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Naval Air Facility, CHINA LAKE, CA  Last updated 23 January, 2008
AIRCRAFT CO's EVENTS HANDLE HERITAGE

1943 - Dec 1978
Patch from E. Mares
The NAF China Lake Drone Division designed and used this patch in the 50's and 60's. Patch from Tom Herold, designed by Pete Savell. The Naval Weapons Test Squadron (Dust Devils) sited at China Lake, was established 8 May 1995.
Patch from G. Verver
The Naval Weapons Test Squadron (Dust Devils) became VX-31 in 2002.

  Naval Air Facility (NAF) China Lake was an  command of Naval ordnance Test Station (NOTS) China Lake. NAF usually had one or more of each aircraft type in the United States Navy inventory excluding some Helo's and recon aircraft. NAF Pilots, Plane Captains, maintenance personnel etc. supported the various aircraft assigned to the Civilian Project Teams. Pilots were assigned to the various projects and flew the planes that supported those projects. Plane Captains usually had a half dozen or so different pilots flying their plane never knowing who would fly until the flight schedule came out in the morning. NAF China Lake line personnel also supported NALF San Clemente.


Heritage:

NAF Chronology:

  • 28 April 1947 established as a seperate command under the military command and coordination of the CO of  NOTS Inyokern.
  • 01 December 1976 Naval Air Facility, China Lake, Calif., was disestablished after more than 30 years as a separate command, and became part of the Naval Weapons Center.
  • 8 May 1995 Naval Weapons Test Squadron China Lake (NWTSCL Dust Devils) sited at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, was established.
  • 2002 NWTSCL was redesignated Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three One (VX-31).

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Commanding Officers:

  05 May 1947 ~ 1949 CDR J.M. Elliott
  1958 Capt. G.J. Anderson
  1961 Capt Grell
1963 Capt. Jack W. Hough

1965 Capt. Robert R. Yount
1967, 1968 Capt. Rodney F. Schall
  1968-1969 Capt. Larry Dewing
  1970-1971 Capt. Bob McCall
  1973 Capt. R. S. Moore

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Events:

Inclusive Dates: Event
7 June 1963
JFK ordnance demo

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Awards:

Inclusive Dates: Award
No info
 

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