 In the mid-1950s, NAS Cecil Field's growth was given further impetus when the station was selected to serve as one of four naval air stations to be designated as Master Jet Bases specifically used for the operation of carrier-based jet aircraft.In 1951, the land area of NAS Cecil Field was increased to 4,600 acres (19 km²) and additional new buildings and facilities were constructed.Naval Air Station Cecil Field occupied 19,664 acres (79.6 km²), and was projected to be Navy's largest Master Jet Base.