Shirley Airport

Military Base Conversion

The site of the former airfield was decommissioned as part of the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action that closed Fort Devens. The land was transferred to the state agency MassDevelopment and has been completely redeveloped into a large, master-planned community named 'Devens'. The original runways and taxiways, while still visible, are no longer used for aviation. Instead, they are repurposed for various activities, including a major driver training facility for the Massachusetts State Police and other emergency services (EVOC), automotive research and testing, and as a backlot for film and television productions. The surrounding area is now a thriving industrial and commercial park with businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and biotechnology, along with residential and recreational areas.

The facility, officially known as Moore Army Airfield (FAA LID: AYF), was the aviation arm of the U.S. Army's Fort Devens. Established in the 1920s, it played a significant role throughout the 20th century. During World War II, it was a crucial base for the First Air Force, supporting coastal anti-submarine patrols and air defense for the northeastern United States. In the Cold War era, it supported various Army units, including the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the U.S. Army Security Agency. Operations included training, logistics, and transport, handling a wide range of military aircraft from early biplanes to later C-123 and C-130 transport aircraft and numerous helicopters like the UH-1 Huey and CH-47 Chinook. The airport was not a public general aviation field but a restricted military installation.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The land has been permanently and successfully repurposed for economic development by MassDevelopment. The extensive commercial, industrial, and civic infrastructure built on and around the former airfield, combined with the use of the runways for non-aviation purposes, makes its conversion back to an active airport infeasible.