303 Stewart Gardens from 9/68 to closing in 1970. My son was born at West Point. The friends we made there were the best! We were all family. We mourned the death of a neighbor in 1969. We celebrated births and promotions. When we found out it was closing we cried together. Was such a beautiful place to live. Wish it could have been saved.

  • Hi. My uncle George was stationed at Stewart in the 1960’s. We visited our cousins pretty often and spent a lot of time at the base, especially for church, the PX, and the hangers.

    I can share my Dad’s home movie of an air show from that time if anyone is interested. Dad missed the fighter fly-over, but captured a few minutes on the flight line.

  • fond memories of Stewart AFB, Stationed there from march 1967-march 1969. 4603 Air Police Sq. Great memories.

  • My dad was station at Stewart AFB from March 1966 to January 1970. I was 4 1/2 when we moved there – 4040B Clark Street. It was a great place to be a kid. Height of the baby boom and each house had 2-4 kids. So Clark Street was nothing but kids on bikes and kids playing together. Went fishing in the creek nearby. Started kindergarten at Little Britain Elementary in the fall of ’66. Crossing the little bridge and walking through the woods to school was an adventure! Of all the bases my dad was stationed at when I was a kid, none compared to Stewart. Was last in the area in the fall of 2021. Little Britain hasn’t changed much and the trail through the woods is still there but clearly isn’t being used. The housing is all gone and replaced with a gigantic apartment complex. Makes me think of the Christy Hines song about returning to Ohio and her city is gone.