Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility

• Origins: The Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility (NWEF) was established in 1947 at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, in response to the Navy's need to evaluate and adapt nuclear weapons for use in naval aircraft and delivery systems. • Nuclear Integration: NWEF played a crucial role in integrating nuclear weapons with Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, ensuring compatibility, safety, and effectiveness in operational scenarios. • Nickname: The facility was commonly called SANDIA Base Navy due to its proximity to Sandia National Laboratories and its focus on advanced weapons technology. • Operation Sandstone: NWEF contributed to post-WWII nuclear testing, including Operation Sandstone in 1948, by providing technical support and weapons expertise. • Aerial Torpedo Work: Beyond nuclear bombs, NWEF evaluated and improved conventional aerial torpedoes and other air-launched munitions for the Navy. • Project involvement: The facility was involved in the adaptation of the Mark 7, Mark 12, and subsequent nuclear bomb models for use by carrier-based aircraft. • Atomic Weapons Training: NWEF provided training for Navy and Marine Corps aircrews in the handling, loading, and deployment of nuclear weapons. • Security Measures: The facility operated under strict security protocols, with many activities remaining classified for decades due to their sensitive nature. • Disestablishment: In 1993, following the end of the Cold War, the NWEF was disestablished, and its mission was absorbed by other military and government organizations. • Legacy: The work of NWEF significantly advanced U.S. Navy nuclear strike capabilities and contributed to the broader development of U.S. nuclear deterrence during the Cold War.