Historic Chennault Air Force Base

07/18/2026

"I Was Born Here" — Sheila Pounders

"Being able to see the legacy and history of Chennault recognized and celebrated again is incredibly meaningful." Sheila Pounders was born at Chennault Air Base on September 13, 1962. Her father and two uncles were stationed here. Stories like Sheila's are why this history matters.

Do you have a connection to Chennault Air Base? Share it in the comments — and if you have any old Chennault photos, we'd love to see those too.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

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07/15/2026

Did You Know? Why the Base Was Named for Chennault

Did you know? Lt. General Claire Lee Chennault was never stationed at the Lake Charles base that would one day carry his name — but his legacy more than earned the honor. Raised in rural North Louisiana, Chennault commanded the famous "Flying Tigers" (the American Volunteer Group) in China during World War II, becoming one of the most celebrated airmen in U.S. military history. On November 14, 1958, Lake Charles Air Force Base was rededicated as Chennault Air Force Base to honor his accomplishments.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

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07/11/2026

A huge thank you to Kyle Edmiston and Visit Lake Charles (VLC) for providing the vital resources to bring this project to life! I am also incredibly grateful to VLC marketing team members Timothy Bush and Colten Miller, alongside Oran Parker with Parker Brand Creative Services, for collaborating to design and create this amazing Chennault Driving Tour Brochure.

Want your own FREE Driving Tour brochure? Stop by any of the following locations to pick one up. Thank you!

Lake Charles Visitor Center
Chennault Aviation & Military Museum (Monroe, LA)
Million Air Lake Charles
Lake Charles Regional Airport
McNeese Frazar Memorial Library
Calcasieu Parish Central Library
Calcasieu Parish Carnegie Memorial Library
Historic City Hall Arts & Humanities Center
Henning Cultural Center (Sulphur, LA)
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Vinton Welcome Center (Vinton, LA)
SOWELA Technical Community College Library
Jeff Davis Tourist Commission (Jennings, LA)
Beauregard Tourist Commission (DeRidder, LA)
Beauregard Museum (DeRidder, LA)
The Historic War Memorial Civic Center (DeRidder, LA)
Chennault Coffee Shop

The Driving Tour Is Here

Want to walk — or drive — in the footsteps of history? The Historic Chennault Air Force Base Driving Tour Brochure is now available at locations across Southwest Louisiana, including the Lake Charles Visitor Center, the Calcasieu Parish Public Library, Million Air at Chennault Airport, and more. Pick one up and discover what once stood right here in our own backyard.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

07/11/2026

The Driving Tour Is Here

Want to walk — or drive — in the footsteps of history? The Historic Chennault Air Force Base Driving Tour Brochure is now available at locations across Southwest Louisiana, including the Lake Charles Visitor Center, the Calcasieu Parish Public Library, Million Air at Chennault Airport, and more. Pick one up and discover what once stood right here in our own backyard.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

07/07/2026

Please follow the Historic Chennault Air Force Base page and share with others. Thank you.

Who Was Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault?

Before there was a Chennault Air Force Base, there was the man himself. Claire Lee Chennault was an aviator and military strategist who grew up in rural North Louisiana — in Franklin and Tensas Parishes — and later attended LSU before rising to the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force. His leadership and innovative tactics made him one of the most respected airmen of his era — a legacy that earned the Lake Charles base its name in 1958.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

07/07/2026

Who Was Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault?

Before there was a Chennault Air Force Base, there was the man himself. Claire Lee Chennault was an aviator and military strategist who grew up in rural North Louisiana — in Franklin and Tensas Parishes — and later attended LSU before rising to the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force. His leadership and innovative tactics made him one of the most respected airmen of his era — a legacy that earned the Lake Charles base its name in 1958.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Anniversary of our country. Have a great 4th of July!!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from Historic Chennault Air Base! Today we celebrate the freedoms generations of service members — including those who trained and served right here in Lake Charles — fought to protect.

Enjoy Red, White, and You! today, and take a moment to remember the airmen who once called this base home.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

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07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from Historic Chennault Air Base! Today we celebrate the freedoms generations of service members — including those who trained and served right here in Lake Charles — fought to protect.

Enjoy Red, White, and You! today, and take a moment to remember the airmen who once called this base home.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

🎆🇺🇸

07/01/2026

Welcome to Historic Chennault Air Force Base

Something remarkable once stood here in Lake Charles — a United States Air Force Base that trained thousands of pilots, housed entire wings of bomber aircraft, and carried the name of one of America's most decorated generals. Today, we're bringing that story back.

Follow along as we explore the history of Historic Chennault Air Force Base — stop by stop, story by story.

SUPPORT HCAFB » https://www.foundationswla.org/hcafb

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