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<-- 1967 1968 Photo Gallery. Last updated 18 May, 2010 1969 -->
• Jan 1 -- NAF has 19 aviation officers (5 SCI), 10 other officers (1 SCI), 450 enlisted (120 SCI) and 51 aircraft consisting of 1 A-1G, 1 NA-4C, 3 A-4C, 2 A-4B, 2 A-4E, 3 TA-4F, 1 A-4F, 3 TF-10B, 1 F-4B, 1 A-7A, 1 A-6A, 2 F-8D, 4 DF-8F, 1 F-8E, 1 S-2A, 1 UH-34J, 1 CH-19E, 2 DT-28B, 1 C-117D, 1 C-131F, 1 NTF-9J, 12 QF-9J & 5 QF-9G. VX-5 has 22 aviation officers, 8 other officers, 206 enlisted and 14 aircraft consisting of 1 US-2A, 2 TA-4F, 3 A-4E, 2 A-4C, 2 F-4J & 4 A-7A. The Flying Club has 1 T-34B.
• July 1 -- NAF has 30 aviation officers, 6 other officers, 450 enlisted (85 SCI) and 44 aircraft consisting of 1 A-1G, 1 NA-4C, 3 A-4C, 2 A-4E, 3 TA-4F, 1 A-4F, 2 TF-10B, 1 F-4B, 1 A-7A, 1 A-6A, 1 F-8H, 4 DF-8F, 1 F-8E, 1 UH-34J, 2 DT-28B, 1 C-117D, 1 C-131F, 1 NTF-9J, 10 QF-9J, 4 QF-9G, 1 T-33B & 1 UH-1E. VX-5 has 23 aviation officers, 11 other officers, 205 enlisted and 15 aircraft consisting of 1 US-2A, 2 TA-4F, 2 A-4E, 1 A-4C, 1 F-4J, 4 A-7A, 2 A-4F & 2 A-7B. The Flying Club has 1 T-34B.
• Sep 23 -- former China Laker, U.S. Navy LCdr. David F. Callahan Jr., died when his VA-106 A-4E Skyhawk (152091) lost electrical power and went off the port side of the USS Intrepid on recovery. LCdr. Callahan is on panel 43W, line 068 of the Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

1968 B-29 Boneyard Photo Gallery

VX-5 A-7A Corsair II BuNo 154347, XE-10, & F4U-4 Corsair BuNo 97259, N6667, make a low pass over runway 14/32, China Lake, 1968.

Photo from A-7 pilot Charlie Stender.

FIM-43C (production version) Redeye missile , China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Army photo.

FIM-43C (production version) Redeye missile fired from the hand held launcher, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Army photo.

Vietnamese bridge replica, Coso Range, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Simulated North Vietnamese revetments, Coso Range, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Simulated railroad tunnel, Coso Range, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

DF-8F Crusader drone controller BuNo 143699, NAS North Island, circa 1968.

Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 148613, Rockeye II, mod 2, ordnance, China Lake, 11 January 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 148437, partial A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 145069 at right, Hotline, China Lake, 19 January 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 F-4J Phantom II BuNo 153812, XE-10, flys-by in series of landing configurations showing the tailhook, China Lake, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Napalm strike on a simulated convoy, C-Range, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Napalm smoke clouds forming in front of askania camera, C-Range, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

After effects of initial napalm drop by F-4 Phantom attack aircraft, C-Range, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Napalm and FFAR strike on a simulated convoy, C-Range, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

FFAR strike on a simulated convoy, C-Range, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Rescue demonstrated by NAF H-34 Seahorse helicopter BuNo 143887 at the combined NAF - VX-5 firepower demonstration viewed by over 600 people last Thursday morning, China Lake, 25 January 1968. Rocketeer photo.

USAF KB-50 Superfortress tanker, Area R, China Lake, circa January 1968.

Photographer unknown.

USMC C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50826, Area R, China Lake, circa January 1968.

Photographer unknown.

TD2C Culver Cadet drone, China Lake, Area R, circa January 1968.

Photographer unknown.

Former NAS Los Alamitos Navy/Marine Reserve F9F-6 Cougar BuNo 128134, Area-R, China Lake, February 1968.

Photo by S. Grivno.

F-3 Demon fuselages including BuNo 145247, Area R, China Lake, February 1968.

Photo by S. Grivno.

F-3B Demon BuNo 146721 fuselage, Area R, China Lake, February 1968.

Photo by Steve Grivno.

Steve Grivno resting on some F-86 Scorpion & F-3 Demon fuselages, Area R, China Lake, February 1968.

Photo by Steve Grivno.

USAF RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 52-6574, China Lake boneyard, January 1969.

Photo by Steve Grivno.

USAF RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 52-6574, China Lake boneyard, January 1969.

Photo by Steve Grivno.

KMU-342/B Laser Guided Bomb kit used to convert dumb bombs to smart bombs, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo154179, XE-4, with a Walleye I on #5 next to A-6A Corsair II 152674, XE-16, China Lake Hotline, 02 Feb 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172 with 3 SHRIKE missiles carried on transport racks, China Lake, 02 February 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, three Walleye's, China Lake, 21 February 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Ordnancemen load special marker round into three-inch, 50-caliber gun at Randsburg Wash gun range. Shells were prepared with marker charge fixed to aft of fuze charge, 23 Feb 1968. Rocketeer photo.

In gun range control room, men are ready for the next shot, with eyes on monitors and control panels. Electronic technician Lyle Johnson operates video tape machines, mathematician Al Hammer (center) records shot proximities, ordnanceman Joe McInvale (r) talks to gun crew and electrician Lucian Crumpacker (out of photo, r) operates remote gun triggering panel. Randsburg Wash Gun Range, 23 Feb 1968. Rocketeer photo.

A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152656, Walleye, China Lake, 04 March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145069, Briteye seperation, 07 March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, Rockeye II, mod 2, ordnance, China Lake, 13 March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Aerial view of the Saline Valley looking toward the southwest, Mar 1968.

Racetrack Playa is at far left. The Saline Range is to the right. Steele Pass is at lower right. In the distance are the Inyo Mountains with Owens Lake and the Sierra Nevada at top. The Coso Range is at upper left.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Looking west over Indian Wells valley, March 1968.

Armitage Field is in the center of the photo. To the lower left of the airfield is the wastewater treatment facility, golf course, and the residential area. The towns of Ridgecrest and Inyokern blend in with the desert.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Looking northwest over the Sierras, looks like Kings Canyon next to the A-6 canopy bow, March 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup

Over the Sierras, looking down on Mount Whitney from the east, March 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Napalm manufacturing, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Napalm manufacturing, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Napalm manufacturing, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Napalm manufacturing, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa March 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 AT-1 Charles F. Carter - Bluejacket of the month at work on TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152862, XE-12, hangar 1, China Lake, 22 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

The Blue Angels TF-9J Cougar BuNo 147404 anchors the stbd end of the Tiger flight line, China Lake, 20 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

The nine Blue Angel officers, who will launch a display of intricate and demanding maneuvers over NAF at noon, March 20, are (l-r) LCdr. Bud Jourdan (aircraft maintenance), Lt. Smokey Tolbert (solo in plane 6); Lt. John Allen (slot, plane 4); Capt. Vince Donile, USMC (right wing, plane 2); Cdr. Bill Wheat (team leader and OIC, plane 1); Lt. Rick Millson (left wing, plane 3); Lt. Hal Loney (solo, pl.ne 5); Lt. Robert Adams (narrator), and Lt. Fred Wilson (public affairs). China Lake, 15 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Representitives of the 45 enlisted personnel assignedto the Blue Angels pose in front of F11F Tiger #1, China Lake, 20 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Blue Angels pilots in Wednesdays "Show of Shows" from left are Cdr. Bill Wheat, USMC Capt. Vince Donile, LT Rick Millson, LT John Allen and LT Hal Loney, China Lake, 20 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Part of the approximately 2,500 spectators are on and around the NAF Line Shack to view the aerial demonstration as the Navy's Blue Angels put their Grummen F-11 Tiger's through a series of closely coordinated maneuvers Wednesday noon above NWC China Lake, 20 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149655, XE-21, Shrike missiles, 2.75" rocket pods, Mk-81 Snakeyes & slicks, 29 March 1968. Photo, G. Verver collection.

VX-5 Ordies hard at work loading a drop tank on A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151988, XE-5, already loaded with a Walleye TV guided bomb, China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Preflight check of the aircraft by VX-5 pilots is an absolute must and another means of guarenteeing the success of the mission. Cdr. J. S. Clauzel, project director, checks the under section of his A-4E Skyhawk. China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 crewman checking the inside panel on the port, front side of A-7A Corsair II, BuNo 152662. China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 airmen refill air bottles on A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152662, XE-14. China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Plane Captain AN M. Stanberry and VX-5 CAPT W. B. Muncie discuss the condition of A-7A Corsair II BuNo 153135, XE-17, prior to the CO's departure, China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 CO CAPT W. B. Muncie boards A-7A Corsair II BuNo 153135, XE-17, prior to a project flight, China Lake, 29 March 1968. Rocketeer photo.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 148613, Mk-83 MAU-91 A/B retarder, China Lake, 02 April 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye free flow, China Lake, 15 April 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye free flow close-up, China Lake, 15 April 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

U.S. Army AH-1C Cobra, FAE ordnance, China Lake, 23 April 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

New VX-5 Chief's Personnelman Bienvenido S. Quitong, Aviation Technician Charles F. Carter, AMSC Thomas S. Cobb & AEC W. E. Burch pose in front of VX-4 A-7A Corsair II BuNo 154347, XE-10, China Lake, 16 April 1968. Rocketeer photo.

USAF F-4D phantom II, Walleye FA fit, China Lake, 30 April 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

CH-19 BuNo 130258, hangar 3, China Lake, spring 1968

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

Redbirds T-33B Seastar BuNo 141549, hangar 2, China Lake, spring 1968

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 127344, hangar 2, China Lake, spring 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144290, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152, "Carol Mae", hangar 2, China Lake, spring 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152, "Carol Mae", hangar 2, China Lake, spring 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141195, tail section (left) QF-9G BuNo 128152, hangar 2, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

S-2A Tracker BuNo 133229, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

Remains of QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141200, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

TF-9J Cougar BuNo 142441, hangar 3, China Lake. circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144290, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144925, Pink Panther, hangar #2, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144395, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149969, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149969, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, open house at China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152656, north of hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

VW-4 WC-121 hurricane hunter BuNo 137894, MH-4, hangar 3, China Lake, circa 1968. TA-4F at right is BuNo 152848. Photo Wayne Mutza collection.

NAF pilot LT Gary Gottschalk and A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149969, China Lake, 03 May 1968. Rocketeer photo.

LCdr. Pete Barber, Officer in Charge of VX-5's Detachment Oceana, describes characteristics of the new A-6 Sidewinder rack to LCdr. Roger Smith, Detachment bombardier-navigator. His solution is now undergoing flight testing at NAS Oceana, VA, and will undergo firing tests soon, 10 May 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Dr. T.S. Amlie (l), NWC Technical Director, & CAPT M.R. Etheridge (c), NWC CO, greet the Honorable Charles F. Baird (r), Under Secretary of the Navy. Circa May 1968. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Rocketeer.

VX-5 A-6A Intruder BuNo 151802, XE-02, May 1968.

Naval Aviation News photo.

P-3B Orion BuNo 154579, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

E-2 Hawkeye, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

UH-34J BuNo 145676, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Left to right F-8A Crusader BuNo 145351, A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152656 & F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Refueling a Crusader on the Hotline, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

NAF A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 147680 & 148437 parked on the Hot Line, China Lake, 17 May 1968. Rocketeer photo.

VX·5 officers, Lt. Tom Taylor (l), and Lt. J. E. Curran have a "tough job" posing with the Miss Ridgecrest - China Lake contestants. Beauties adding an unusual touch to VX-5 F4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, XE-8, are back (l-r), Vicki Romero, Marnie Brady, Nancy Parker, Leslie Dickinson & Marjorie Cox. Front (l-r), Susan Zissos, Carol Lake, Terry Fields, Darlis Owen & Debbie Peters. Terry Fox w .. not present.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151118, Walleye catapult test, NATC Patuxent River, 20 May 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151118, Walleye catapult test, NATC Patuxent River, 20 May 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Gliders & tow plane, Armitage Field, Armed Forces Day, 18 May 1968. Rocketeer photo.

USMC CH-53A Sea Stallion BuNo 154878, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

QF-9 Redbird line west side of hangar #2, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

Pilatus Porter PC-6 N351FH, c/n 2012 built in 1967 by Fairchild-Hiller, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

DT-28B Trojan BuNo 138355, TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 127074 & PC-6 STOL N351FH, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

Hotline, NAF China Lake, May 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup... note /1.

F-100 Super Sabre, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

USAF F-104C Starfighter s/n 56-0934 & F-105F Thud s/n 63-8328, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

USAF F-104C Starfighter s/n 56-0934, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

USAF F-105F Thud s/n 63-8328, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

USAF F-106, Delta Dart, Armed Forces Day, China Lake, 20 May 1968. Official U.S. Navy Photo from R. Puszcz.

XF4D-1 Skyray BuNo 124587, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

Redbirds T-33B BuNo 141549, former USAF T-33 serial # 53-3064, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

NMC A-3A Skywarrior BuNo 135409, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 125807, Armed Forces Day, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-26 civil registration unknown, a frequent visitor to NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup.

B-29 Stratofortress bombed, Armed Forces Day firepower demonstration, NAF China Lake, 20 May 1968. Photo ©John Stalcup... note /2.

UH-34J, BuNo145676, Armed Forces Day, China Lake, 20 May 1968. Official U.S. Navy Photo from R. Puszcz.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145069, Briteye flares, China Lake, 05 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152015, XE-6, FAE ordnance, China Lake, 06 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152015, XE-6, FAE ordnance close-up, China Lake, 06 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, FAE ordnance, China Lake, 06 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF UH-1E helicopter BuNo 154769 piloted by Commander D. W. Strey, was on station during the Sixth Annual Search and Rescue Seminar and was used to demonstrate to members of the rescue teams procedures for medical evacuation, 07 June 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Cdr. VanGundy and John Stalcup headed north over the southern Sierras enroute to the Bakersfield, CA Airshow in A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, June 1968.

Owens Lake and the Inyo Mountains are at upper right.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

Cdr. VanGundy and John Stalcup enroute to the Bakersfield, CA Airshow in A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, June 1968.

Highway 178 West through Walker Pass.

Photo by John Stalcup.

Cdr. VanGundy and John Stalcup enroute to the Bakersfield, CA Airshow in A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, June 1968.

Photo by John Stalcup.

Cdr. VanGundy and John Stalcup enroute to the Bakersfield, CA Airshow in A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, June 1968.

Photo by John Stalcup.

NA-1G Skyraider BuNo 132598, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152656, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

F-8E Crusader BuNo 150669, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

TF-9J Cougar BuNo 142441, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

R-4Y/C-131 Samaritan BuNo 141028, Bakersfield Airshow, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, Sparrowwinder Belle Baby, China Lake, 19 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, Sparrowwinder Belle Baby, China Lake, 19 June 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake Hotline, l-r Unknown, Unknown & C. B. Wilson. In the background A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, F-8E Crusader BuNo 143699 & F-8A BuNo 144429

Photo ©John Stalcup.

John Stalcup and A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, back at NAF China Lake, June 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye FA 2, China Lake, 11 July 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye FA 2, China Lake, 11 July 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye FA 2, China Lake, 11 July 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye FA 2, China Lake, 11 July 1968.

Pilot is the XO, CDR Jake Robcke, and the plane captain at lower right is ADJ-3 Richard Robinson.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 147781, Walleye FA 2, China Lake, 11 July 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF's Ground Support Equipment Div., participating in the Navy Pride Program, shows off completely restored Szekley NC-5 aircraft electrlcal start units. The outdated units, with ten years of continuous use here, were rewired, remanufactured and brought up to "ship-shape" under the leadership of Lt. R. G. Hoffmen and AMS-1 F. B. Goldy. The NC-5's remain in use on only one other naval activity. China Lake, 19 July 1968. Rocketeer photo.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149953, Condor, China Lake, 01 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149953, Condor, China Lake, 01 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

TF-9J Cougar BuNo 142441, China Lake, 09 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149953 and F-4B Phantom II BuNo 148262, Condor project, China Lake, 09 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 148262, Condor, China Lake, 09 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake C-131F Samaritan BuNo 141025 at the VIP terminal parking area (still in Pax River markings), China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

NAF DF-8F Crusaders BuNo's 143813 & 145351 and unknown VX-5 A-4F Skyhawk on the Hot Line, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144300 (slave aircraft) on the flight line, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

NAF Corsair II BuNo 152656 parked on the Hot Line, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

NAF control tower, hangar 1, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

Wheel Watch signals all three down, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

An A-4 Skyhawk pilot confers with the plane captain after a project mission, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

The routine office work at NAF keeps the personnel busy. Here Chief G. E. Tomeldan assists some men in the personnel office, China Lake, 09 August 1963. Rocketeer photo.

Preventive maintenance and repairs is a never ending task. Here these aviation iet mechanics (l-r), ADJAN David N. Johnson, ADJ3 Dwight W. Page & ADJ1 Michael G. Bennett are working on an engine that powers the new A-7 Corsair, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

William S. Rooney, Phillip G. Matthews, and Elvy R. Hopkins (l-r) civilian engineers, prepare a new weapon for a test hop on one of the NAF A-4 Skyhawks, China Lake, 09 August 1968. Rocketeer photo.

NATC A-4E BuNo 151118, Walleye catapult test, Patuxent River, 12 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NATC A-4E BuNo 151118, Walleye catapult test, Patuxent River, 12 August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Hotline, Line Shack, China Lake, Aug 1968.

Photo ©Bob Puszcz.

Hotline, China Lake, May 1968.

NAF A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, VX-5 Skyhawk BuNo 154177, XE-3, VX-5 Phantom II BuNo 153812, XE-8, VX-5 A-7A Corsair II & NAF F-8 Crusader.

photo ©Bob Puszcz.

A-4F Skyhawk, BuNo 154172, unknown Bluejacket, hotline, China Lake, Aug 1968.

photo ©Bob Puszcz.

NAF UH-1E, Huey, BuNo 154769 (MX-23), USMC CH-53 & NAF H-19, China Lake, 1968.

photo ©Bob Puszcz.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-77 napalm (gelled gasoline) facility, Armitage Field, circa August 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VA-34 A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo unknown, China Lake, September 1968.

photo Wayne Mutza collection.

VX-5 A-6A Intruder BuNo 151812, XE-17, Rockeye II, China Lake, 10 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye II loader, China Lake, 20 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye II load, China Lake, 20 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147781, Walleye II load, China Lake, 20 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, TAAR pod, China Lake, 24 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, TAAR pod, China Lake, 24 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155446, empty 2.75 rocket launcher, FAE ord. and loaded Zuni rocket launcher, China Lake, 28 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155446, empty 2.75 rocket launcher, FAE ord. and loaded Zuni rocket launcher, China Lake, 28 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936, Bombwinder, China Lake, 30 September 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

The Desert Empire Fair will be invaded by skydivers of the China Lake Skydivers Club. Senior advisor, PR-1 Charles Nix, (upper left behind cargo strap) "gives the word" to jumpers (l-r) Sid Ramirez, ADJ-2 and Sgt. Fred Crenshaw. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Mike F. Kraus.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936 over the Sierras enroute to Lake Tahoe, NV, Oct 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936 over Lake Tahoe, NV, Oct 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-6A Intruder BuNo 149936 instrument panel, NV, Oct 1968.

Photo ©John Stalcup.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, Walleye, China Lake, 04 November 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, Walleye, China Lake, 04 November 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF Skyhawk BuNo 154172 in the backgroung as CAPT Pollock (l) chats with Rodney Young about AODU-1, China Lake, 15 November 1968. Rocketeer photo.

OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155446, FAE ordnance, China Lake, 21 November 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154177, XE-3, Walleye, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154177, XE-3, Walleye, China Lake, circa 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

A-4E salvage project that saved thousands of dollars in money and material will be used to test the new ZAP rocket on the SNORT sled in the next few weeks, China Lake, 13 December 1968.

NAF Enlisted men that participated in the recent salvage project that saved thousands of dollars in money and material gather around their "bird." The aircraft will be used to test the new ZAP rocket on the SNORT sled in the next few weeks, China Lake, 13 December 1968 Rocketeer photo by PH2 D. E. Hart.

A-4E salvage project, hangar 3, China Lake, 13 December 1968.

VX-5 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154177, XE-3, Walleye, Haiwee dam, 18 December 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC Admin Building, China Lake, 1968.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

/1 Left to right a China Lake F-8, VX-5 A-7A, VX-5 F-4 Phantom II, XE-8, VX-5 A-4F BuNo 154177, XE-3, NAF A-4F BuNo 154172 & F-8E BuNo 150669.

/2 Art Dahlgren was the EOD officer at NOTS from mid 65-mid 68. One of the '68 AFD events was an live ordnance drop on a parked B-29. To insure that it got hit, Art wired it up with a truck load of Explosives and ran a firing line to a safe area. However, on the day of the show the rabbits had been dining on his wire cable. Art had to run along the wire feeling for breaks and by the time for the show Art was still near the B-29. He always did like to run and & took off. As expected the live drops missed the target, so on the last salvo he set the charge off and everyone in attendance was quite impressed.