Bowerman History

Washington Coast's Jet-Capable Airport

History

Moon Island Airport, or Bowerman Field, as we know it today, has been around since the 1940’s and has gone through many changes in its history.

In 1942, in the middle of World War II, the United States Army granted funds to expand then Moon Island Airport. Then in 1946 after World War II was over, Robert Bowerman who was a fighter pilot during the war returned home and formed Western Washington Airways and worked hard with his company to promote Moon Island Airport.

In 1953 Robert Bowerman was honored for his work at Bowerman and his service to his country as Moon Island Airport was renamed Bowerman Field Airport .In the 1950’s Bowerman Field was owned by Grays Harbor County but the Port of Grays Harbor did give money on occasion to aid in the upkeep of the Airport. By 1962 ownership of Bowerman Field would change as the Port of Grays Harbor took over full ownership and operation of Bowerman Field from Grays Harbor County at the first of the year.

Bowerman field and Moon island in 1942

In 1971, the Commissioners of the Port of Grays Harbor decided to upgrade Bowerman Field and add an Instrument Landing System (ILS). This system would make Bowerman, “The best-equipped airfield of its size and use on the West Coast,” said then Port Manager E. W. Clocksin. The ILS was installed in late 1992 after funding and study was completed.

Fast-forward 15 years to 2007 when the Port of Grays Harbor worked with the FAA to revamp the ILS and raise the glide slope.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Port of Grays Harbor equipped Bowerman with GPS systems that allows for better landing then the ILS.

Recent improvements to the airport include beacon replacement, electrical upgrades and runway maintenance.

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