<-- 1961 1962 Photo Gallery. Last updated 14 March, 2009 1963 -->
• Jan 1 -- NAF has 36 aviation officers, 1 other officer, 480 enlisted and 54 aircraft consisting of 2 AD-5N, 3 YA4D-1, 1 YA4D-2, 1 A4D-2, 1 YA4D-2N, 1 A4D-2N, 3 F3D-2T2, 1 YF9F-8T, 3 YF8U-1, 2 F8U-2N, 1 YF8U-2N, 4 FJ-3D2, 1 YF4H-1F, 1 P2V-4, 1 P2V-5FD, 1 P2V-5FS, 1 S2F-3, 2 T-28BD, 2 R4D-8, 1 HRS-3, 1 HSS-1N, Drones: 10 F9F-6K2 & 10 F9F-6K. VX-5 has 29 aviation officers, 1 other officer, 191 enlisted and 12 aircraft consisting of 2 AD-6, 1 A3D-1, 1 A4D-1, 2 A4D-2, 4 A4D-2N, 1 SNB, 1 F9F-8T, 1 F4H-1F & 3 FJ-4B.
• Five hundred Capehart housing units completed.
• First successful flight test of a hybrid propulsion system in this country.
• March 26 -- uprated CALEB unsuccessful due to structural failure.
• July 26 -- uprated CALEB launched.
• August 13 - Hal Wellman ejected from YF4H-1 Phantom BuNo 143390 at an altitude of about 100' when it caught fire on take-off.
• Sept. 17 -- U.S. Navy Lt. Fred J. Wilson lost his life when his F9F-6K Cougar BuNo 127273 crashed between the Airfield Gate and the Fuel Farm.
• Nov 20 -- Civil Service employeeMr. Jonothan E. Rice died of propellant burns suffered in an accident.

The B1-RD in flight over Armitage Field, ca 1962.

Photo from Rick Saiger... note /1.

NMC F3H-2N Demon, BuNo 143494, China Lake, about 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430, tow target reel, China Lake, 12 Jan 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

CALEB being unloaded, China Lake, circa 1962.

Naval Aviation News photo.

VMA-211 A4D-2N Skyhawk CF-9, launches from the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VMA-211 Skyhawk BuNo 148469, CF-10, launches from the USS Oriskany, as VMA-211 Skyhawk CF-18 stands by on the stbd cat, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk, BuNo unknown, about to trap aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145041, XE-5, taxies forward aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VAH-4 Skywarrior BuNo 138905, ZB-17, moments from trapping aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 AD-6 Skyraider BuNo 139731, XE-14, traps aboard the USS Oriskany, at left are VMA-211 Skyhawks CF-9 and CF-18, January 1962.

Photo by Paul Dros.

VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145108, CF-11, at left and VX-5 A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 145041, XE-5, at right, USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

Unknown VX-5 A4D-2 Skyhawk is readied for launch from the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo from Tom Scott.

HU-1 HUP-3 BuNo 147606, UP-3, airborne and VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145100, CF-21, USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145100, CF-21, on the cat, USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145100, CF-21, launches as VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo unknown, CF-22 waits on the stbd cat, USS Oriskany, Jan 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145109, CF-15, VMA-211 A-4D-2N BuNo 145100, CF-21, VMA-211 A-4D-2N BuNo 145108, CF-11, USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

Front to back VMA-211 A-4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148469, CF-10, and VMA-211 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo unknown, CF-18, USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VAH-123 A3D-2 Sktwarrior BuNo 142406, NJ-323, taxis after trapping aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

HU-1 HUP-3 Retrievers UP-5 and UP-2 aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

Unknown VX-5 Skyhawk and Unknown Phantom side number 176 prepare to launch from the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VF-124 F-8 Crusaders, NJ-401 in the foreground, prepare to launch from the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

VAW-13 EA-1F Skyraider BuNo 134983 (or 134993), VR-715, taxis after trapping aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962.

Photo by Tom Scott.

YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, CALEB side load test gear, China Lake, 20 Jan 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, Circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, Circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, Circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, Circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

MK-116 Weteye chemical bomb cutaway, China Lake, 05 February 1962

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-81 retarded fin Snakeyes, China Lake, 13 Feb 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F9F-7K Cougar drone BuNo 130950 and F9F-6K Cougar drone BuNo 128075, China Lake, February 1962.

Photographer unknown.

F9F-8T Cougar BuNo 146425 and F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 125807, China Lake, February 1962.

Photographer unknown.

YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, CALEB, China Lake, 16 Feb 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 F4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143390, XE-14, China Lake, circa February 1962.

Boeing photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, Gladeye, China Lake, 01 March 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNO 137818, Gladeye dispenser, China Lake, 01 March 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, SHRIKE, China Lake, 02 March 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, Shrike missile, China Lake, 03 March 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, Shrike missile, China Lake, 03 March 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430, DIRTY, Aluminum powder dispenser, China Lake, 13 Mar 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 139937 after a ZUNI test ripped the aft end of the launchers from the pylon, China Lake, 14 March 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 139937 after a ZUNI test ripped the aft end of the launchers from the pylon, China Lake, 14 March 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

VA-55 A4D-2N Skyhawk, #508, & squadron pilots, NAF China Lake, 01 April 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo... note /2

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435, Sidewinder 1A missile, China Lake, 01 April 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435, Sidewinder 1A missile firing, China Lake, 01 April 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818 relesing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 04 April 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818 relesing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 04 April 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818 relesing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 04 April 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435, Sidewinder 1A missile, China Lake, 12 April 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430 firing a Sidewinder missile and VX-5 TF-9J Cougar BuNo 147367, XE-16, chase, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, and Sadeye cluster bomb, China Lake, 19 Apr 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068 and Sadeye cluster bomb, China Lake, 19 Apr 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, R. Summers collection.

VX-5 personnel earning new rates effective 16 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC E.O. Shiflett.

MK-17 Gladeye payloads, China Lake, May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

AIM-9 Sidewinder-1C test equipment, 04 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

AIM-9 Sidewinder-1C test equipment, 04 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, Weteye, China Lake, 14 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF C-124 Globemaster s/n 51-0152, Snakeye retarded bombs, NAF China Lake, 16 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye, China Lake, 24 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye, China Lake, 24 May 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Skytop Facility - NOTS China Lake, 31 May 1962.

The Navy's largest and most completely instrumented complex of rocket testing facilities, is used for testing Polaris rocket motors.

Official U.S. Navy photo, R. Summers collection.

VX-5 Aerology display, hangar 2, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

Tom Scott and unknown officer, VX-5 hangar 2, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 color guard, Chian Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 inspection, China Lake, 1962.Tom Scott at far left, others unknown.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 inspection, A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137814, A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145063 & FJ Fury drone controllers, China Lake, 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 inspection, control tower & NAF line shack in the background, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

Osprey launcher, M-45 tracking mount with Sidewinder missiles, SNORT area, China Lake, 04 June 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142892, Deneye, China Lake, 05 June 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, Sidewinder 1C, China Lake, 08 June 1962

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Gladeye dispenser (CBU's, chaff, leaflets etc.) being assembled, China Lake, about 1962.

Official U.S. Navy film from the Secret City video.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818 and Gladeye, China Lake, 12 June 1962

Official U.S. Navy photo, R. Summers collection.

Gladeye dispenser (CBU's, chaff, leaflets etc.) release from the centerline camera of an A4 Skyhawk, China Lake, about 1962.

Official U.S. Navy film from the Secret City video.

A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, SHRIKE & unkown pilot, China Lake, 19 Jun 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

P3V-1 Orion BuNo 148887 releasing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 21 June 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

P3V-1 Orion BuNo 148887 releasing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 21 June 1962.

Photo from Tony Tambini.

The Rapec I ejection seat sequence as a dummy & seat blast from a rocket sled at 400 knots, SNORT, China Lake, July 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

The Rapec I ejection seat and dummy blast from a rocket sled at 400 knots, SNORT, China Lake, July 1962.

Naval Aviation News photo.

The Rapec I ejection seat and dummy seperate and the chute deploys, SNORT, China Lake, July 1962.

Naval Aviation News photo.

The Rapec I ejection seat dummy is back on the ground after a successful test, SNORT, China Lake, July 1962.

Naval Aviation News photo.

VX-5 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145066, XE-2, with Snakeyes over one of the China Lake ranges, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145066, XE-2, with Snakeyes over one of the China Lake ranges, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Following release, the Snakeyes zero in on a convoy of truck targets, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

The fin retarded Snakeyes allow the Skyhawk ample time to escape after the low level delivery, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Snakeye test, Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye test, Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye test, Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye test, Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye ordnance following a drop on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye ordnance minus the retarder following a drop on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Snakeye ordnance minus the retarder following a drop on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged vehicles following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged vehicles following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged vehicles following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged vehicles following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged truck following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged truck following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

Damaged truck following a Snakeye strike on Baker Range, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Ray Powell.

YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, CALEB, Lt. Al Newman (Fighter Weapons Systems Projects Officer), China Lake, 26 Jul 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

P-38 Lightning, civil registration unknown, Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys, China Lake, 03 Aug 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-1G Skyraider, SUBROC drop, China Lake, 03 Aug 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D Skyhawk & ordies loading a Gladeye, China Lake, August 1961.

Official U.S. Navy photo via R. Powell.

MK-17 Gladeye napalm cannister, China Lake, September 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Sidewinder Mk 5 trapezodal Rolleron & pie shaped damper, China Lake, 21 August 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, AN-APN-146 radar, China Lake, 01 Sep 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, AN-APN-146 radar, China Lake, 01 Sep 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

YA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, flare test pod, China Lake, circa September 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

YA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, flare test pod, China Lake, 01 Sep 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mercury capsule rests on the 4 mile long supersonic SNORT track prior to testing, 9 Sep 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo via R. Summers.

F8U-2N Crusader, Sidewinder 1C missile, China Lake, 14 Sep 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F8U-2N Crusader, Sidewinder 1C missile, China Lake, 14 Sep 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

HMM-361 HUS-1 Sea Horse BuNo 148800, DIRTY, shielded exhaust, China Lake, 04 Oct 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye DL, China Lake, 24 Oct 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

TF-10B Skyknight, R-14A radar, China Lake, 04 Nov 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Frank Turchi shipping over, a young 27 on his way to AT"I" B school in Memphis, China Lake, November 1962.

Photo from Frank Turchi.

VX-5 hangar and l-r: two AD Skyraiders, A-3 Skywarior, A-4 Skyhawk and SNB Bugsmasher (possibly BuNo 29581), circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 AD-6 Skyraider BuNo 139731, XE-14, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 F4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143390, XE-14, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 F4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143390, XE-14, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 145041, XE-5, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145064, XE-1, & ordnance, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145066, XE-2, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, hooked up and ready to go, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, hooked up and ready to go aboard CVA-34, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

Pt. Mugu A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145073 firing a Bullpup missile, China Lake, circa 1962.

Photo from Larry McCarley.

VX-5 A3D-2 Skywarrior BuNo 147667, XE-15, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147856, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147865, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5's CDR Schroeder receives A-4E Skyhawk records for BuNo 149655, 149657, 149658 & 149659, China Lake, 03 December 1962.

Naval Aviation News photo.

VX-5 A-4E Skyhawks BuNo's 149655, 149657, 149658 & 149659, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

F-4A Phantom II BuNo 143389, SHRIKE missile, China Lake, 17 Dec 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye DL, China Lake, 24 Oct 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye DL, China Lake, 24 Oct 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F-8E Crusader BuNo 149159, SHRIKE missile, China Lake, 18 Dec 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Charlie Range Christmas Party, December 1962.

L-r; Duane Mack, CDR Jack Sickel, Sam Wyatt NAF photo lab, LT Tony Tambini and unknown photographer. Photo from T. Tambini.

P2V-5FD Neptune, BuNo 128348 and Ryan Firebee drone, China Lake ca. 1962.

Photo ©Rick Saiger.

P2V-5FD Neptune BuNo 128348, BQM drones, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

SP-2E Neptune BuNo 128333, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

DP-2E Neptune, BuNo 128348, BQM-34 drones, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 O-1A Bird Dog BuNo 140098, XE-4/5, Rockbox, and A-1H Skyraider BuNo 139731, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

HSS-1 Sea Horse BuNo 140136, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

HSS-1 Sea Horse BuNo 140136, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

YA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, Mk-4 20mm HIPEG gun pods & Cameras, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF RB-45C Tornado s/n 47-0008, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF H-19 Chickasaw s/n 52-7533, C-117 Skytrain BuNo 50826, China Lake, 01 Jan. 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

U.S. Army L-20A Beaver s/n 53-2810, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

U.S. Army Iroquois s/n 60-6030, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147852, China Lake, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWEF Albuquerque A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147856, circa 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NOTS Admin building is in foreground, Michelson Laboratory is in background, China Lake, 1962.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Rocket display at the Maturango Museum including 5" HVAR, 6.5" RAM ATAR and 2.75" rockets, 1962.

Photo by Jerry Willey.

/1 The B1-RD (aka Ens. eliminator) was NOTS first "smart" weapon replacing the BAT glide bomb. The weapon was designed to be delivered by the A-4 Skyhawk and was guided by flight school washouts who were unable to master the landing ptotocol.

/2 l-r standing: LCDR Byron Fuller, LCDR Bob Fenton, CDR Earl Godfrey, LTJG Ric Sproat, LTJG Bob Powelson & LCDR Walt Clarke. L-r kneeling: LT A.C. Schmidt, LTJG Dick Thomas, LT Ken Cook, LT Wayne Peters, LTJG Bill Gunter & LTJG Jerry Madden.