In 1923 Grottaglie was a military airfield of Regia Aeronautica During World War II, was a military airfield used by Regia Aeronautica and after by the United States Army Air Forces. The airfield was designed for heavy bomber use, and was a major base for Fifteenth Air Force B-24 Liberator heavy bombers used in the strategic bombardment campaign against Germany. In addition, Twelfth Air Force tactical bombers were stationed at the airfield which were used to support Allied ground forces in the Italian Campaign.



Known USAAF units assigned to the airfield were:

47th Bombardment Group, 24 Sep-15 Oct 1943, A-20 Havoc (12 AF)

321st Bombardment Group, 15 Oct-20 Nov 1943, B-25 Mitchell (12 AF)

449th Bombardment Group, 4 Jan 1944-16 May 1945, B-24 Liberator (15 AF)

416th Night Fighter Squadron, 30 Sep 1943-28 Jan 1944, Bristol Beaufighter (12 AF)



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After the war ended, the airfield was turned over to local authorities, and in 1950 was air base of 86º Gruppo Antisom 8Antisubmarine Warfare Wing) of Italian Air Force In 1979 was a Naval Air Station of Italian Navy.