Castle (MER)

Castle (KMER/MER/MER) is a small airport located in Atwater, California, United States. The airport was originally built in 1941 as a World War II Army Air Corps base and was named Castle Air Force Base in honor of Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle, who was killed in action during the war. The base was closed in 1995 and became a civilian airport in 1996.

The airport covers an area of 1,800 acres and has two runways. The main runway is 13,300 feet long and is capable of handling large commercial aircraft such as Boeing 747s. The airport also has a general aviation runway that is 6,000 feet long.

Castle Airport is equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, a fuel farm, and a maintenance facility. The passenger terminal is small but comfortable and offers basic amenities such as restrooms, vending machines, and free Wi-Fi. The cargo terminal is spacious and well-equipped to handle a variety of cargo types.

The airport is also home to a number of aviation-related businesses, including aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, aircraft refurbishment companies, and aviation training schools. These businesses help to support the local economy and provide valuable services to the aviation industry.

One unique feature of Castle Airport is its Aviation Museum, which is located on the airport grounds. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Castle Air Force Base and the aircraft that were stationed there. The museum features a collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich aviation history of the region.

Overall, Castle Airport is a small but modern airport that offers a variety of facilities and services to travelers and aviation professionals alike. Its unique history and location make it an interesting destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history.