Wright Field was "formally dedicated" on 12 October 1927 when "the Materiel Division moved from McCook Field to the new site" At the time of the dedication expenditures of approximately $5 million had been involved in the new facility after 18 months work, with the total amount expected to rise to between $7 and $8 million.Associated Press, “High Government and Aviation Officials Help Dedicate Wright Field - Built World’s Premiere Field For $7,000,000 - 4,500 Acre Airport Is Almost On Spot Where Wrights Fashioned First Plane - Work Takes 18 Months - Ceremonies at Dayton Are Attended by Secretary Of War and Others,” The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Thursday 13 October 1927, Volume LXI, Number 43, page 2. The ceremonies included the John L. Mitchell Trophy Race (won by Lt. I. A. Woodring of the 1st Pursuit Group—Speed: 158.968 mph) and Orville Wright raising the flag over the new engineering center.
