The DeLand Naval Air Station.

In 1920, an airport was built in DeLand for simple municipal use and didn't even have an asphalt runway until 1936. The simplicity of the airport changed when in 1941, the City of DeLand generously donated the airport to the U.S. Navy, following the start of WWII, showing their support to the cause. In 1942, The Navy bought surrounding property to expand their station, which is now known as the DeLand Airport and on November 17th, 1942, the DeLand Naval Air Station was opened.

The DeLand Naval Air Station quickly became a major training base for Navy pilot/gunner teams and new facilities were constructed in order to provide housing for military personnel and storage for equipment. During the 40s, hundreds of families moved to DeLand with their servicemen. When the war was over, many of those families stayed. The influx of families settling here from around the country was an economic boost for the town and changed DeLand's future. Many of today's "DeLand families" can be traced to this migration.

In 1946, following the end of the war, the Naval Air Station closed and the field was turned back over to the City of DeLand. From 1956 to 1971, some of the buildings were used by the Florida Military School and then, years later, the Deland Naval Air Station Museum came into fruition. In November of 1995, an extensive restoration effort was made to the former Master of Arms Residence building and now hosts an impressive collection of historical artifacts, memorabilia, and military art that has continued to grow over the years. 

In the heart of downtown DeLand, located on the Fish Building (our very own building), stands a mural that captures this significant chapter of the city’s history. This mural, painted by Courtney Canova, pays homage to the DeLand Naval Air Station. 

This mural depicts and appreciates the courage and sacrifice from the aviators and all veterans who made a commitment to our country, filled with the spirit of perseverance and hope. 

This mural features two veterans, Dale Alexander and Ken Torbett, two men who trained at the DeLand and fought in battle as well as the famous SBD Dauntless carrier-based plane which was at the DeLand Naval Air Station and was one of the aircrafts in the station’s training mission.