Brookhaven Airport was constructed in 1944 during World War II to provide an emergency landing strip and logistical support for U.S. Army Air Corps operations. Title of the airport was transferred to New York State in 1947 and operated by the Town of Brookhaven. In 1961 the airport was formally acquired by the Town of Brookhaven. In 1963, the second concrete runway was added. It was later renamed in honor of Dr. Frank Calabro, an important figure in the airport's development.