The B1-RD in flight over Armitage Field, circa 1962. Photo from Rick Saiger... 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 protocol.

VX-5 Vampires AF-1E Fury BuNo 139549, XE-11, about to touch down on runway 21, China Lake, circa 1961/1962. Photo from Phil Hooper.

NAF China Lake P2V-5FD Neptune BuNo 128348 and Ryan Firebee drone, China Lake ca. 1962. Photo from Rick Saiger.

Naval Missile Center Pt. Mugu F3H-2N Demon BuNo 143494, SE corner of hangar 3, China Lake, about 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430, tow target reel, China Lake, 12 January 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk about to trap aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145041, XE-5, taxies toward the Yellow Shirt (not sure who the hitchhiker is) aboard the USS Oriskany, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AD-6 Skyraider BuNo 139731, XE-14, traps aboard the USS Oriskany, at left are VMA-211 Wake Island Avengers A4D-2N Skyhawks CF-9 and CF-18, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VMA-211 Avengers A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145108, CF-11, at left and VX-5 Vampires A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 145041, XE-5, at right, USS Oriskany, January 1962. Photo by VX-5 Vampires Tom Scott.

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

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, hooked up and ready to go aboard USS Oriskany, circa January 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

NAF China Lake Redbirds F6F-5K Hellcat BuNo 94473, salvage yard, China Lake, January 1962. F6F-5K Hellcat BuNo 79896 tail at left and what could be the rest of F6F-5K Hellcat 79896 and F9F-6K Cougar BuNo 127466 in the right background. Photo by Clay Jansson via A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Earl Hart is shown operating the "Looney Bird" mobile tracking camera mount, which was rushed to El Centro less camera and support arms, last week to assist the Naval Parachute Facility in an important tracking project for NOL, White Oak, China Lake, 19 January 1962. The large cylinder on the side is supporting a 48-inch focal length lens on a 35mm motion picture camera. A 16mm camera can be carried on the opposite side. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, CALEB side load test gear, hangar 3, China Lake, 20 January 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, Cobra (aka Shrike) missile, China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F9F-7K Cougar drone BuNo 130950 and NAF F9F-6K Cougar drone BuNo 128075, on a snowy at Armitage Field, China Lake, 22 January 1962. Photographer unknown.

NAF China Lake F9F-8T Cougar BuNo 146425 and NAF F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 125807, on a snowy Armitage Field, China Lake, 22 January 1962. Photographer unknown, G. Verver collection.

MK-116 Weteye chemical bomb cutaway, China Lake, 05 February 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, CALEB, Hot Line, China Lake, 16 February 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires D.W. Harris, AMS2, (l) and R.E. Lasher, AMH 3, (r) take the Oath of Reenlistment administered by CO Cdr. W.A. Schroeder, jr. aboard SNB Bugsmasher BuNo 39936 flying at 250 feet below sea level, 23 February 1962. Rocketeer photo.

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

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, Gladeye dispenser, China Lake, 01 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, Gladeye dispenser, China Lake, 01 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, taxies from the Hot Line with a SHRIKE, China Lake, 02 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

ASW crew and pilots pictured in front of NAF China Lake P2V-5F Neptune BuNo 128333 which is being equipped with a recently developed submarine detecting device which they will test. China Lake, 02 March 1962. Rocketeer photo. Shown in front row (l-r) are: Clinton Jones, ADR-2; Frederick Parshall, AMH-2; Walter Edwards, AT-2; Kenneth Mohrmann, AE-l; and Ronald Kofmehl, ATR-3. In back row are: LCdr. Alexander Stromski, ASW Officer; and LCdr. Charles Lentz, Assistant Maintenance Officer and Project Pilot.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, Shrike missile, China Lake, 03 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, Shrike missile, China Lake, 03 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430, DIRTY, aluminum powder dispenser, China Lake, 13 March 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

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

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

Seventeen members of the Bakersfield Council of the Navy League toured San Clemente Island last week where they inspected launchers of the Navy's missiles RAT, ASROC and Polaris and viewed other technical equipment, 16 March 1962. Hosts from China Lake were: Capt. Floyd F. Reck, Plans and Ops Officer; J. T. Bibby, PIO; and Richard W. Rusciolelli of the Technical Presentations Office. Lt Earl Norton of SCI escorted the group. Rocketeer photo.

Flying supplies to the isolated Higham family on NAF HSS-1 Seabat BuNo 140136 were (l-r) LCdr. Walt Henning, AD2 Daniel Hall, Burke West, & Cdr. Louis Knight. China Lake, 16 March 1962. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake P2V-4 Neptune BuNo 124238, Skywarrior nose, China Lake, although dated 01 January 1963 it was taken between May 1959 and April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VA-55 Warhorses A4D-2N Skyhawk NF-508 & squadron pilots, NAF China Lake, 01 April 1962. L-r standing: LCdr. Byron Fuller, LCdr. Bob Fenton, Cdr. Earl Godfrey, Lt(jg). Ric Sproat, Lt(jg). Bob Powelson & LCdr. Walt Clarke. L-r kneeling: Lt. A.C. Schmidt, Lt(jg). Dick Thomas, Lt. Ken Cook, Lt. Wayne Peters, Lt(jg). Bill Gunter & Lt(jg). Jerry Madden. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435 in-flight with a Sidewinder 1A missile, China Lake, 01 April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435 firing a Sidewinder 1A missile, China Lake, 01 April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818 releasing a Mk-46 torpedo over one of the China Lake ranges, 04 April 1962. Photo from Tony Tambini.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144435, Sidewinder 1A missile, Hot Line, China Lake, 12 April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 144430 firing an AIM-9 Sidewinder and VX-5 Vampires F9F-8T Cougar BuNo 147367, XE-16, chase, dated 01 January 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, and Sadeye cluster bomb, China Lake, 19 April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145068, XE-4, and Sadeye cluster bomb close-up, China Lake, 19 April 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires Championship Bowling Team poses by VX-5 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145064, XE-1, Armitage Field, China Lake, 27 April 1962. Rear row, from left, are Lt. R.V. Rice, A.G. Ullsperger, and Lt. W.H. Byng. Front row, from left, are L.E. Eggerman, W.E. Laux, D.D. Kingsbury and G.E. Tisor. Photo from Bill Laux.

VX-5 Vampires earning new rates effective 16 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo, PHC E.O. Shiflett. Those earning new rates are: Akana, J. B., PN3; Ames, W.G., DM3; Archuleta, M.M., AE3; Brooks, E., ADJ2; Clausen, H.L., CS3; Collins, G.M., AE2; Cohee. F.M., ADR1; Cornish, J.F., AK2; Crapo, C.D., ATN2; Dalee, G.S., AE1; Finley, W.A., YN3; Gaustad, E.A., ADR1; Goodall, F.E., ADJ2; Goepfert, K.C., AMH3; Hartman. J.M., AT2; Hankins, J.A, AT2; Hawkins, M.D., AMS-3; Hicks, H.L., ADJ2; Jackson, B.D., AMS2, Gardner, S.R., AMECA; Kuzmic, J.J., YN3; Lamborn, S.R., ADJ2; Lindsay, J.R., AMH3; Lyerly, R.E., AK3; Mathews, B.G., ADJ1; Moore, J.M., ADJ2; Parker, D.E., ATN2; Rhorer. J.R., AO3; Scott, T.V., AT2; Shirey, A.J., ADJ2; Smith, W.F., AME3; Sykora, J.E., ADJ2; Troxel, D.N., AMS2; Tussing, R.R., YN3, Tyler, D.C., ADR1; Weythman, W.D., AE1; Wise, H.L., AMS2; Wilson, C.D., AO3; Wolf, A.J., ATR3.

MK-17 Gladeye payloads, l-r Lazy Dogs, leaflets and napalm canisters, China Lake, May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk (probably 137818) releasing Lazy Dogs from a MK-17 Gladeye dispenser, China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Sidewinder-1C test equipment, 04 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Sidewinder-1C test equipment, 04 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, Weteye, China Lake, 14 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF MATS C-124A Globemaster s/n 51-0152, Snakeye retarded bombs, NAF China Lake, 16 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires F4H-1F Phantom II BuNo 143390, XE-17, China Lake, 19 May 1962. Pilots (l-r) Lt. Paul McCarthy, LCdr. Gary Palmer, Lt. Paul Weitz, Lt. Bob Rice and Cdr. Charles Lindberg. Rocketeer photo.

The world's biggest track sled, a 16,000 lb. B-58 Hustler replica, tests jet-propelled ejection seat system at 820 MPH on NOTS SNORT, China Lake, 19 May 1962. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye, China Lake, 24 May 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Skytop Facility construction, NOTS China Lake, 31 May 1962. The Navy's largest and most completely instrumented complex of rocket testing facilities will be used for testing Polaris rocket motors. Official U.S. Navy photo, R. Summers collection.

VX-5 Vampires Tom Scott and unknown officer, hangar 1, China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo from Tom Scott.

1922/1923 era Lincoln truck abandoned on range in 1943 was hauled onto station this week and is destined to go on display in the Maturango Museum, 01 June 1962. Rocketeer photo.

Jeep towed Osprey launcher, M-45 tracking mount with Sidewinder missiles, SNORT area, China Lake, 04 June 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142892, Deneye mine-dispenser system, China Lake, 05 June 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, Sidewinder 1C, China Lake, 08 June 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137822, SHRIKE & unkown pilot, China Lake, 19 June 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.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147865 taxis by the Hot Line on the way to runway 21, China Lake, circa 1962. Probably flown by VX-5 Detachment Alpha from Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM. Photographer unknown.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147865, runway 21, China Lake, circa 1962. Probably flown by VX-5 Detachment Alpha from Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM. Note the Gun Butts and F9F-6K Cougars at left. Photographer unknown.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147865, runway 21, China Lake, circa 1962. Probably flown by VX-5 Detachment Alpha from Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM. Photographer unknown.

NWEF A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147865, in-flight circa 1962. Probably flown by VX-5 Detachment Alpha from Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM. Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148565, XE-8, in flight, circa 1962. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

Fontana's Sea Explorer Ship Five crew members, left to right, Ken Clements, Jerry Burley and Harry Hart, listen intently as Lt. Donald D. Smith explains the capabilities of NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142892, China Lake, 29 June 1962. Rocketeer photo.

"My Best Command!" is the way Capt. T. A. "Tag" Grell referred to Naval Air Facility during last Saturday morning's change of command and retirement ceremonies, hangar 3, China Lake, 30 June 1962. Capt. J.W. Hough (seated, center), incoming Commanding Officer, expressed strong desire to continue high standards command had set under retiring skipper. Commander F. A. Yourek (seated, right) was also retired from Navy during colorful occasion. He served as Executive Officer for NAF. Rocketeer photo.

CALEB rocket is headed to China Lake for launch from an F-4 Phantom, circa July 1962. The 3,000 lb canted fin rocket, 2 feet in diameter and 200" long, is a versatile space research rocket that can be launched vertically or horizontally with one, two or three stage propulsion. NAN photo.

NAF China Lake YF4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143389, Project Hi-Hoe CALEB rocket, Lt. Al Newman (Fighter Weapons Systems Projects Officer, China Lake, 26 July 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake YF4H-1Phantom II BuNo 143389, piloted by Lt. Al S. Newman, taxies for takeoff with CALEB, China Lake, 26 July 1962. Two-stage rocket hurtled 120-pound payload 1,000 miles into space this Wednesday. CALEB was launched from 38,000 feet and scored an impressive "first" in space probing techniques for command. Rocketeer photo.

Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys P-38L Lightning s/n 44-27183, N501MH, and pilot Bud Labbitt, China Lake, 03 August 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-1G Skyraider, SUBROC drop, China Lake, 03 August 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Ordies loading a Gladeye dispenser on NAF China Lake A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137818, China Lake, August 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VMA-223 Bulldogs operations officer Maj. E.M. Lewis, Jr. prepares for a practice bombing mission on Charlie Range, 10 August 1962. The unit from the 3rd MAW, AirFMFPac, El Toro, is currently using NAF's facilities for intensive attack training. Rocketeer photo.

Indian Wells Valley Navy League Council members paused briefly during day-long tour of San Clemente Island range facilities for group photograph by NAF China Lake R4D-8 Skytrain BuNo 138820. The group departed NAF early Tuesday the 21st, returning here late that afternoon, China Lake, 21 August 1962. Rocketeer photo.

Sidewinder Mk 5 trapezoidal Rolleron & pie shaped damper, China Lake, 21 August 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Unknown VX-5 Vampires A4D Skyhawk and Unknown F4H Phantom prepare to launch from the USS Ranger. F4H Phantom in the foreground is side number 176, August/September 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

MK-17 Gladeye napalm cannister with M-16 igniter diagram, China Lake, September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, AN-APN-146 radar, China Lake, 01 September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F3D-2 Skyknight BuNo 124595, AN-APN-146 radar, China Lake, 01 September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake NA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, flare test pod, China Lake, 01 September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 aircraft and NOTS developed weapons, west side of hangar 1, China Lake, 05 September 1962. L-r: AD-5 Skyraider BuNo 133922, XE-19; AD-6 Skyraider BuNo unknown, XE-15; VAH-9 A3D-2 Skywarrior BuNo unknown AC-8 or AC-9; VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145139 XE-11; and VX-5 SNB-2C Navigator BuNo 29581, XE-20. Official U.S. Navy photo from Lou Montoya.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros and his flight gear next to barracks 4 prior to his flight operating the photo panel on the pull-up of the VAH-2 A-3B after lofting a shape over a China Lake range 05 September 1962. Photo from Paul Dros.

Mercury capsule rests on the 4 mile long supersonic SNORT track prior to testing, China Lake, 09 September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo via R. Summers.

NAF China Lake F8U-2N Crusader BuNo 147047, Sidewinder 1C SAR and 1C IR missiles, Hot Line, China Lake, 14 September 1962. Note the F9F Cougars parked near the Gun Butts on the right. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F8U-2N Crusader BuNo 147047, Sidewinder 1C SAR and 1C IR missiles, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 14 September 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Cdr. Shelley B. Pittman, 40, VX-5 Weapons Officer ejected safely from A4D-2N BuNo 145066, Mystify 2, after the fuselage fuel cell ruptured and the engine flamed out while diverting to NAF El Centro. The aircraft crashed about 1.5 miles S. of the south shore of the Salton Sea and 1 one mile east of U.S. 99. USCG UF-1G Albatross c/n G-307, USAF s/n 51-7226, USCG s/n 7226 supported the rescue as did VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145112, Mystify 8. AAR 25 September 1962.

Cdr. Shelley B. Pittman, 40, VX-5 Weapons Officer ejected safely from A4D-2N BuNo 145066, Mystify 2, after the fuselage fuel cell ruptured and the engine flamed out while diverting to NAF El Centro. The aircraft crashed about 1.5 miles S. of the south shore of the Salton Sea and 1 one mile east of U.S. 99. USCG UF-1G Albatross c/n G-307, USAF s/n 51-7226, USCG s/n 7226 supported the rescue as did VX-5 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145112, Mystify 8. AAR 25 September 1962.

T-28BD Trojan BuNo 138355, probably at O&R BUWEPS FR - NAS Pensacola, FL where it was converted to a drone controller between September and December 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo from R.L. Lawson Collection.

HMM-361 HUS-1 Seahorse BuNo 148800, DIRTY, shielded exhaust, China Lake, 04 October 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

The VX-5 Vampires tall men were nicked a dime-per-inch as donations for United Fund as drive began last Monday. Billy D. Jackson, AMS2, (measuring CPO Robert C. Willard) and his maintenance team of eight men contributed $55. They are, kneeling (l-r) Gary E. Tisor, AMS2, Jerry K. Tanner, ADJAN, standing (l-r), Antonio M. Tainlongo, AMHAN, and Rickey L. Belcher, ADJAN. Not shown is Jimmy Hooper, AMS2. That's Louis L. Toupe, AN, taking down Chief Willards height, China Lake, 19 October 1962. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye pod #2, next to NAF A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 137813, China Lake, 24 October 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye pod #2 close-up, China Lake, 24 October 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142085, Walleye pod #2 seeker close-up, China Lake, 24 October 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 125807 with the R-14A radar installed in the nose, hangar 3, China Lake, 04 November 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake Frank Turchi shipping over, a young 27 and on his way to AT "I" B school at NAATC  Memphis, China Lake, November 1962. Photo from Frank Turchi.

ADJ-1 Bill Laux tacking a paper crow (duck) on W.J . Fishers arm until he gets the promotion officially, Armitage Field, November 1962. Photo from Bill Laux.

Commander Operational Development Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, RAdm Charles K. Bergen paid China Lake a brief visit. Posing in front of A-1G Skyraider BuNo 132521 are (l-to-r) XO Capt Floyd Reck, VX-5 Vampires CO Cdr W.A. Schroeder, Jr., RAdm Bergen, Deputy ComOpDevFor, Pacific, Capt C.E. Gibson and NAF China Lake CO Capt Jack W. Hough, 16 November 1962. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake CO Capt. Jack W. Hough takes the driver's seat in bulldozer to commemorate ground breaking for a Ryan Firebee jet target aircraft launcher to be installed by early next year. Seated alongside Capt. Hough is Public Works Officer Capt. R.A. Davidson. Standing (L-to-R) are Ryan Aircraft representative E.J. McGrath, NAF XO Cdr. L.P. Knight, Cdr. McAllister, and Ryan representatives J.C. Partch, Hans Claussen and W.R. Sloan. China Lake, 16 November 1962. Rocketeer photo.

USAF MATS MC-131A Samaritan s/n 52-5797 as emergency personnel prepare to fly NOTS employees Jonathan Rice to the Army burn center at Fort Sam Houston for treatment of his serious burns from an accidental fire last Tuesday, China Lake, 23 November 1962. Rocketeer photo by PH1 John Wedgewood.

Four out of 25 recently advanced VX-5 Vampires undergo initiation rites at the hands of their line supervisor ADRC R.C. Willard (seated). Sweating it out (l-r) are: AME2 M.A. McKovich, ADJ3 R.L. Belcher, ADJ3 C.H. White, and ADJ3 R.T. Willmon, China Lake, 30 November 1962. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires AD-6 Skyraider BuNo 139731, XE-14, in-flight with underwing practice bombs, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 Vampires F4H-1 Phantom II BuNo 143390, XE-14, in-flight, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145064, XE-1, and ordnance including 5.0 FFAR (ZUNI), 2.75" FFAR (Mighty Mouse), MK-24 parachute flare, Mk-81 (250 lb.), Mk-82 (500 lb.), Mk-83 (1,000 lb.) and Mk-84 (2,000 lb.) general purpose bombs, a MER and 20mm with ammo, China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

VX-5 Vampires A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145066, XE-2, in-flight, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo from Rich Galope.

Naval Missile Center Pt. Mugu A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145073, NMC-073, firing a Bullpup missile, China Lake, circa 1962. Photo from Larry McCarley.

VX-5 Vampires A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149655, west side of hangar 1 and probably just arrived from the Douglas plant, 03 December 1962. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

VX-5 Vampires LCdr G.H. Palmer and LCdr L.D. Hughes transfer A-4E Skyhawk records for BuNo 149655, 149657, 149658 and 149659 to CO Cdr. W.A. Schroeder, hangar 1, China Lake, 03 December 1962. Rocketeer photo.

Gemini vehicle boilerplate vehicle #3 with the white boilerplate fixed hatches, China Lake, circa December 1962. An artist come up to China Lake and he spent one whole day painting the Weber World on the side of the BP spacecraft. The next morning when the McDonnell and NASA guys got there they just had a fit and demanded that they paint over the Weber logo. Photo courtesy of Wes Clark.

NOTS technicians and engineers are currently conducting work aimed at the day Gemini will hurtle into space with two astronauts. Mock-up version, mounted on sled, is undergoing tests here related to seat ejection systems, China Lake, 07 December 1962. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4E Skyhawks BuNo's 149655 (XE-21), 149657 (XE-22), 149658 (XE-23) and 149659 (XE-24), China Lake, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo, Tom Scott collection.

NAF China Lake F-4A Phantom II BuNo 143389, SHRIKE missile, Hot Line, China Lake, 17 December 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Charlie Range Christmas Party, China Lake, December 1962. L-r; Duane Mack, NAF Cdr. Jack Sickel, Sam Wyatt photo lab, NAF Lt. Tony Tambini and unknown photographer. Photo from T. Tambini.

NAF China Lake SP-2E Neptune BuNo 128333, east side of the Line Shack, hangar 1 in the background, China Lake, dated 01 January 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake DP-2E Neptune BuNo 128348, in-flight with KDA-4 Firebee drones, dated 01 Jan 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires O-1C Bird Dog BuNo 140098, XE-4/5, Rockbox, and VX-5 A-1H Skyraider BuNo 139731, XE-14, China Lake, dated 01 Jan 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake HSS-1/UH-34G Seabat BuNo 140136 in-flight over the west side of the ramp, NAF A-4A Skyhawk BuNo 137822 and three VX-5 Vampires Skyhawks on the ramp, Armitage Field, China Lake, 01 Jan 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake HSS-1/UH-34G Seabat BuNo 140136 on the ramp north of hangar 3, Armitage Field, China Lake, 01 January 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF RB-45C Tornado s/n 47-008, China Lake, dated 01 Jan 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF H-19B Chickasaw s/n 52-7533 and NAF China Lake C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50826, Armitage Field, China Lake, dated 01 January 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

U.S. Army L-20A Beaver s/n 53-2810, China Lake, dated 01 January 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

U.S. Army THU-1D Iroquois s/n 60-6030, China Lake, dated 01 Jan 1963. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires Det A NASWF Albuquerque A3J-1 Vigilante BuNo 147856 in-flight over the desert, circa 1962. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Rocket display at the Maturango Museum including 5" HVAR, 6.5" RAM ATAR, 2.75" rockets and AERO 7D launcher, 1962. Photo by Jerry Willey.