Prior to World War II, the present airport site was home to both a golf course and a grass airstrip. In 1942, the site was taken over by the U.S. Navy and the present paved runway complex constructed. Designated as Navy Outlying Field New Smyrna Beach, it operated as an auxiliary field to advanced naval flight training operations being conducted at nearby Naval Air Station Daytona Beach, Naval Air Station Sanford and Naval Air Station DeLand. In 1947, NOLF New Smyrna Beach was decommissioned and the facility conveyed back to the City of New Smryna Beach for use as a civilian airport.