Port of Moses Lake commemorates 60th anniversary

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding with a reception at the terminal Nov. 13.  

“The port has served as a venue for remarkable historical moments,” said Dan Roach, port executive director. “It’s also been a catalyst for growth, supporting diverse industries from agriculture to aerospace., and fostering a thriving community.” 

What is now the Grant County International Airport and the Port of Moses Lake started as the Larson Air Force Base, out in the middle of nowhere and as a result a good place to train pilots during World War II. It became a B-52 base but was closed in 1966, and the late Clyde Owen, the last base commander, became the first director of the port. 

Leaving the Air Force and staying in Moses Lake was one of the best decisions he ever made, Owen recalled in a 2016 interview.  

“My wife (Audrey) and I had fallen in love with Moses Lake,” he said. 

He was the port director for 17 years. 

David Bailey, who was executive director from 1984 to 2002, talked about his years on the job, and how the port changed over time. It has changed – some longtime clients have moved on, like Japan Airlines, but others have arrived, like Stoke Space Technologies. 

Boeing has been a customer from the beginning – its relationship with Moses Lake goes back to the Larson AFB days, Roach said.

“They remain a huge part of our port family to this day,” he said. 

    Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Stroud Kunkle talks with an attendee during the port’s 60th anniversary reception.