On March 9, 1916, the United States was invaded by forces under the command of the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. Villa and his troops attacked both civilians and the military outpost in the small border town of Columbus, New Mexico. Eighteen Americans were killed before the Villa rebels were turned back.

In response, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the American military, the so-called “Punitive Expedition,” to cross into Mexico to locate and destroy Villa and his fighting forces. Accompanying the US ground forces, which grew to almost 10,000 men, was a small detachment of US Army airplanes which were based at a landing field outside of Columbus. This deployment of the First Aero Squadron, flying Curtiss “Jenny” biplanes, was the first use of US Army (now Air Force) airplanes in a U.S. military campaign. Their Columbus-based operation was, in effect, the birth of what later became the United States Air Force – and, later with the development of rotary wing aircraft (helicopters), what is now known as the Army’s Aviation Branch.

Who We Are

In 2007, a group of aviation enthusiasts and other interested citizens met to discuss what might be done to protect the site of the original landing field and flight line where the First Aero Squadron was based in 1916/17. While the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was threatened by ever expanding residential and commercial development. It was even listed as one of most endangered historic sites in New Mexico.

By 2008 the group had formed the First Aero Squadron Foundation (FASF) with the mission of securing, preserving and restoring the historic Aerodrome. We are a New Mexico non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation: Donations are tax deductible. We have a 9-member governing Board of Trustees, and an Advisory Board of national experts in military, history, civilian aviation and the arts. We have well over 200 members nationwide – and are growing by leaps and bounds. All our Trustees and Advisors are volunteers.

What We Have Done So Far

In 2009, the FASF purchased 60 acres of the historic site, comprising part of the original 1916 Aerodrome as well as the old Columbus Municipal Airport, itself steeped in history. Thanks to the dedication of the Board and our Friends, we own this land free and clear. In 2012 we graded a 2,600 runway on the site of the original Columbus Municipal Airport east-west runway which had become overgrown with mesquite, cacti and other desert plants, making the field unusable by aircraft. In 2014, we acquired access to and an option to buy the 160 acre parcel to the east of the first 60-acre parcel, which we are now engaged in paying off – and we are already, thanks to our “Buy an Acre” campaign, well over half-way there. With both parcels now under FASF control, the entire original land-marked historic site is now protected for future generations. We are no longer on anyone’s endangered list!

Future Plans

With the historic site secured, our next step is to build a Commemorative Monument to honor all the intrepid early airmen and their crews who pioneered the beginnings of American air power – and its lead in world civil aviation development. We will reconstruct the original 1916 Aerodrome and build a museum to house a representative selection of early World War I and pre-World War II aircraft.

Part of our mission is education. We hold presentations to inform the public—including future pilots and historians—of our early aviation beginnings in which the Columbus Aerodrome figured so prominently. We believe that it is important for everyone to know the important history of our nation’s Air Force – and of the rebirth of American Civil Aviation that all took place in a tiny town in Southwestern New Mexico.

How You Can Become Involved

First, if you have never been to Columbus, please come visit. Anyone of our locally-based Board Members would be happy to give you a tour of the area and the property. Second, please consider joining FASF. We are a small but enthusiastic group and we would welcome your participation in our efforts to preserve an important piece of this country’s proud heritage. Please browse the rest of our website and click right here to see how you can join in our efforts.

Copyright 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022l, 2022, 2023, and 2024 © First Aero Squadron Foundation – – – All International Rights Reserved. This website’s unique contents (except those already copyrighted by other cited sources), are usable only with permission of the FASF and the FASF must be clearly referenced as the used content’s source. Contact Webmaster Ric Lambart at either: Ric@FirstAeroSquadron.com or by calling the FASF Office at: 575.543.5290 – Thank you!

35 thoughts on “”

Kris Lethin-re site September 13, 2013 at 12:53

The site is much improved over what I originally published, hats off to Eric and Ric Lambart for
all the work in putting this new site up. I would suggest the Jenny picture be used as a water
mark or back ground for all the pages with a light blue to match the clouds in the theme. Kris

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Cordelia Clark September 27, 2013 at 15:06

I think your new website is outstanding – easy to fly low and slow thru it – enjoyable visit!

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Rebecca Reed October 22, 2013 at 10:56

Hello!

I’m Rebecca Reed, and I just wanted to thank you for the really educational page you’ve created,http://firstaerosquadron.com/links.
My daughter, Sally, is becoming very interested in airplanes: first, it was her grandpa’s pictures from WW2 (he was a bomber pilot),
then it was flight simulation games, and now it’s RC planes! She is getting kind of obsessed!

Naturally, as a mom and teacher, I try to turn every thing into a ‘teachable moment.’
Planes are actually really great for this, from history to science: there is so much to learn.
I really liked teaching her about the ninety-nines! Its great for her to know that it’s not just a man’s world!

One other thing, I thought I would show you a page I also really liked for educational purposes:
(http://midatlanticairconditioning.com/info/article/firsts-in-air-travel).
It’s a brief timeline about the history of flight, looking at a series of ‘firsts’.
Sally loved it, and I thought your other readers might like it to, so it would fit right in on your page!

Let me know if you get a chance to link to that page, I would love to know I had a little impact on your site!

And once again, thanks for the help!

Rebecca Reed

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Len Zgonina October 29, 2013 at 14:03

Interesting and informative website. I’d suggest that you include pictures of FASF Advisory Board members similar to the way you presented photos of the Trustees. Site is very easy to navigate.

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fasfric October 29, 2013 at 14:31

Good suggestion. We’ll get to work on implementing it.

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Eddie Glover November 1, 2013 at 13:40

This new site is considerably better than the old site. Like the full background and easier to get around the site, to go from one section to another. Like the way the visitor is able to easily comment. I’d rate this new site 4.5 out of 5.0.

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Chris Oquist November 6, 2013 at 10:13

Your site is very user friendly and a great aviation resource. Keep up the good work and we will continue to follow your site over here at the Banyan Pilot Shop!!!!

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Charles March 26, 2014 at 08:26

How do I become a member? EG where do I send a check?

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1. fasfric March 28, 2014 at 14:08
  
  Charles,
  
  Thanks for the query. Would love to have you aboard!
  
  Just click on the PDF linked Membership Application under
  the menu title “Membership” and you’ll be able to print out
  the appliation and send it on in. The address if right on
  the application, itself. $20 is the normal membership,
  and for anyone interested in doing some memorial giving, there’s
  always our “Buy and Acre” campaign to help us get the remaining
  acreage of the 1916 original airfield of the First Aero Squadron.
  Can you imgaine in this day and age buying an entire acre close
  to a town for only $250? We’ve already received over half the
  160 acres in memorial cash donations in just a few short months
  (see the lastest “Aerodrome” newsletter).
  
  Thanks again for getting in touch – and for visiting our site.
  
  ric lambart, Webmaster and president
  
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Robby July 11, 2014 at 09:07

Bless you fог your fսnctional information. It really shows you are competent, educated and
expert in this field, which is tricky to come bү in this dɑy and age.

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Nancy Aldrich July 29, 2014 at 12:59

The website looks great and is easy to navigate. Thanks for posting my article and a link to 2othcenturyaviationmagazine.com. I am happy to be a new member of the organization. I live too far away to make meetings, but enjoy communicating with other members, and perusing the website!

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1. fasfric July 30, 2014 at 08:35
  
  Thanks for the compliments, Nancy. Enjoyed your article – – – and welcome aboard the FASF!
  
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Mike coyle September 9, 2014 at 15:51

My grandfather, Arthur j coyle was a captain in the squadron. He is credited with being the first American to participate in aerial combat in an American squadron (first aero squadron). He had three confirmed kills and was shot down three times. He never thought much of Curtis le May and blamed him for not giving the American squadrons parachutes.

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1. fasfric September 9, 2014 at 16:57
  
  Mike,
  Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments with us. Can you give us more information about your Grandfather? We’d love to possibly do a story on him, or you might write one up yourself. Am sure our FASF followers would find his more detailed history of great intrerest! Ric Lambart
  
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  1. TF January 3, 2015 at 10:18
    
    In regard to Coyle and 1st Aero Squadron
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/13472036425/in/photolist-mwtH56-dCXpNV-8MR76k-ee9oGw-aEsfPg-p11MxM-6Aqxn-crL9PE-5K1TVS-89jdhW-dQX1WK-8bjGTG-64NrFz-cQc3vq-drEH4M-89fVyR-ajCZbi-aFBXCH-ec3VWW-ebu5Se-cWqMKo-7T1GcA-ec14Uq-aKzi9z-bAiYyx-bZLZ7y-8txdbg-ncSN9X-8ahxPD-8avN7x-jk5Dsz-5J4E6s-9Xo7EC-aJ3XUi-av3g4C-jhEKoy-4yNLHh-fwYhH5-cB3FU5-e1grr9-64NrZt-6Zw5fS-nvAqyv-oCa1W2-dnhSgP-d7g6yW-8bod9m-h6uvnu-9pBJQB-8sYk46/
    
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  2. fasfric February 17, 2015 at 13:12
    
    Phillip. Where did you get this long URL? It has some great photos, but not sure what all of them are.
    
    Do you know? Would like to use some of them if we know what they are. Thanks. Ric
    
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  3. TF January 3, 2015 at 10:19
    
    please give credit at
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157643070233505
    
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Edward Franklin Smith October 17, 2014 at 22:48

I lived in Columbus from 1952 to 1957 and the FAA emergency Airport was an important part of our town. It was manned 24/7 as an emergency field for the airliners continually flying high overhead. My Dad was section foreman for the Southern Pacific RR, and our house sat beside the Depot, which is of course now the Pancho Villa Museum. In 1954 Roosevelts former plane, the Sacred Cow, made an emergency landing there. All of the town folk got to tour her the week or so she spent there before they got her to flying again. I didn’t see her again until 2 years ago when I toured The Air Force Museum at Dayton Ohio. The only other noteworthy plane incident I remember is a Navy Panther Jet crashing about 5 miles west of town, killing the pilot who failed to eject. I am a member of the CAF, AZ Wing. I am a docent at our air Museum and a Loadmaster on the B-17, “Sentimental Journey”; and the B-25 “Made In The Shade”. I will definitely be joining and supporting the FASF, and I hope to see you all in person next summer.

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fasfric October 18, 2014 at 10:39

Edward – Thanks for not just taking the time to send us your interesting remarks about you and your family while living in Columbus, but for shedding some more light on the otherwise far too obscure post WWII local history of the town – and its airfield – now being purchased by the FASF. We’re looking forward to having you as a member and in seeing you this coming Summer! ric lambart, Pres. FASF

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mark January 8, 2015 at 21:07

I have a first aero squadron item and I can’t find out what it is or what it may be worth. Could you help me? I can email a picture if you gI’ve me an address.

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1. fasfric January 10, 2015 at 19:09
  
  Thanks for the inquiry, Mark. From the photo, which we can’t see here (but thanks to your email, now have seen), it would appear to be something fabricated sometime after the end of WWI and likely before WWII. It’s most probably something used during the thirties or maybe even during WWII. It employs the post WWI wing style (not that used during the first big war) with the propeller in the center that didn’t appear in use till after the end of WWI. This arrangement was used up through the end of WWII prior to the founding of the separate United States Air Force in 1947. The AMC, above the wing/propeller insignia has appeared in similar combinations of those same letters even in the USAF to designate the Air Material Command, but could also have had another meaning during WWII, but, unfortunately, none of us know the precise or correct answer to that question – – – at least not at this juncture. Maybe someone might come up with a good answer now that you’ve shared your photo with some of our Board members. Thanks again for your interest, and good luck!
  
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richard March 4, 2015 at 13:17

I have a colt 1911 early holster. On the Flap is lightly stamped below the US is

1 AERO
B. SQD
23

would you know what all that means. I cannot find anything about a B SQD OR THE NUMBER 23

tHANKS

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Angel M. Ruiz,MSgt(Ret),USAF March 21, 2015 at 19:19

Where do I find a dvd of the Mexican punitive expedition, showing the planes of the 1st Aero Squadron in ops?

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Anya June 26, 2015 at 04:36

It’s an amazing piece of writing designed for all the web viewers; they will take advantage from it I am sure.

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futures trading July 26, 2015 at 04:15

Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after looking at
a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!

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Anthony M. Avanzo March 17, 2016 at 17:43

Who were the 1st Aero crew of Salmson 2a,plane 24?

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1. fasfric January 29, 2018 at 10:40
  
  Anthony, Sorry for the tardy reply, but somehow missed your inquiry when it came in so long ago. Have checked. and so far come up empty handed, but it does seem as though, while in Europe with the AEF, the 1st Aero Squadron did receive some of those Salmson 2A’s, but so far have not located the records of which of the 1st’s pilots actually flew the aircraft. Hopefully they are somewhere, possibly at the USAF National Museum in Ohio? The final version of the ship flown by the 1st was apparently the much improved craft, which could cruise at about 120 MPH at altitudes up to 7000′. It was also equipped with a Lewis machine gun atop the upper wing for the pilot, but this so badly effected the performance that they were all removed. Later a modified and improved Lewis was remounted and apparently worked OK. The Observer had a twin Lewis machine gun. If anyone knows which of the 1st’s pilots were checked out in the Salmson please let us know and we’ll either post the reply under comments or directly to Anthony. Thanks for the query, Anthony, just apologize for the late reply – – – and without a definitive answer . . .
  
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Silvie May 27, 2018 at 01:10

I think your new website is outstanding – easy to fly low and slow thru it – enjoyable visit!!!

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1. fasfric May 27, 2018 at 13:22
  
  Thanks so much for the kind words, Silvie. Since no one around here gets paid to do this work (the FASF is an all volunteer group), it truly means a lot when we hear compliments about our efforts. Your “easy to fly low and slow thru it” managed to elicit a hearty chuckle from this old geezer, since I easily recall the days when every good pilot would tell her or his loving grandmother, who’d admonished them to be sure to fly “low and slow,” not to worry, that of course they would . . . 😉
  
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Aaronacuby September 17, 2019 at 07:23

Great website, how do you find all this information?I have read a few articles on your website and I love your writing style. Thanks a million, keep up the good work.
https://courseworkwriting459.blogspot.com

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Mike Combs August 22, 2021 at 15:16

Please help. My grandfather was in the was in the Punitive Expedition into Mexico. I remember he was a mother cyclist, and was given a field commission to Lt.
My brother gave me grandads old Army uniform. The coller insignias are vertical propellor blades with horizontal wings. Do you know of a roster of the men assigned to the aero sqdrn. that I could look at?

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1. Mike Combs August 22, 2021 at 15:18
  
  Wow! Sorry about the typos. I did not proof read my post like I should have,
  
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2. RIC Post authorMarch 4, 2024 at 09:07
  
  No, but suggest you contact the Office of the U.S. Army Historian here: https://history.army.mil/ They might be your best resource. Good luck!
  
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Indie September 20, 2022 at 22:10

Is there a physical museum for the First Aero Squadron?

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1. RIC Post authorSeptember 21, 2022 at 01:29
  
  Wendy,
  Thanks for the inquiry.
  Sadly, the museum is still in our future plans, but none to visit at the moment.
  We do have the original airfield in our possession, though. That’s our first step.
  Are you a history buff, an aviator, or . . .?
  
  Cheers,
  ric lambart
  FASF CEO
  
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