The airport retained the name of Harding Field until March 10, 1954. On this day, the Parish Council of East Baton Rouge, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the East Baton Rouge Airport Commission, that Harding Field shall in the future be known as Ryan Airport in memory of Captain William Joseph Ryan. A plaque containing the resolution identifies some of Captain Ryan’s contributions and achievements are hung in the Airport Terminal Building today.
Many years ago it was a military base. The original airport was in downtown Baton Rouge. I think the base was named after a Captain Ryan that was killed in the war.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.