Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport, coded CDV, serves the isolated community of Cordova, Alaska, situated on Prince William Sound. The airport is named after pioneer Alaskan bush pilot Merle Kirkpatrick 'Mudhole' Smith, a legendary aviator who helped open Alaska's remote regions to air travel. Because Cordova is not connected to Alaska's road system, the airport is a critical lifeline for residents, providing access to essential goods, medical services, and passenger travel. The facility is owned and operated by the State of Alaska. The airport handles scheduled regional air service and general aviation, and its remote coastal location often presents challenging weather conditions including fog, rain, and wind typical of the Gulf of Alaska region.