Former USAF B-29A Superfortress (looks like s/n 44-84041 tail number 92) used for an explosives test at China Lake, circa 1967. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

VX-5 Vampires A-7A Corsair II BuNo 153135, XE-17, in-flight with a load of Snakeyes, circa 1967. Photo from Ray Powell.

VX-5 Vampires A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152674, XE-10,with MER's and Snakeyes in formation with VX-5 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150080, XE-3 with PMBR's and practice bombs, circa 1967. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar BuNo 130886 with 15 mission marks, hangar 3, China Lake, circa March 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

Fuel gelling device, January 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

NAF China Lake NA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063, Rockeye II ordnance, China Lake, 05 January 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

The VX-5 Vampires recently received their second A-7A Corsair II (BuNo 152673) from LTV, piloted by CO Captain W.B. Muncie, 10 January 1967. This new single engine attack bomber is assigned to VX-5
to evaluate weapon system performance and to determine optimum tactical procedures. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151439, XE-14, Sidewinder 1C missile, China Lake, 26 Jan 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Turbo Cessna N3450L being loaded onto USAF 60th MAW C-141A Starlifter s/n 65-0241 for it's trip to India for Project GROMET, Armitage Field, China Lake, 27 January 1967. Photo from G. Michael Brown.

Turbo Cessna N4852F being loaded onto USAF 60th MAW C-141A Starlifter s/n 65-0241 for it's trip to India for Project GROMET, Armitage Field, China Lake, 27 January 1967. Photo from G. Michael Brown.

George A. Brown boarding USAF 60th MAW C-141A Starlifter s/n 65-0241 for a trip to India for Project GROMET, Armitage Field, China Lake, 27 January 1967. Photo from G. Michael Brown.

SA Russell Halgren, sitting in cockpit of an A-4 Skyhawk, takes instruction from his father, ADJC Raymond Halgren, NAF Line Chief, China Lake, 03 February 1967. Rocketeer photo.

AOC Waste drives EOD's former U.S. Army Sno-Cat, or "Weasel" up a mud hill to show its capability. Mud, deep sand, occasional shallow lakes and impossible terrain call for the Weasel's service frequently, China Lake, 10 February 1967. Rocketeer photo by Jerry Willey.

AQF1 Dominic Sweeney uses ASM-20 test set to check synchronization of NAF F-8E Crusader BuNo 150284 and missile launcher systems, while Code 55's Vern Gallahar (standing) signals another Missile Shop sailor in the cockpit, China Lake, 17 February 1967. Rocketeer photo by PH1 J. W. Rogers and PH3 Jerry Willey.

VX-5 Vampires Project pilot LT Ron Stoops in the cockpit of NAF F-8E Crusader BuNo 150284 gets last minute briefing from Wally W. Parmenter of Code 4062, before test firing of Sidewinder, China Lake, 17 February 1967. Rocketeer photo by PH1 J. W. Rogers and PH3 Jerry Willey.

Putting finishing touches on Sidewinder 1-A at NAF are Missile Shop workers (l-r) AOAN John Carpenter, AQF3 Dominic Sweeney and AO3 David Peters. Checking progress (at right) are Vern Gallaher of Code 55's Guidance Evaluation Br. and AO1 Ernest Tigue, China Lake, 17 February 1967. Rocketeer photo.

AIM-9 Sidewinder continuous-rod warhead test in arena 3 at Area R off Water road going toward B-mountain, China Lake, 14 February 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

AIM-9 Sidewinder continuous-rod warhead test in arena 3 at Area R off Water road going toward B-mountain, China Lake, 14 February 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Mk-122 Fireye delivery concept, circa March 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Technicians and engineers swarm over the ground-bound and abbreviated F-4B Phantom II just after its two seats were ejected forward and aloft, China Lake, 10 March 1967. Rocketeer photo. On fuselage (l-r) Frank Klote checks instrumentation, Randy Eady takes photos and Murray Tanner, head of the McDonnell team, jots down his observations, while (at right) Bill Lester and John Huhn look toward ejected seats ahead. All are McDonnell people except Eady, a Mike Lab photographer.

Bob Bloomquist checks calibration of dummy's telemetry package right after successful ejection of seats and dummies from F-4B fuselage. Instruments on the dummies recorded G forces and "spin rate" during seat ejection, China Lake, 10 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

1st Walleye flight over Vietnam. VA-212 Rampant Raiders Skyhawk BuNo 149971, NP-232, on the deck of the USS Bon Homme Richard with a pair of Walleyes, 11 March 1967. At left is Tom Taylor, TAD from China Lake at right is VA-212 CO CDR Homer Smith.

Burst types, 14 March 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

Crash scene of NAF China Lake A-3B Skywarrior BuNo 138952 in Pickaway County, OH that was fatal to pilot Cdr. William L. "Mike" Reardon Jr., 46, of Warwick, RI, LCdr R. R. Kornegay, 32, of Centerville, AL, the co-pilot, and ADJ-1 Vernon K. Whipkey, 30, of Bridgeport, WV, 16 March 1967, Robtown, Pickaway County OH. AP photo.

Armored monster built by Thiokol at the Tooele Army Depot features a fully armored cab, electromagnetic pickup arm and manual pickup basket. Official U.S.N. photo, NOTS China Lake Rocketeer, 17 March 1967 from R. Puszcz.

NAF China Lake C-117D Skytrain BuNo 17156 at NAF China Lake, 16 March 1967. Photographed by Clay Jansson.

NAF China Lake TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 124630 with A-4E Skyhawk nose, south side of the Line Shack, China Lake, 16 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152, "Carol Mae", China Lake, 18 March 1967. QF-9J Cougar BuNo 141187 at left. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152, "Carol Mae", China Lake, 18 March 1967. QF-9J Cougar BuNo 141187 at left. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

VX-5 Vampires A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152673, XE-15, A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152674, XE-16, A-7A Corsair II BuNo 153135, XE-17, China Lake, 16 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

NAF China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 parked on the ramp SE of the Line Shack, Armitage Field, 16 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 127387, Armitage Field, China Lake, 16 March 1967. Photographer unknown.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152, "Carol Mae", China Lake, 18 March 1967. QF-9J Cougar BuNo 141187 at left. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 130886 "SNAFU 1", 15 NOLO mission marks denoted by teeth (8), eyes (10) and eyebrows (15) and 15 missile silhouettes, China Lake, circa 1967. Photographer unknown.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 130886 "SNAFU 1", 15 NOLO mission marks denoted by teeth (8), eyes (10) and eyebrows (15) and 15 missile silhouettes, China Lake, 18 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

NAF China Lake Redbirds QF-9G Cougar BuNo 130886 "SNAFU 1" mission marks close-up, China Lake, 16 March 1967. Clay Jansson photo, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141194, QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 128152 (green tail), and QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 127361, China Lake, 18 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

Nose section from QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141200, China Lake, circa 1968. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

VX-5 Vampires A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151988, XE-5, parked on the VX-5 flight line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 18 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook.

VX-5 Vampires A-7A Corsair II BuNo 153135, XE-17, China Lake, 18 March 1967. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

RAdm. A.R. Gralla, Commander, Naval Ordnance Systems Command, arrives at NAF Tuesday, March 21, for a day of reviewing projects NOTS is engaged in for the Command. Greeting RAdm. Gralla are (l-r) NAF CO Capt. R.F. Schall, VX-5 Vampires CO Capt. W.B. Muncie, and (r) Capt. G.H. Lowe, ComNOTS. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake and the VX-5 Vampires recently hosted four members of the American Aviation Historical Society. L-r are Clay Jansson; LTjg J. E. Curran, VX-5 PAO; Doug Olson; Bude Donato; Peter Lewis and LTjg R. Matloc, NAF Security Officer. China Lake, 24 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Armitage Field, NAF hangar 3 in the foreground and VX-5 hangar 1 in the center, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires pilots Cdr. J. S. Clauzel, Cdr. D. L. Johnson and USAF Capt. J. O'Brien suit up in their flight gear, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake LT Gary L. Gottschalk prepares to board the DT-28B Trojan which is in control of QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 141200 as it returns to the airfield, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo (144280/144290) at left, BuNo 144295 2nd from left, others unknown, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145139, XE-11, ready for engine start on the Hot Line, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires night shift maintenance crew prepare to tow F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151436, XE-14, out of the hangar for an engine turn-up, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires Plane Captain directs VX-5 A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152673, XE-15, behind the NAF Line Shack, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Close teamwork between the pilot and his Plane Captain is a necessity that goes without saying. Here, VX-5 Vampires pilot LCdr. W. Turlay gets a helping hand with his gear after a flight in the squadron's new A-7A, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake pilot Lt. Gary L. Gottschalk checks out on the "yellow sheet" before his flight. On this particular day he was scheduled for three flights, China Lake, 31 March 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 130866, 15 mission marks, hangar 3, China Lake, circa April 1967. Photo Wayne Mutza collection.

Capt. L.R. Jensen, member of 11 ND Area Coordination Team, followed by Capt. J.F. Conner, arrived at NAF Monday, April 3, for a one day inspection tour of the Station. After welcome by Capt. G. H. Lowe, ComNOTS, team members held general discussions with their counterpart Station personnel and inspected their cognizant area. Rocketeer photo by PH3 Jerry Willey.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 148262, Condor, China Lake, 05 April 1967. 148262 was bailed to the contractor that developed Condor and was flown by their test pilots. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4C Skyhawk painted light blue for camouflage tests by AMH-3 E. Smith and AMS1 E.J. Pujol, China Lake, 07 April 1967. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4C Skyhawk painted light blue for camouflage tests, China Lake, 07 April 1967. Rocketeer photo.

RAdm Vincent P. DePoix, Commander, Carrier Division 7, talks over old times with NOTS Technical Director Dr. William McLean during his recent visit and tour of NOTS, China Lake, 07 April 1967. Adm. DePoix was a NOTS Project Pilot from 1947 to 1949. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake NA-4E Skyhawk BuNo 148613, Bullwinder missile, China Lake, 07 April 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake NA-4E Skyhawk BuNo 148613, Bullwinder missile, China Lake, 07 April 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 127074, used for the XN-1 & XR-45 terrain following system and the air to ground radar system, China Lake, ca. 1967. Photo from E. Reilly.

NAF China Lake C-117D Skytrain BuNo 17156 coming home on 1 engine. Pilot is thought to be Al Brown, China Lake, ca. 1967. Photo from E. Reilly.

Air Force Capt. James O'Brian, USAF Liaison officer to VX-5, on the boarding ladder of an unknown A-4 Skyhawk after he made 10 arrested landings aboard the USS Oriskany in a Skyhawk during carrier qualification for VX-5 pilots, China Lake, 21 April 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Down in the air duct of the Environmental Test Chamber, test mechanic George Harrigel adjusts leads to Chaparral guidance and control section. Chaparral's canards are shown canted in the position which 55-mph wind from centrifugal fan will blow them during test, China Lake, 05 May 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Children from the China Lake nursery enjoyed their own small version of Armed Forces Day as Lt. Errol Reilly shows them around NAF China Lake TF-10B Skyknight BuNo 124630, China Lake, 16-17 May 1967. Rocketeer photo by PH1 Gary Bird.

Vought YA-7A Corsair II prototype BuNo 152582 (#3), Armed Forces Day, China Lake, 20 May 1967. Photo from Charlie Stender. Post '67 a U.S.N. test pilot flamed out, ejected & #3 landed itself with little damage. #3 then became the mockup for the A-7D/E program & later the TA-7C/A-7K mockup.

NAF China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, hangar 3, China Lake, AFD 20 May 1967. Rocketeer photo from Jerry Willey.

RCAF CL-41G Tutor s/n 26015, China Lake, AFD 20 May 1967. Rocketeer photo from Jerry Willey.

Ryan BQM-34E supersonic Firebee II & NAF China Lake DT-28B Trojan BuNo 138355, hangar 3, China Lake, AFD 20 May 1967. Rocketeer photo from Jerry Willey.

Capt. E.J. Lawrence, inspector for Commander, Fleet Air Alameda, reviews VX-5 Vampires. When all was through, and grades tabulated, VX-5 was awarded 96.21 points -- an outstanding in all respects, China Lake, 26 May 1967. Rocketeer photo.

F-4B Phantom II ejection seat test at SNORT, NOTS China Lake, 26 May 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Ejection from the F-4B sled, high speed ejection seat track, China Lake, 26 May 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires Det-O Oceana, VA, A-6A Intruder BuNo 152628, XE-628, NAS Oceana, 31 May 1967. Photo courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NAF China Lake UH-34J Seabat BuNo 145676, IR gun test RWTR, China Lake, 20 June 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, taxiing with another F-4 Phantom, Armitage Field, China Lake, June 1967.

NAF China Lake NA-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145063 and fuze test pod, China Lake, 25 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake F-8E Crusader BuNo 150669, fuze test pod, Hot Line, China Lake, 25 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145069, Boresight Bombwinder, China Lake, 27 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145069, Boresight Bombwinder, China Lake, 27 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437 and 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), next to BuNo 144925, China Lake, 28 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437 and 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), BuNo 144925 with the Shrike nose, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 28 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437 and 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder). Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 28 July 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo. NA-4C BuNo 149069 at left.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437 and 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), China Lake, 1967. Tom Amlie photo from Ernie Mares. Post in cockpit photo reminder of the almost non-existent ground clearance of the M-118. Takeoff required accelerating to 150 knots to extend the landing gear oleos before performing a slow rotation to flying angle of attack. If the bomb did not release, there was no way to land the A-4 with the bomb aboard and prevent the fins from dragging on the runway. The M-118 bomb had nearly 100# of HBX explosive as a spotting charge so it was not to be taken lightly.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437 and 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), China Lake, 28 July 1967. Tom Amlie photo from Ernie Mares.

Part of the Formation Drone Control team checks out the controller's box with a QF-9 Cougar "slave" aircraft. At left and right Don Sherman and Henry Hoxie, builders of the aircraft control system, Cdr. F.W. Bustard, NAF Target Officer, observes aircraft response to controller. ATR2 K. C. Kuhl's movement of joy stick on box. Harry Meyers (next to plane), head of project's target support, monitors operation of control box. The team will add Firebee drones as project progresses, China Lake, 28 July 1967. Rocketeer photo by PH3 Jerry Willey.

The VX-5 Vampires sponsored Giants, winners of the major league championship during the 1967 little league competition, recently received a guided tour of the Squadron. Cdr. J.J. Braun, XO; Lt(jg). J.E. Curran, PAO; and Lt(jg). J.E. Mohrman, Athletic Officer (l-r, back row) conducted the tour throughout hangar one. Cdr. Braun and Lt(jg). Mohrman pointed out the various parts of the F-4J Phantom BuNo 153812 and the job each shop had in connection with the plane. Kelly Smith, Giants Cheerleader, front row center; Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Cox, back row, mothers of two of the players, also accompanied the boys. The player are, left to right, Tim Miller, Randy Alls, Bruce Douglas, Tim Cox, Gary Sneed, Keith Green, Kevin Smith, Brad Scott, Dwight Scott, Scott Walsh and Mark Wooten. China Lake, 28 July 1967. Rocketeer photo.

MLU-32/B99 Briteye flare, August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

MLU-32/B99 Briteye flare, August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

MLU-32/B99 Briteye flare, August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

MLU-32/B99 Briteye flare, November 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo from R. Powell.

NAF China Lake A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 144947 aerial refueling a drop tank, China Lake, 01 Aug 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo..

VX-5 Vampire A-7A Corsair II BuNo 152674, XE-16, NAS Los Alamitos, July 1967. Photographer unknown.

NAF China Lake F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, China Lake, ca. 1967. Photo from E. Mares.

USMC Capt. Overfield and his UH-1E Huey UV-5 lift a 2,000 pound Firebee drone from its precarious resting place on the edge of a 6,500 foot high cliff, 18 August 1967. Photo by LT Pete Ferrentino.

USMC Capt. Donald J. Overfield, left, and crewman Cpl. A.R. Wise, relax momentarily beside their HMLA-267 UH-1E Huey, UV-5, for photographers after completing the recovery of a Firebee drone. Their mission is perhaps a first in Naval Aviation history. China Lake, 18 August 1967. Photo by LT Pete Ferrentino.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, in-flight with 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), pilot Ernie Mares, China Lake, 21 August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, in-flight with 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), pilot Ernie Mares, China Lake, 21 August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148437, in-flight with 3,000 pound M-118 with Sidewinder guidance (Bombwinder), pilot Ernie Mares, China Lake, 21 August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

ADAM search set installed on NAF China Lake S-1A Tracker BuNo 133229 for flight testing, 23 August 1967. With ADAM FLIR China Lake began the development of the technology that has provided the Fleet with its night-attack capability using forward- looking infrared devices. Official U.S. Navy photo.

A NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar target drone explodes after being hit by an AIM-7 Sparrow missile in the skies over China Lake, 29 August 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Former NAF China Lake P2V-3WF Neptune BuNo 124359 at the Griffith Park Travel Museum in LA, 10 September 1967. Photo by Stephen Miller.

HMLA-267 UH-1E Huey UV-5, FAE LS, China Lake, 11 September 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

HHMLA-267 UH-1E Huey UV-5, FAE LS, China Lake, 11 September 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

HMLA-267 UH-1E Huey BuNo 151878, UV-4, FAE LS, China Lake, 11 September 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Navy's Aircraft Carrier Combat Operations Safety Panel headed by Adm. James A. Russell is welcomed by Acting Technical Director H.G. Wilson as they deplane from North Island C-131F Samaritan BuNo 141022, China Lake, 15 September 1967.

Adm. F.L. Pinney, Jr., (l), Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force and VX-5 Vampires CO Capt. W.B. Muncie discuss the flight plan of a local flight in a TA-4F Skyhawk prior takeoff from NAF China Lake, 22 September 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake F-4B Phantom II BuNo 151435, Briteye aeroheating, China Lake, 22 Sep 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake Lt. Pete Ferrentino flying a QF-9 Cougar drone from the radar control van, 20 Oct 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Floyd Kinder, a chief developer of the drone control hemispherical screen display concept, viewing the drone controller display from the controllers position, 20 October 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Cessna 210 N6877R used for Cloud Puff, Storm Fury and CENSARE projects, 18 Oct 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Cdr J.S. Clauzel receives the Legion of Merit from VX-5 Vampires CO CAPT W.B. Muncie, China Lake, 13 October 1967. Rocketeer photo.

LCdr. Richard Willet reads the awards as VX-5 Vampires CO Capt. W.B. Muncie stands by, China Lake, 13 October 1967. In the background are VX-5 Flight Surgeon Dr. Phil Clements (L) and VX-5 XO Cdr. J.J. Braun (R). Rocketeer photo.

F-4B Phantom II BuNo 148262, Condor, China Lake, 20 Oct 1967. 148262 was bailed to the contractor that developed Condor and was flown by their test pilots. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake NA-4E Skyhawk BuNo 148613, IRCM, China Lake, 23 Oct 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

UH-1E Helicopter Trap Weapon rack, China Lake, 11 November 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

HMLA-267 UH-1E Iroquois UV-5 Helicopter Trap Weapon, China Lake, 15 November 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

HMLA-267 UH-1E Huey UV-5 Helicopter Trap Weapon drop, China Lake, 15 November 1967. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NAF China Lake personnel advanced in rating to ADJ3 are, back row (l-r) David P. Delathouwer; Daniel L. Doonkeen; William E. Dubay; Russell R. Halgren; Thomas S. Rockler; Danny K. Smith; Ronald M. Smith; Michael N. Sneed; John F. Stalcup; Sherman J. Wiseman and William D. Wooniak. Other ratings, front row, l-r, are: AE1 John T. Myers; AC2 Danny L. Miller; AQF2 Steven F. Imms; AME3 Donald D. Cotreau; ADR3 William H. Miller; ADR3 Joseph R. Warren; AE3 Anthony G. Colbert; AE3 Donald L. Massey; AE3 James J. Batson; ADJ3 Emilio Caballero, and ADJ3 Kenneth L. Danielson. China Lake, 10 November 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Jim Moore of Earth and Planetary Sciences Div. orients telescope battery toward the patch of sky furnishing new information about the ionosphere. The scopes catch faint "airglow" from the ionosphere on clear, moonlit nights which is then registered by photomultipliers and recorded on magnetic tape for analysis. China Lake, 17 November 1967. Rocketeer photo by Jerry Willey.

NAF China Lake C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50804, pilot E. Mares, China Lake, late 1967. Photo from E. Mares.

NAF China Lake QF-9G Cougar drone BuNo 127352, hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141194 and nose from "Snidley Whiplash", hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 141194 and QF-9J BuNo 141195, hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo 144343, hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza.

NAF China Lake QF-9J Cougar drone BuNo unknown, hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo Wayne Mutza collection.

KDA drone, hangar 2, China Lake, November 1967. Photo Wayne Mutza collection.

NAF China Lake Redbirds T-33B Seastar BuNo 141549 (former USAF s/n 53-5007,) hangar 2, China Lake, ca December 1967. Photo from Wayne Mutza. P/C is T.P. Cave.

George Hudson, project engineer for the Shrike VHF to UHF telemetry changeover watches as Monsie Stanley checks a circuit, China Lake, 01 December 1967. Rocketeer photo.

Over a mile of newly surfaced runway was turned over to NAF this week when Capt. R.J. Schall (at left), NAF CO; cut a ribbon with the assistance of Public Works Officer Capt. K.C. Abplanalp, ROICC and Lt(jg). R.D. Linder, AROICC, China Lake, 08 December 1967. Rocketeer photo.

NAF China Lake advancements in rate are front row (l-r) ADJC Donald R. Sichley, AOCS Billie E. Whorton and AOC Earnest Tigue. Back row (l-r) ADR2 Chester L. Pope, ABH3 John L. Andrews, ADJ2 James L. Rairigh, AO2 Gary R. Pebbles, AO2 Robert A. Benson PR1 Donald R. Shipley, AO2 William J. Gross, AMS2 Walter F. Lucas and ADR2 Tommy J. Jay. China Lake, 08 December 1967. Rocketeer photo.