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FUDS Notification and Safety Education Former Midland Army Air Field, Skeet Range

Former Midland Army Air Field, Skeet RangeFrom 1941 until 1946, the U.S. Army Air Corps operated a flying school under the name Midland Army Air Field. An area of the property has been identified through historical research and site visits as having been a skeet range. Skeet ranges ordinarily consisted of a shooting field (laid out in a semicircle) with an associated safety fan in which skeet targets were hurled into the air as a means of target practice for the men along the firing line. The items known or suspected to have been previously used at the Skeet Range are general small arms and skeet targets. As a result of these previous military training activities, hazards associated with skeet target fragments may still remain there today.

The former Midland Army Air Field comprises approximately 1,680 acres southwest of Midland in Midland County, Texas. Today, the air field is owned by the city of Midland and is known as Midland International Airport. As depicted on the inside map, the Skeet Range is located at the western side of the airport property. 

To download or print this information, open the Former Midland Army Air Field, Skeet Range page Safety Guide in PDF format. Para bajar o imprimir esta información en español, abra la guía informativa del Antiguo Midland Army Air Field, Skeet Range page en forma PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 What are skeet targets?
Skeet targets are the clay pigeons hurled into the air from a trap at varying elevations and speeds to simulate the angles of flight taken by moving targets. The former Midland Army Air Field Skeet Range is located in the western portion of the property as shown on the map to the right
 Does skeet present a health risk?
World War II-era skeet targets were manufactured with coal tar pitch as a binder. Coal tar pitch contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAHs, which may be harmful if there is repeated inhalation, repeated ingestion, or repeated contact with skin.
 What do skeet target fragments look like? Can I remove them myself?
Skeet target fragments range in size from clay shards to very small particles. Because PAHs in the skeet target fragments present a potential health hazard, the fragments should not be touched, moved, piled or disturbed in any way. The best thing to do is leave the fragments alone.
 What should I do if I come into contact with skeet target fragments?

If you have walked through skeet target fragments, rinse off and remove your shoes before entering your home. If your hands and clothes have come into contact with skeet target fragments, wash your hands and clothes.

Additional Information

For additional information view a fact sheet about Interim Risk Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Notification and Safety Education initiative or call 855-765-FUDS (3837).

If you would like specific information about the project listed above please visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fort Worth District Public Affairs website and complete the form.