Description: Rockaway Naval Air Station (NAS): 1917-1930, Kings County, Rockaway Penninsula. NAS Rockaway was one of the US Navy's original Naval Air Stations. Operational from 1917 to 1930 with a maximum occupancy of 1,285. Once contained over 80 buildings on a 96 acre site. By 1930, 42 of 51 remaining structures were demolished. About 1931 started conversion to Jacob Riis Park. Completion of the park removed all traces of the air base. Starting point for first airplane to fly the Atlantic in 1919.