clubs & dining at WHEELUS.
Wheelus Airmens Club, circa 1961.
To entertain its service men and the families which relocated with them to Tripoli, Wheelus offered numerous options for recreational dining, many of which are still remembered fondly by ex-residents.
Exterior of Wheelus Airman’s Club
Photo courtesy of Judy Moore.
The Airman's Club
The Airman's Club was a club specifically for enlisted air crew stationed at Wheelus and provided a place for them to dine, drink and enjoy their free time. The Airmen's Club had a bar, served meals and snacks and had a range of slot machines for airmen to enjoy. The Airmen's Club also held dances with live music. It was even used as the venue for the Wheelus High School proms.
The Airmen's Club was reportedly closed in late 1960’s due to outbreaks of fighting amongst clientele 4.
Exterior of Wheelus Officers Club
Photo courtesy of Judy Moore.
The Officers Club
The Officers Club was, as suggested by its title, open to officers and their families. The Officers Club served food and drink, and held dances at the weekend with live music. On weekdays, the club held bridge and bingo sessions and also ran canasta and mahjong tables.
During the sixties, the club was said to be a favourite haunt of the then Captain Muammar Gaddafi, who served in the Libyan Air Force and was known to frequent Wheelus with some regularity2.
Exterior of the Non-Commissioned Officers Club
Photo Courtesy of Judy Moore.
The NCO Club
The Non-comissioned Officers club (NCO) was for non-commissioned officers and their dependents. It served food and drinks and was reputed to serve the best fried chicken in Africa!
The club also offered live music, dances and bingo nights3.
The Mirage Club
The Mirage Club was located just inside the Wheelus base gate, leading into the city of Tripoli: it was a favourite haunt for many crew and their dependants.
The Mirage Club was an air-conditioned restaurant which served meals, drinks and snacks and was loved by many for its amazing milkshakes.
In the evenings, it served as a nightclub, providing a place for live entertainment and dancing and was often used as venue for birthday parties and various celebrations.
To the right of the club entrance was a small newsstand, which sold U.S magazines and paperbacks.
FOOTNOTES.
Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya. Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.facebook.com/WheelusAirBaseTripoliLibya
Ibid.,
Ibid.,
Ibid.,