U.S. Sen. John McCain, left, is pictured with his father, Vice Admiral John McCain. McCain Field at NAS Meridian is dedicated to Sen. McCain's grandfather, Admiral John S. McCain.

EDITOR’S NOTE: First published July 9, 2016.

While it has been more than 50 years since U.S. Sen. John McCain resided in Meridian, the former naval aviator hasn’t forgotten his time spent as a flight instructor in the Queen City.

Long before the once-Republican presidential nominee entered a career in politics, McCain, R-Arizona, spent a portion of the 1960s in Lauderdale County.

As Naval Air Station Meridian celebrates its 55th anniversary this week, McCain reflected on his time in East Mississippi.

“The people of Meridian are the most pro-military of any who I have ever known, and I can’t tell you what wonderful memories I have there,” McCain said this week in a telephone interview. “Of course, I’m proud that the field is named in memory of my grandfather.”

McCain’s Mississippi connection spans past the 2 1/2 years he spent as a flight instructor at NAS Meridian. His grandfather, John S. McCain Sr., was born in Carroll County. 

The senator said he’s honored to have served as an instructor at the airfield that bears his grandfather’s name.

“It means a lot,” McCain said. “It’s a wonderful place. So many brave young men and women go through there, and it’s a great experience for all of them. To have the privilege of teaching was really one of the enjoyable periods of my life.”

Although he’s lived in a number of places since inhabiting Meridian, the senator said the time he spent in the area left an indelible impression on him, and he won’t soon forget the many people he met and with whom he formed friendships with during his time in the city.

“As a person, it taught me the importance of having the association with such a great group of the best men and women in America,” McCain said. “And the great friends that I made there, I have to this day.”