We are proud of the Base's history in helping to defend and protect our country while also serving
as an important part of the Licking County and Central Ohio economy.
Built in the early 1950’s, the 70-acre facility served a variety of functions for the United States Air Force and Department of Defense.
In 1961, Congress approved funding to redesignate its duties to house inertial guidance system repair shops and calibrations laboratories
for laboratories worldwide.
The base was deactivitated September 17, 1996 and on October 1, 1996, the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority
purchased 57 acres of the property through an Economic Development Conveyance. The Port Authority manages the equipment and
facilities of the former Air Force base. Since the Port Authority took ownership, the property has been renamed
the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center (COATC).
The site has received national recognition as the first Privatization-in-Place (PIP) in
Air Force history. Under PIP, these workloads continue under private sector contract.
