Although many U.S. airports use the same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA, this airport is assigned NFE by the FAA but has no designation from the IATA.[2]
Fentress NALF has one operational runway designated Runway 5/23 with an asphalt surface measuring 8,004 by 175 feet (2,440 x 53 m).[1] Four additional shorter paved runways dating from the airfield's original construction during World War II are located in the airfield's northern quadrant. These additional runways are closed to aircraft.
On 5 July 2011, it was announced that NALF Fentress would close in January 2012 for 9 months for major repairs. Touch and go maneuvers would move to Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field.[3] As of 15 October 2012 the airfield was reopened.
At the end of June 2014 the Chesapeake City Council voted unanimously to use city and state funds, who plan to put up about $1 million each, to buy property near the Fentress Naval airport in order to prevent encroachment onto the airfield.[4] This is similar to a program of Virginia Beach, Virginia and the state of Virginia regarding Naval Air Station Oceana.[4]
