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Beane Field WWII Base

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Beane Field was a vital World War II United States Army Air Forces base located at the southern tip of Saint Lucia near Vieux Fort. Established under the 'Destroyers for Bases' agreement with Great Britain, the base served as a critical defensive outpost for patrolling the Caribbean against German U-boats and safeguarding the strategic approaches to the Panama Canal. At its height, the base housed thousands of American servicemen, which led to significant infrastructural developments and lasting social changes in the south of the island. Today, the site has transitioned into civil use as the location of Hewanorra International Airport, Saint Lucia's primary international gateway. Traces of its military heritage are still scattered throughout the landscape, including reinforced concrete bunkers, ammunition storage huts, and segments of the original wartime runways. For history buffs, exploring the environs of Beane Field has a compelling look at the Caribbean's role in global defense strategies during the 1940s, marking the spot where military necessity laid the groundwork for the island's modern connectivity.

Location: St. Lucia
Top sights: Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia · Vieux Fort Solar Farm · La Tourney
Nearby: Desruisseaux West (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	26	27	28	28	28	28	29	28	28	27
Rain mm	59	38	39	71	74	114	122	144	144	159	139	74

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The remnants of this former World War II airbase offer a unique opportunity to explore mostly unmanaged historical ruins set amidst the modern landscape. Visitors can drive or walk through areas where long stretches of old tarmac and scattered structural foundations are still visible.

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Typical hours

Because the site forms part of the open local infrastructure and surrounding land, it is technically accessible at all hours of the day. For safety and visibility, exploring during standard daylight hours is strongly advised, as the area lacks dedicated tourist lighting at night.

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Photography

Photographers will find striking contrasts between the decaying concrete military remnants and the reclaiming force of the tropical environment. Wide-angle shots work exceptionally well for capturing the immense scale of the old runways stretching toward the horizon.

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Time needed

Depending on your level of interest in military history, a visit could range from a quick twenty-minute stop to view the runway to an hour of walking around the broader perimeter. Most people pass through briefly as part of a larger tour of the island's southern attractions.

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Combine with

Located in the southern part of Saint Lucia, it is extremely convenient to combine this stop with visits to nearby natural landmarks like the Pitons or local beaches. Exploring the appealing town of Vieux Fort is also a logical addition to your itinerary when visiting this area.

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Getting there

Access is relatively easy for those with a rental car, as the old runways are intersected by modern roads and paths used by locals. Taxis operating from the nearby international airport can also bring you here directly if you specify the historic military fields as your destination.

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Insider tip

Try to research a bit of the base's history regarding the Panama Canal defense beforehand, as there are very few informational plaques on site to provide context. Keep an eye out for free-roaming local livestock that frequently cross the expansive concrete surfaces of the old base.

Geography

Coordinates

13.73350, -60.95250

Facts

Established in 1941 as a USAAF airbase.
Acquired by the US under the Lend-Lease Act.
Key strategic point for anti-submarine patrols.
The base was named after James Dudley Beane.
Turned over to Saint Lucian control in 1949.
The original runways form the core of the modern airport.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hewanorra Airport Logistics Hub<1 km · NWExplore →

Augier South2 km · SEExplore →

Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse2 km · NWExplore →

Maria Islands3 km · NExplore →

Canelles River Delta3 km · NEExplore →

Black Bay Amerindian Site4 km · SExplore →

Laborie Hills4 km · SEExplore →

Mount Bellevue4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Beane Field WWII Base (3)

Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia📍 landmark

Vieux Fort is a town in southern Saint Lucia. The settlement lies on a bay and has a harbor.

Vieux Fort Solar Farm📍 landmark

The Vieux Fort Solar Farm is a facility generating electricity from solar energy. It is located near the town of Vieux Fort.

La Tourney📍 landmark

La Tourney is an area near Vieux Fort. The landscape is hilly and covered with vegetation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Beane Field?

A US military airfield during World War II built to protect the Panama Canal.

What can be seen there today?

Parts of the runways and some ruins of the base buildings near Hewanorra Airport.

Is the grounds freely accessible?

Large parts are now integrated into Vieux Fort's infrastructure or overgrown.

Why was it called Beane Field?

It was named after James Dudley Beane, an American fighter pilot from World War I.

Is it worth a visit for history enthusiasts?

Yes, it gives an impression of the massive US presence in the Caribbean during the war.

Beane Field WWII Base: where is it located?

Beane Field WWII Base is located in St. Lucia.

Beane Field WWII Base: what is there to see?

Highlights include Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, Vieux Fort Solar Farm, La Tourney.

Beane Field WWII Base: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Beane Field WWII Base: why is it worth visiting?

Beane Field was a vital World War II United States Army Air Forces base located at the southern tip of Saint Lucia near Vieux Fort.

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