About this Unit
Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Goliad is a United States Navy airfield located near Goliad, Texas. Originally constructed in 1942 as Berclair Auxiliary Army Airfield #9 to support World War II training operations, the site was later transferred to Navy control and became NALF Goliad. It has served primarily as an outlying field for flight training, supporting student aviators from Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi. Over the decades, NALF Goliad has played a crucial role in the primary and advanced flight training of Navy, Marine Corps, and allied pilots.
Historical Facts
• World War II Origins: NALF Goliad was originally established during World War II as a Navy auxiliary airfield, supporting the war effort with pilot training and aircraft operations.
• Primary Training Mission: The airfield has served primarily as a training facility for Navy and Marine Corps aviators, offering an environment for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP).
• Location: NALF Goliad is situated near Berclair, Texas, approximately 10 miles from the city of Goliad, providing strategic access to the Gulf Coast region.
• Runway Capabilities: The airfield features a runway that closely simulates those on aircraft carriers, allowing pilots to practice crucial carrier landing techniques on land.
• Post-War Civilian Use: After World War II, the facility was closed and later repurposed as the Goliad County Industrial Airpark, serving commercial and industrial aviation needs.
• Reactivation: Due to increased demand for naval aviator training, the site was reacquired by the U.S. Navy in 2011 and redesignated as Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Goliad.
• Supporting NAS Corpus Christi: NALF Goliad functions as an outlying field for Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, relieving congestion and enhancing the efficiency of pilot training programs.
• Environmental Stewardship: The Navy has implemented various environmental management practices at NALF Goliad, including wildlife preservation and land conservation efforts.
• Community Relations: NALF Goliad maintains strong ties with local communities, often collaborating on public safety, emergency preparedness, and educational outreach initiatives.
• Legacy of Training Excellence: Over the decades, thousands of naval aviators have honed their skills at Goliad, contributing to the readiness and success of U.S. naval aviation forces worldwide.