Teen age club called the Stall, high school kids put on weekly dances, China Lake, January 1948. LIFE photo by J.R. Eyerman

The fence builders, Travis Ivy and his daughter Shelia, 1201 A Burke St., NOTS China Lake, CA, December 1948. Photo from Travis Ivy.

LCdr. Fauber with one hand pointing and other holding a sandwich, all others unknown, NOTS China Lake, circa 1949. Photo by Travis Ivy.

Travis Ivy in the forefront with checkered shirt, AT1 E.J. Blanchard is leaning over talking toTravis' wife, all others unknown, NOTS China Lake, circa 1949. Photo by Travis Ivy.

NOTS party, all unknown, NOTS China Lake, circa 1949. Photo by Travis Ivy.

NOTS party, all unknown, NOTS China Lake, circa 1949. Photo by Travis Ivy.

NOTS party, both unknown, NOTS China Lake, circa 1949. Photo by Travis Ivy.

Travis & Johnnie Porter Ivy at an anniversary party for them and Larry Monroe and Cieca, Inyokern, circa 1949. Photo from Travis Ivy.

Strimble & unknown on the way to El Conejo Mine on the North Ranges, on the way to Coles Flat, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

On the way to El Conejo Mine on the North Ranges, on the way to Coles Flat, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

El Conejo Mine on the North Ranges, on the way to Coles Flat, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

El Conejo Mine on the North Ranges, on the way to Coles Flat, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

El Conejo Mine on the North Ranges, on the way to Coles Flat, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

VX-5 Vampires get-together, Minvielle Park Airfield Recreation Area, Armitage Field, China Lake, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

VX-5 Vampires get-together, Minvielle Park Airfield Recreation Area, Armitage Field, China Lake, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

VX-5 Vampires get-together, Wherry housing, China Lake, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

VX-5 Vampires get-together, Minvielle Park Airfield Recreation Area, Armitage Field, China Lake, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

VX-5 Vampires get-together, Minvielle Park Airfield Recreation Area, Armitage Field, China Lake, 1956. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

Jerry Tiehel, Wherry housing, 1957. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

Jerry Tiehel's house, Wherry housing, 1957. Photo by Jerry Tiehel.

This 1952 Chevy belonged to VX-5 AN Mike Farley he rolled it 3 times in the Walker Pass area and then drove it back to the base in 1958. It was put outside the main gate every major holiday weekend in 58 & 59 as a safety warning. Photo from Ron Erbland. Ron thinks it was kept behind the old security building that was on the north side of the main gate. Photo from Ron Erbland.

VX-5 AN G.R. Freeman painting his name on his mailbox in the old base trailer housing, China Lake, 1958. These were some quarters! About 30' long X 8' wide with a swamp cooler on the roof. Photo from Ron Erbland.

China Lake cool ~ Bob "Hacksaw" Bledsoe by Bob "Snake" Dituri's '49 Olds convertible, barracks parking lot, China Lake, April 1958. Eat Your Heart out Fonzie. Photo from Bob Bledsoe.

Officiating at ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the opening of the Enlisted Men's Club patio last Friday is television and movie star Jayne Mansfield. Her personal appearance at NOTS was sandwiched between her 5 and 10 p.m. shows at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, China Lake, 08 May 1959. Rocketeer photo.

Don Formentini by his 1956 Plymouth, barracks area, China Lake, 1959. Photo from Don Formentini.

The Stations Empire Fair float entry is a compact display featuring the 9-foot, 5-inch Sidewinder missile, the 2.75" inch AERO 7D Mighty Mouse launcher and the 5.0 inch folding fin ZUNI. China Lake, 23 September 1960. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires, L-r: Bill Walton, unknown, Tom Scott & Jim Hankins, barracks #4, China Lake, September 1961. Photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros in the doorway of the Summit Lodge, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros with friends and spouses near the Summit Lodge, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

Parking area somewhere near the Summit Lodge, January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Bluejackets after the snowstorm, barracks area, 22 January 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros and his Ford near San Bernadino, CA, February 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Rich Hendrickson and his '54 Ford. Paul Dros' '53 Ford is in the background, barracks parking lot, China Lake, April 1962. Note the Hot Rod and the Chevy Nomad through the windshield. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros by Rich Hendrickson's '54 Ford. Paul's '53 Ford is in the background at right, barracks parking lot, China Lake, April 1962. Note the Hot Rod and the Chevy Nomad at left. Photo by Paul Dros.Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires at the EM Club, all unidentified, China Lake, April 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires at the EM Club, all unidentified, China Lake, April 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires at the EM Club, Tom Scott third row at right, remainder are all unidentified, China Lake, April 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires at the EM Club, Paul Dros in center with plaid shirt & cigarette, remainder are all unidentified, China Lake, April 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Tom Scott seated and two unidentified shipmates watching Bill Walton clean his boat, barracks #4, China Lake, circa July 1962. Photo from Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros and his new 1963 Dodge, barracks parking lot, China Lake, October 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

Paul Dros cleaning the catch of the day on a fishing trip above Lone Pine, near the Whitney Portals, circa 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

Paul Dros with the Bluejacket recycled parachute tent above Lone Pine, near the Whitney Portals, circa 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division party, L-R Manuel Archuletta and R. Henderickson, China Lake, June 1962. Photo from Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division party, L-R Manuel Archuletta and unknown, China Lake, June 1962. Photo from Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division Party, back row L-r is unknown, Paul Dros, M. Achuletta. & Don Spruill. Front L-r is R. Hendrickson & Gary Jones, China Lake, June 1962. Photo from Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division party, L-R Ensign R. Patterson, unknown, Tom Scott & unknown, China Lake, June 1962. Photo from Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Archie Archuleta at the VX-5 AE Division party, Minvielle Park rec. area at Armitage Field, China Lake, June, 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE2 Jim Hughes at the VX-5 AE Division party, Minvielle Park rec. area at Armitage Field, China Lake, June, 1962. Jim was married to one of the gals in the photo. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE John Stouffer at the VX-5 AE Division party, Minvielle Park rec. area at Armitage Field, China Lake, June, 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division Party, Tom Scott, unknown, unknown and Chief Henry, Minvielle Park rec. area at Armitage Field, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division party, L-R unknown, unknown, Tom Scott & unknown, Minvielle Park, China Lake, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division Party, all unknown, Minvielle Park, China Lake, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 AE Division Party, June 1962. Standing in the middle is Paul Hartman with Chuck Crapo to the right. Seated next to Chuck is Jim Hankins (black hair next to fellow with hat), Gary Jones at lower right, Minvielle Park, China Lake, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 AE Division Party, seated L-r: Bill Walton, Tom Scott, Earl MacPherson & Roy Don Spruill, Minvielle Park, China Lake, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires AE Division Party, l-r Don Parker & unknown, Minvielle Park, China Lake, June 1962. Photo by Tom Scott.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros & Rick Hendrickson at Lake Arrowhead, CA, July 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros near Seven Pines, July 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Manuel Archuletta and Paul Dros' '53 Ford near Seven Pines, July 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Rich Hendrickson is front right others are unidentified. Paul Dros' '53 Ford, Special Services Trailer at Lake Isabella near Kernville, August 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

Fishing at Lake Isabella, CA, August 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

Sequoia National Park entrance, September 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros' 1953 Ford, Sequoia National Park, September 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Manuel (Archie) Archuletta as we traveled to Pasadena for the weekend, November, 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Don Spruill as we traveled to Pasadena for the weekend, November, 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros before heading to All Faith Chapel for Christmas day service, China Lake, 25 December 1962. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, Hildreth Motors entry for the Standard Oil 200 mile economy run sanctioned by John's Chevron and sponsored by the Dust Devils Auto Cub, Ridgecrest, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, Hildreth Motors entry for the Standard Oil 200 mile economy run, Ridgecrest, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge took 2nd place, Hildreth Motors entry for the Standard Oil 200 mile economy run, Ridgecrest, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Opening the always available cooler! VX-5 Vampires (l to r) unknown, AE M. Archuletta, unknown, unknown, Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

L to R VX-5 Vampires AE M. Archuletta, others unknown, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

L-R unknown, VX-5 Vampires AE Paul Dros, unknown, unknown, Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Garlock, CA Historical Plaque, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires Paul Dros, Randsburg city jail, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Unidentified VX-5 Vampire, Randsburg city jail, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

A cold VX-5 Vampires AE Paul Dros, Walker Pass, January 1963. Pho

L to R VX-5 Vampire AMS Dave Davidson, unidentified VX-5, & VX-5 AT Gil Aguilera, Walker Pass, January 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampire AT Gil Aguilera with Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge in the background, Walker Pass, January 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

What am I doing here? A cold VX-5 Vampire AE Paul Dros & his 1963 Dodge, Walker Pass, January 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampire AMS Dave Davidson, Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, Walker Pass, January 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Unidentified VX-5 Vampire Bluejacket, Paul Dros' 1963 Dodge, Walker Pass, January 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Dragster at the Inyokern, CA drag strip, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Dragster at the Inyokern, CA drag strip, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Drag racing at the Inyokern, CA Drag Strip, early1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampire AE Don Johnson with unknown friend, Trona pool, summer 1963. Photo from Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampire AE Paul Dros, Trona pool, summer 1963. Photo from Paul Dros.

Looking West between Inyokern, CA and Hwy 6, March 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Wild burro near the Wild Rose area of Death Valley National Park, March 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Warning sign somewhere in or near Death Valley, March 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Rich Galope, AIRDEVRON 5 (VX-5) Vampires barracks #4, China Lake, March 1963. Photo from Rich Galope.

NAF G.Verver's '54 Olds 88, Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF G.Verver and his '54 Olds 88, Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF G.Verver's '54 Olds 88, Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Slaughter, Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF AMS Charlie Horning (OK), Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Jerry, Barracks #2, China Lake, CA, April 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF John Schoelman from Hondo, TX, by barracks #3, China Lake, April 1963. Photo by Rick Simonides.

NAF "Booker" by barracks #3, China Lake, April 1963. Photo by Rick Simonides.

Barracks 1, PH1 Jerry Williams and PH3 Dennis Smith, China Lake, circa 1963. Photo from Jerry Willey.

PH3 Jerry Willey and his '58 Chevy, barracks parking lot, China Lake, circa 1963. Photo from Jerry Willey.

RM3 Robert Haupt and his 1959 Ford, barracks parking lot, China Lake, circa 1963. Photo from Jerry Willey.

Barracks 1 room mates RM3 Robert Haupt and PH3 Jerry Willey, China Lake, circa 1963. Photo from Jerry Willey.

VX-5 Vampires Casno, Galope, Jenkins & Bowers, Lake Isabella, June 29-30, 1963. Photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 Vampires Bowers, Jenkins & Galope, Lake Isabella, June 29-30, 1963. Photo from Rich Galope.

VX-5 Vampires Bluejackets, China Lake, circa 1963. Unknown at left, AMH Greg Miller (front center), PH Rex Cline and unknown on the right. Photo by Paul Dros.

Minvielle Park pool at Armitage Field, July 1963. All are VX-5 bluejackets, from front to rear 1st & 2nd unidentified, 3rd person on the board is VX-5 AMS Dave Davidson, remaining guys are unidentified. Photo by Paul Dros.

Harry McKeehan, Gary Verver & Jack McKeehan, south side of barracks #3, China Lake, circa July 1963. Photo was taken by a Photographers mate that I knew.

Desert Empire Fair parade dog sledders pass by the Ridge theater, China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Desert Empire Fair parade, I.M.R.R., Voiture 1191, passes by the Ridge theater, Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Desert Empire Fair parade, City Police Department Paddy Wagon passes by the Bank of America, Ridgecrest, CA,21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Bob Van Nocker jr., ex rodeo champ from Boron, rode a quarter horse in the Desert Empire Fair parade on China Lake Blvd. by the Ridge theater, Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Desert Empire Fair parade passes by Foster's Freeze & Village Liquor, China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Colors passing by Fosters Freeze (ADJ-2 Larry Lister front row at left), Desert Empire Fair parade, China Lake Blvd. Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

The NAF Drill Team led by AE2 W. Ugill, Jr., the Drill unit's petty officer in-charge passes by Fosters Freeze, Desert Empire Fair parade, China Lake Blvd. Ridgecrest, CA, 21 September 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation area from my '54 Olds 88, October 1963. Photo by G. Verver.

Main entrance area to the silver mining ghost town of Calico, CA, December, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

Paul Dros standing in front of the Ghost Town Fire Department in the silver mining ghost town of Calico, CA, December, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

The Calico & Odessa Railroad engine #5 in the silver mining ghost town of Calico, CA, December, 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires from L-r AN Hobart C. Hale, ADJAN Phil Hooper, Dave Davidson, O'Neil and AMS-3 Richard Bannister, China Lake circa 1963. Photo by Lou Montoya.

VX-5 Vampires Tom Rose, Jerry Schwarting and Dave Woolsey, barracks 3, China Lake, 1964. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

L to R "Flo" (Betty Thompson's Sister), NAF AG Charles (Pete) Thompson, his wife Betty & VX-5 AE Paul Dros, Lake Arrowhead, CA, February 1964. Photo by Paul Dros.

VX-5 Vampires AE Paul Dros, Lake Arrowhead, CA, February 1964. Photo by Paul Dros.

NAF AG Charles (Pete) Thompson building a fire, Paul Dros and his 1964 Dodge in background, Lake Arrowhead, CA, February 1963. Photo by Paul Dros.

G. Verver & C. Horning headed to San Diego on Cajon Pass, February 1964.

G. Verver & C. Horning, San Diego, February 1964.

VX-5 Vampires barracks 3, (l-r) Vern Snyder, unknown, Dave Woolsey, unknown, Greg-last name is unknown, China Lake, circa 1964. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

NAF AE C. Whitmeer, barracks area, China Lake, CA, March 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF AE Ken Russell & his '55 Olds 88, barracks, area, China Lake, CA, March 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF ADJ Roy Layfield (LA), barracks 3, China Lake, CA, March 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF AMS Charlie Horning (OK), barracks 3, China Lake, CA, March 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF ADR Roger Downing, barracks 3, China Lake, CA, March 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

VX-5 Vampires Rich Galope & Cano by the NOTS All Faith Chapel, China Lake, circa 1964. Photo from Rich Galope.

NAF AG Charles (Pete) Thompson and his young son Russell at Central Park Lake in California City, CA, May 1964. Photo by Paul Dros.

My '58 Chrysler Windsor, Redlands, CA, April 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF p/c's John Castle, Bruce McAllister, Bob Borosowicz & Wayne Pierce, Redlands, CA, 1964.

My '58 Chrysler Windsor, Redlands, CA, April 1964. Photo by G. Verver.

L-r NAF AO Curt Mossestad, ADR Rick Simonides and ADJ Frank Boudreaux in the barracks parking lot next to Curt's hot Packard, China Lake, June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

L-r NAF Bob Kopel, AO Curt Mossestad and ADR Rick Simonides, barracks parking lot, China Lake, June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

L-r NAF Bob Kopel, ADJ Frank Boudreaux and ADR Rick Simonides, barracks parking lot, China Lake, circa June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

NAF ATN John "Jack" Matala, VX-5 barracks 4 in the background, China Lake, circa June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

L-r NAF ADR Rich Simonides and ATN John Matala, VX-5 barracks 4 in right background, China Lake, circa June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

L-r NAF ADR Rick Simonides, AMS Joe "Snuffy" Michele and AMH "Red" Hawkins, barracks parking lot, EM Club in the background, China Lake, circa June 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

NAF ADR Rick Simonides relaxing at the corner of Independence St. and Hussey Rd., China Lake, circa July 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

NAF ADR Rick Simonides by the entrance to the EM Club, China Lake, circa July 1964. Photo by Rick Simonides.

Formal VX-5 Vampires "Thank You" dinner party. In attendance were most of the shop personnel, along with the pilots and their wives. L-r unknown PO-2, Dave Davidson, AMS-3 Richard Bannister, unknown standing and AMS-3 Lou Montoya, China Lake, circa 1965. Photo from Lou Montoya.

VX-5 Vampires Godsill and Dave Woolsey rabbit hunting, 1965

Snow on the desert as we head south on Highway 395 in the '58 Chrysler, winter 1964/65. Photo by G. Verver.

Bill Loisate, Andy Pearson's junk yard in Little Lake, CA, August 1965. Photo by G. Verver.Snow on the desert as we head south on Highway 395 in the '58 Chrysler, winter 1964/65. Photo by G. Verver.

The NAF Wives Club Roaring 20's chorus line went through dress rehearsals in preparation for the March 5 party. Flappers (l-r) are Susan Mann, Ione Thompson, Sandy Newhouse, Millie Mayfield, Charlie Cosart and Wendy Nash, China Lake, 26 February 1965. Rocketeer photo.

Larry Heppler & his Beetle, barracks parking lot, China Lake, March 1965. Photo from Larry Heppler.

Larry Heppler's Beetle being repaired by Curt Mossestad after the Division party, barracks parking lot, China Lake, March 1965. Photo by Larry Heppler.

L-r NAF AT Jon Davies, AE Dave Warner and ADR Rick Siimonides at the entrance of barracks 5, China Lake, March 1965. Photo by Rick Simonides.

Think the Mustang belonged to an AT1 and my '58 Chrysler Windsor, barracks parking lot, China Lake, 1965. Photo by G. Verver

Butch Croft, my '58 Chrysler Windsor, barracks parking lot, China Lake, 1965. EM Club in the background. Photo by G. Verver.

G. Verver & his '58 Chrysler Windsor, barracks parking lot, China Lake, May 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Dave Schady by G. Verver's '58 Chrysler Windsor, barracks parking lot, Mainside, China Lake, May 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Pat Coleman & Mike Steuereman's Triumph Bonneville, barracks parking lot, China Lake, May 1965. EM Club in the background. Photo by G. Verver.

Charlie Horning & his '56 Olds, barracks parking lot, China Lake, May 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Charlie Horning & Mike Steuereman's Triumph Bonneville, barracks parking lot, China Lake, May 1965. EM Club in the background. Photo by G. Verver.

Me and my other ride, Mike's Triumph Bonneville, barracks parking lot, China Lake, May 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Headed north on 395 for Little Lake, CA in my '57 Olds, August 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Charlie Markin, Andy Pearson's junk yard in Little Lake, CA, August 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Mike Steuermann, Andy Pearson's junk yard in Little Lake, CA, August 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Bill Loisate, Andy Pearson's junk yard in Little Lake, CA, August 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Walkers Merc., 9 Mile Canyon?, summer 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Rick Simonides retirement party, China Lake, 01 September 1965. L-r: Chief P. Rogers; Frank Bloomfield; Chief Hall; Chief Gill; Michael Tilton; Chief Clark; Chief Breneher and M. Meyers. Photo by Rick Simonides via Frank Bloomfield.

North side of NAF barracks 5, Jerry Bethard & Bill Loisate, China Lake, September 1965. Photo ©G. Verver.

Bill Loisate and my '57 Olds, barracks parking lot, China Lake, September 1965. Photo by G. Verver

Al Frank & his '55 Chevy Nomad, barracks #5, China Lake, September 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF S-2A plane captain Butch Croft, barracks #3, China Lake, 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

Barney, barracks #3, China Lake, 1965. Photo by G. Verver.

VX-5 Vampires Dave Woolsey, Kern river, 1966. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

VX-5 Vampires Dave Woolsey and Hauser, Kern river, 1966. Photo from Dave Woolsey.

NAF ADR John Castle (AD p/c), barracks parking lot, China Lake, February 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF A-4 Skyhawk p/c G. Verver and Jerry Bethard shooting pool, Ridgecrest, March 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF Jerry Bethard shooting pool, Ridgecrest, March 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF F-8 Crusader p/c Bill Loisate shooting pool, Ridgecrest, March 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

G. Verver and Jerry Bethard shooting pool, March Ridgecrest, 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF S-2 Stoof p/c Butch Croft shooting pool, Ridgecrest, March 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF F-8 Crusader p/c Mike Steuermann shooting pool, Ridgecrest, March 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

The four China Lakers riding in this car were lucky - only one received permanent injuries when they didn't quite make a curve on the way down to the Valley from Lake Isabella, 01 July 1966. Rocketeer photo.

NAF A-4 Skyhawk p/c G. Verver and NAF F-8 Crusader p/c Bill Loisate, Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

NAF F-4 Phantom p/c Charlie Markin, Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

NAF F-8 Crusader p/c Mike Steuermann, Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

NAF F-8 Crusader p/c Bill Loisate, Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

Sweeney, Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

Nine Mile Canyon Recreation Area, CA, 1966.

Dot, Dennis and G. Verver, Camp Pendleton, CA, July 1966.

Verver and Loisate's room, NAF barracks #5, China Lake, 20 July 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF ADJ G. Verver & his shortimer calendar, NAF barracks #5, China Lake, 20 July 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF ADJ G. Verver, NAF barracks #5, Room H?, China Lake, 20 July 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF Bill Loisate, "Touche" Tuttle & Charlie Markin, Verver and Loisate's room, barracks #5, China Lake, 20 July 1966. Photo by G. Verver.

NAF China Lake Bob Puszcz's 1947 Harley, Auto Hobby Shop, China Lake, about 1967. Photo R. Puszcz.

NAF China Lake Dick Nordell, base housing, NAF China Lake, about 1967. Photo R. Puszcz.

Things are looking up at the O' Club as two NOTS employees will perform their rendition of the Go-Go dance during Happy Hour on 24 March 1967. The lovely ladies are Bev Plattner & Judy Williams. Rocketeer photo.

NAF Dave Solie & Bob Puszcz, Dave Solie's wedding, China Lake, July 1967. Photo ©R. Puszcz.

NAF Dave Solie & unknown, Dave Solie's wedding, China Lake, July 1967. Photo ©R. Puszcz.

Chuck Sussman leaning on the rear bumper of ADJ2 Mel Short's (Hagerstown, MD) 1965 Pontiac Le Mans, 3 speed stick, CA Hwy 178, 1968. Photo from Chuck Sussman.

Bob Puszcz heads for the wreckage of Piper PA-28, N9222J, west of Little Lake, CA, 1968. Photo by John Stalcup.

Location of the wreckage of Piper PA-28, N9222J, west of Little Lake, CA, 1968. Photo by John Stalcup.

Wreckage of Piper PA-28, N9222J, west of Little Lake, CA, 1968. Photo by John Stalcup.

Bob Puszcz and the NAF Rifle Team's Team Match trophy and Bob's expert marksman trophy, August 1968. Photo Bob Puszcz.

NAF Art Jensen and Bob Wiley before a dance on base, China Lake, circa 1969. Photo from Art Jensen.

NAF Art Jensen working as a bar tender at the Jolly Roger Club aka EM Club, China Lake, circa 1969. Photo from Art Jensen.

L to R NAF Ed Kissler, Don Hicks, Bennie Wallace, Art Jensen, Steve aka Pineapple, China Lake, circa 1969. Photo from Art Jensen.

There always seemed to be a need to consume beer... NAF Art Jensen 4th from left, circa 1969. Photo from Art Jensen.

VX-5 Vampires AEAN Bob Hoyt by King Ave. south of VX-5 barracks 4, Mainside, China Lake, 1970. Photo by Vic Magee.

VX-5 Vampires AEAN Bob Hoyt and AEAN Vic Magee on the staircase, VX-5 barracks 4, Mainside, China Lake, 1970. Photo by Vic Magee.

Sierra Nevada Range looking down on China Lake, 1970. Photo by Vic Magee.

NAF China Lake CO Capt. R.E. McCall gives the checkered flag to an entry in the Motorama held at the Naval Air Facility on November 20. All those that entered were required to get a vehicle safety inspection before being allowed to compete. Prizes were awarded to the best times in each weight class. Rocketeer photo by PH2 D.E. Hart.

Participating in the recent patriotism parade that was conducted in Lone Pine was a float built by the Presentations Division of TID. Riding with the Sidewinder and Shrike dummy missilles are AO3 R.D. Corley and AO2 J.J. Scannlen, both of NAF, 20 November 1970. Rocketeer photo.

The Grand Prize trophy for the First Annual Christmas parade was won by a float that was entered by the Naval Air Facility that depicted how Navy men around the world will be celebrating Christmas. Decorating arrangements for the float were handled by Lt. N.L. Johnson, ably assisted by NAF Chaplain Middleton, Lt. Dave Osborne, and PRCS W. C. Schimke. Naf sailors riding on the float are ADR2 R. Spencer (driver), AN Mike Jones, AMSAN H.L. Fain, AEAN M.A. Clark, AQFAN L.M. Woeller, and ABHAN R.J. Crain. Ridgecrest, 28 November 1970. Rocketeer photo by PH3 Ronald Gray Mills.

Dick Harding sits in the cockpit of his back-up, pick-up, which will be the feature attraction at the Inyokern Drags, sponsored by the Dust Devil's Auto Club, Ridgecrest, 12 March 1971. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires Frank Muehlfelt at the Minvielle Park pool at Armitage Field, China Lake, 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

VX-5 Vampires Frank Muehlfelt at Searles Lake, 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

VX-5 Vampires Vic Magee at Searles Lake, 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

VX-5 Vampires Vic Magee south of Ridgecrest 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

A color guard from NAF marches in front of a group of VX-5 Vampires Sea Cadets in the Desert Empire Fair parade. The Cadets sponsored by the Indian Wells Valley Council of lhe Navy League took a trophy home, China Lake, 08 October 1971. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Daniel W. Yeatts.

Vic Magee and Frank Muehlfelt, Sequia Forest near Walker Pass, Dec. 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

Willy and Frank Muehlfelt, Sequia Forest near Walker Pass, Dec. 1971. Photo by Vic Magee.

John Bitner, co-manager of the NWC Auto Hobby Shop, stands beside his 1962 Falcon and displays the numerous trophies he has won with the auto. The car has won its class all year at the local drag strip and in addition has won "street eliminator" or been runner-up in that category numerous times. The auto is a Class E-Modified Production and is powered by a 260 cubic inch engine. Bitner has prepared the auto and maintained it in top racing form by using the facilities of the Auto Hobby Shop, China Lake, 12 May 1972. Rocketeer photo.

1966 Linns Mustang L-2 Mustang N10L flown by Charlie Lynn, of Lancaster next to F4U-7 Corsair "Blue Max" BuNo 133693, WR-93, N33693, flown by Bob Guilford of Beverly Hills, 2nd annual Air Fair at Inyokern, 27 January 1973. Rocketeer photo by PH2 D.W. Yeatts.

Aircraft are (from left) a Waco biplane, Lane Turner T-40 N291L, Thorp T-18 Tiger N252F and the Golden West Airlines' DeHaviland twin Otter. Inyo Intercept, Inyokern, CA, 26 January 1974. Rocketeer photo.

Four Seabees from Port Hueneme loaned to China Lake by Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 3, assisted by NAF China Lake personnel, pour concrete for a terrace that was built in front of a new snack bar at the NAF Minvielle Park swimming pool and recreation area. China Lake, 27 September 1974. Rocketeer photo..

C.V. (Cliff) Anderson and his homebuilt blue and white Model SA-100 Starduster I biplane N8581 will be at Inyokern for the fourth annual Inyo Intercept. Anderson's career in aviation includes air show performances and an avocation of building his own airplanes, China Lake, 24 January 1975. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires barracks 4, typical room layout, China Lake, circa 1975. Photo by Dale Chavez.

VX-5 Vampires barracks 4, getting ready for inspection, circa 1975. Photo by Dale Chavez.

VX-5 Vampires playing football next to barracks 4, circa 1975. Photo by Dale Chavez.