Plattsburgh Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force (USAF) Strategic Air Command (SAC) base covering 3,447 acres (13.7 km²) in the extreme northeast corner of New York, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain opposite Burlington, Vermont, in the city of Plattsburgh, New York. The base closed on 25 September 1995, pursuant to the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. Sec. 2687 note) and the recommendations of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. It is now a civilian airport and industrial complex, operated by the Plattsburgh Air Base Development Authority. The airfield is now known as Plattsburgh International Airport. Geography The former air base is bordered by the city of Plattsburgh and the Saranac River to the north and the Salmon River to the south. It lies on the western shore of Lake Champlain on the New York-Vermont border. History Military Presence Before the Base Plattsburgh was the third oldest military post in the United States. The U.S. has maintained a military presence at the site of the now-closed base since 30 December 1814. In particular: On 30 December 1814, the Federal Government purchased 200 acres for the construction of the "Plattsburgh Barracks". In 1838, additional parcels of land were acquired and stone barracks were built to house the personnel. During the Civil War, Union troops organized and departed from the base. During the Spanish–American War, the 21st Infantry was transferred from Plattsburgh Barracks to Cuba in June 1898. The troops returned to Plattsburgh in September 1898. During the Interwar period, Plattsburgh Barracks was the home of the 26th Infantry Regiment of the "Iron first " division. In 1944, it was turned over to the United States Navy and became "Camp MacDonough", an indoctrination school for officers. After the World War II, from March 1946 to 1953, the base was used for college student housing for area colleges and extensions schools. Plattsburgh Air Force Base (PAFB) In 1953, the site returned to the Federal government and Plattsburgh Barracks were renamed Plattsburgh Air Force Base. The USAF held a ground breaking ceremony for the new strategic base on 29 January 1954, and construction began immediately. The runway was completed and the first aircraft landed on 7 November 1955. However, operational facilities were not completed until 1956 due to several work-stoppages and severe winter weather. Built during the Cold War, Plattsburgh AFB's runway