Forgotten And Abandoned – Texas’ “Rattlesnake” Bomber Base

It's pretty much just a museum now but back in the day, the far west Texas base was home to the 19th Bombardment Group. The 1st to bomb Japanese targets in WW II.

READ MORE: 2 Air Force B - 52 Bombers Were Named After El Paso

Puote Air Force Base, (that's pronounced Pie - oat, just so you know), was located about 20 miles from Monahans, Texas. Never heard of it? Don't feel bad, a lot of people, even other Texans, haven't either. it's close to Odessa if you need a better landmark to help you zero in.

The zillions of acres of open land were perfect for the insanely long runways B-17's and B-29's needed and the zillions of rattlesnakes that area is totally infested with were perfect to earn it it's nickname - the rattlesnake bomber base.

History Of The Pyote "Rattlesnake" Bomber Base

Pyote, Texas first popped up around 1881 but the air force base wasn't built until 1942. It was used as a training base/area for pilots about to fly bombing missions in Japan. After the war, it became an aircraft storage facility before it was officially shut down in the 60's. You can see a photo slide show here.

Famous Bombers

About 2,000 aircraft were sent to Pyote after the war where they quietly rusted in the west Texas heat until they were shipped elsewhere. The "Swoose", which became the oldest B - 17 still intact, was kept there. When Pyote Air Base was closed, it was flown out under its own power.

The Enola Gay, the bomber that dropped the very first atomic bomb on Japan, also "lived" at Pyote Air Base for awhile after the war.

Enola Gay Fun Fact

My Mom worked at the rattlesnake bomber base briefly and when the Enola Gay was there, she was given a private tour of it where she was able to see every bit of it.  Parts that the public and even other military personnel weren't allowed to see.

She was a secretary there, about 17, and when the Enola Gay was shipped off to the Smithsonian, Institute, (it's now on display at Dulles Airport), she signed the transfer papers.

Where Is The Rattlesnake Bomber Base?

The Rattlesnake Bomber Base Museum is located in Monohans, next to a museum dedicated to a major failure related to the oil rich area. What remains of the base itself is less than 30 miles away, 1 mile outside of Pyote, Texas.