RWP Photography

Essex Airfield’s eastern most runway

On the map it is listed simply as a landing strip, from the air 2 runways with 6 hardstands at each end and a taxiway in between can be cleary seen, from the ground it is hard to see any of it unless you are standing right on top of it, and it is not visible at all from nearby Goffs Road or Interstate 40. The western most runway is in the process of being reclaimed by the desert with creosote bushes growing up through the hard packed sand that formed the runways base. The eastern most runway is much more open with plenty of room to land a small airplane.

In 1942 the Department of the Interior turned over 12 million acres of the Mojave Desert in California and Arizona to the Army to be used as a training area for Gen. George S. Patton’s troops in preperation for war in North Africa. Camp Essex was established in 1942 & subsequently occupied by the 93rd Infantry Division among others. The only permanent structures were the 12 concrete hardstands and a 500,000 gallon water reservoir. The 27,000 men based there where housed in a tent city. The runways themselves where 5000 feet long and 112 feet wide covered with steel matting. The concrete hardstands were large enough for a heavy bomber of the day such as a B-17 or B-24.

Essex Airfield as seen from an altitide of 1.5 miles above the airfield. Goffs Rd. (formerly National Trails Highway & Route 66) and the BNSF railroad cut across the lower right corner

The location of Camp Essex makes a lot of sense for the day. It was in a location that approximated the harsh environment and working conditions of the North African desert which helped acclimate the troops for their eventual destination. Also, from a logistical perspective, it was located alongside U.S. Route 66 and a main Santa Fe railroad line. Camp Essex was allocated 30,535 acres, which was a small part of the overall 12 million acres that made up the Desert Training Center, and by 1944 the land that the camp occupied was declared surplus and returned to the Department of Interior.

Exploring the runways and the surrounding desert roads today there is little sign of the Army that was once there except for the occasional rusting oil can or other small debris. Locals tell of finding unexploded ordinance in the desert area once occuppied by the camp. Creosote now grows up through cracks in the concrete hardstands and most of the gridwork of roads that made up the base have been reclaimed by the desert over the last 70 years. But, if you listen closely to the wind, maybe you can hear the sounds of troops marching in formation drills, rifles being fired, or an A-20 Havoc taking off from the runway.

One of the 12 hardstands surrounding Essex Airfields parallel runways.

Concrete hardstand slowly succumbing to the desert forces. Interstate 40 is barely visible in the distance.

If you are inclined to explore Camp Essex use common sense. The area is remote and not frequently traveled. Carry water, a shovel, and even a few 2x4s to put under your tires if you get stuck in the soft sand. A vehicle with high wheel clearance is advised as many of the established roads cross through dry stream beds and are not as smooth and straight as the aerial image would lead you to believe. Even though Interstate 40 is visible in the distance it could be a long time before help arrives so being able to help yourself is crucial.

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