Kirtland Air Force Base was developed from three private airfields in 1928-1939 and are similar to that of other existing runways and hangars for military use.Later on two airlines initiated competitive passenger, mail, and cargo service between the Midwest and California, positioning Albuquerque as an important transcontinental airfield. Construction of Albuquerque Army Air Base began in January 1941 and was completed in August 1941.

The new role for Kirtland was to develop proper aircraft modifications for weapons delivery and to determine ballistic characteristics for weapons of the future.In July 1971, Kirtland merged with Manzano and Sandia Base's, its neighbors to the east, creating a sprawling military complex known as Kirtland Air Force Base -- the third largest installation in AFMC and the sixth largest in the Air Force.sToday,Kirtland air force base covers 51,558 acres and employs over 23,000 people, including more than 4,200 active duty and 1,000 Guard, plus 3,200 part-time Reservists. The base is home to the Nuclear Weapons Center and 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland's host organization, which supports about 76 federal government and 384 private sector units.