About this Unit
Naval Air Station Los Alamitos, located in Orange County, California, was originally established in 1942 as a training facility for the United States Navy during World War II. Throughout the war, it served as a major training base for Navy and Marine Corps aviators, providing support for Pacific Theater operations. After the war, NAS Los Alamitos continued to play a pivotal role as a reserve air station, supporting both Naval and Army aviation units. Today, it operates as the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, supporting multi-service reserve and National Guard operations, and remains a vital hub for military training and homeland security missions in Southern California.
Historical Facts
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Origins as a WWII Airfield: NAS Los Alamitos began as a military airfield in 1942, originally named Los Alamitos Army Air Field, primarily serving as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
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Transition to Naval Control: In 1947, the base was transferred to the United States Navy and became known as Naval Air Station (NAS) Los Alamitos, serving as a key site for naval aviation in the Pacific region.
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Reserve Aviation Hub: NAS Los Alamitos became the West Coast’s largest naval air reserve base, acting as a crucial center for training Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation reservists.
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Presidential Visits: The base has hosted multiple U.S. presidents, including Richard Nixon, who used the airfield as a convenient landing spot near his Western White House in San Clemente.
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Hollywood Connection: NAS Los Alamitos has been featured in several films and television shows, taking advantage of its classic military infrastructure and proximity to Hollywood studios.
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Home to the California National Guard: In 1973, control of the facility was transferred to the California National Guard, and it is now known as the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, supporting Army and Air National Guard units.
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Disaster Response: The base has played a critical role in disaster response, serving as a staging area for firefighting aircraft during California wildfires and a hub for emergency operations during natural disasters.
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Unique Aircraft Operations: Over the years, the base has hosted a wide variety of aircraft, from P-38 Lightnings and B-25 Mitchells in WWII to modern helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles for training and support missions.
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Air Shows and Community Events: The base has a longstanding tradition of hosting air shows, open houses, and community events, strengthening ties with the surrounding Orange County community.
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Training Future Leaders: NAS Los Alamitos, now Joint Forces Training Base, continues to serve as a vital training ground for California’s military leaders, supporting both state and federal missions, and continuing its legacy of service since WWII.
