 When the airfield was turned over for American use, Steeple Morden was assigned USAAF designation Station 122.Hard-surface runways were laid down, along with concrete hardstands and a permanent T-2 hangar.Although not planned for use until 1943 Steeple Morden was first used by the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force 3d Photographic Reconnaissance Group, arriving from RAF Membury on 16 October 1942.