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Added date. Removed parameters. Some additions/deletions were parameter name changes. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Superegz | Category:Military installations established in 1941 | #UCB_Category 43/47
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{{Short description|Naval air base in Texas, United States}} |
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{{Infobox military installation |
{{Infobox military installation |
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| name=Naval Air Station Corpus Christi |
| name = Naval Air Station Corpus Christi |
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| ensign = |
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| location=Located near: [[Corpus Christi, Texas]] |
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| ensign_size = |
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| image=NASCC.gif |
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| native_name = Truax Field |
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| image_size=280px |
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| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site --> |
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| caption= Logo of NAS Corpus Christi |
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| location = [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], [[Texas]] |
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| image2= |
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| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox --> |
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| caption2= |
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| country = the [[United States]] |
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| image = File:Beech T-44C Pegasus.jpg |
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| ownership= {{flag|United States Navy|size=23px}} |
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| alt = |
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| controlledby= [[File:Navy Region Southeast.gif|25px]] [[Navy Region Southeast]] |
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| caption = A [[Beechcraft King Air|T-44C Pegasus]] of Training Wing Four based at NAS Corpus Christi |
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| condition= Active |
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| image2 = [[File:NASCC.gif|200px]] |
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| built=March 12, 1941 |
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| alt2 = |
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| used=1941–present |
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| caption2 = |
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| current_commander= [[Captain (United States O-6)|CAPT]] Christopher Jason |
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| type = [[Naval air station#United States Navy|Naval Air Station]] |
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| garrison= |
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[[File:Naval Air Training Command.png|25px]] [[Naval Air Training Command]]<br> |
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Training Air Wing Four |
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| occupants= |
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[[File:Vt27a insig.jpg|25px]] [[VT-27|Training Squadron 27]]<br/> |
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[[File:VT-28.png|25px]] [[VT-28|Training Squadron 28]]<br/> |
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[[File:Vt31 b insig.jpg|25px]] Training Squadron 31<br/> |
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[[File:VT-35.png|25px]] Training Squadron 35 |
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}} |
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{{Infobox airport |
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| name = Truax Field |
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| FAA = NGP |
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| IATA = NGP |
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| ICAO = KNGP |
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| website = [https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_corpus_christi.html www.cnic.navy.mil/corpus_christi] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|27|41|33|N|97|17|28|W|type:airport|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|27|41|33|N|97|17|28|W|type:airport|display=inline,title}} |
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| gridref = |
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| pushpin_map= Texas |
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| image_map = |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi |
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| image_mapsize = |
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| pushpin_mapsize=300 |
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| image_map_alt = |
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| pushpin_label='''KNGP''' |
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| image_map_caption = |
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| pushpin_label_position = right |
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| pushpin_map = USA |
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| pushpin_mark=Airplane silhouette.svg |
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| pushpin_mapsize = |
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| pushpin_map_alt = |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States |
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| r1-number = 4/22 |
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| pushpin_relief = |
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| pushpin_image = |
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| pushpin_label = NAS Corpus Christi |
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| r1-surface = [[Asphalt]] |
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| pushpin_label_position = top |
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| r2-number = 17/35 |
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| |
| pushpin_mark = |
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| pushpin_marksize = |
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| r2-length-f = 5,003 |
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| ownership = [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] |
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| r2-surface = Asphalt |
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| operator = [[United States Navy|US Navy]] |
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| r3-number = 13L/31R |
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| controlledby = [[Navy Region Southeast]] |
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| r3-length-m = 1,523 |
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| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc --> |
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| r3-length-f = 4,998 |
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| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox --> |
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| r3-surface = Asphalt |
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| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc --> |
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| r4-number = 13R/31L |
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| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc --> |
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| r4-length-m = 2,439 |
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| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US --> |
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| r4-length-f = 8,003 |
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| built = {{Start date|1941}} |
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| r4-surface = [[Porous European Mix|PEM]] |
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| used = 1941 – present <!--{{End date|1946}} --> |
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}} |
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| builder = |
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| materials = |
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| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level --> |
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| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs --> |
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| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter--> |
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| condition = Operational |
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| battles = |
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| events = |
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| current_commander = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]] Ty C. Jurica |
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| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) --> |
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| garrison = Training Air Wing Four |
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| occupants = <!-- squadrons only --> |
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| designations = |
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| website = {{Official website|https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_corpus_christi.html}} |
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<!-- begin airfield information --> |
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| IATA = NGP |
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| ICAO = KNGP |
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| FAA = NGP |
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| TC = |
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| LID = |
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| GPS = |
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| WMO = 722515 |
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| elevation = {{Convert|2.7|m|0}} |
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| r1-number = 13R/31L |
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| r1-length = {{Convert|2439|m|0}} |
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| r1-surface = [[Porous European Mix]] |
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| r2-number = 18/36 |
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| r2-length = {{Convert|1524.6|m|0}} |
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| r2-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]] |
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| r3-number = 04/22 |
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| r3-length = {{Convert|1524.3|m|0}} |
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| r3-surface = Asphalt |
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| r4-number = 13L/31R |
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| r4-length = {{Convert|1524|m|0}} |
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| r4-surface = Asphalt |
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| h1-number = |
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| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} --> |
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| h1-surface = |
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| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox --> |
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| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities --> |
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<!-- end airfield information --> |
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| footnotes = '''Source:''' [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref>{{FAA-airport|ID=NGP}}</ref>}} |
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'''Naval Air Station Corpus Christi''' {{Airport codes|NGP|KNGP|NGP}} is a [[United States Navy]] naval air base located six miles (10 km) southeast of the [[central business district]] (CBD) of [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], in [[Nueces County, Texas]] |
'''Naval Air Station Corpus Christi''' {{Airport codes|NGP|KNGP|NGP}} is a [[United States Navy]] naval air base located six miles (10 km) southeast of the [[central business district]] (CBD) of [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], in [[Nueces County, Texas]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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A naval air station for Corpus Christi had been proposed since the mid-1930s, and the city's [[U.S. Representative|congressman]], [[Richard M. Kleberg]], supported it. But it remained a low priority construction project for the [[U.S. Navy]] as late as January 9, 1940. (The Kleberg family and [[Henry Pomeroy Miller|Roy Miller]] both supported [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[John Nance Garner]]'s quest for the [[1940 Democratic National Convention|1940 presidential nomination]].) Rep. [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] made himself a key Texas ally of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s [[1940 United States presidential election|bid for a third term]], and the [[White House]] told the Navy Department to consult Johnson, and heed his advice, on Navy contracts in Texas. By February 1940, the project was on the Navy's preferred list. [[Brown & Root]], a [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] firm, shared the construction contract with another New Deal supporter, [[Henry J. Kaiser|Henry Kaiser]]; the president personally signed the (first) [[Cost Plus Fixed Fee|cost plus fixed fee]] contract June 13, 1940. The Roosevelt campaign in Texas no longer had a shortage of cash.<ref>{{cite book | |
A naval air station for Corpus Christi had been proposed since the mid-1930s, and the city's [[U.S. Representative|congressman]], [[Richard M. Kleberg]], supported it. But it remained a low priority construction project for the [[U.S. Navy]] as late as January 9, 1940. (The Kleberg family and [[Henry Pomeroy Miller|Roy Miller]] both supported [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[John Nance Garner]]'s quest for the [[1940 Democratic National Convention|1940 presidential nomination]].) Rep. [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] made himself a key Texas ally of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s [[1940 United States presidential election|bid for a third term]], and the [[White House]] told the Navy Department to consult Johnson, and heed his advice, on Navy contracts in Texas. By February 1940, the project was on the Navy's preferred list. [[Brown & Root]], a [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] firm, shared the construction contract with another New Deal supporter, [[Henry J. Kaiser|Henry Kaiser]]; the president personally signed the (first) [[Cost Plus Fixed Fee|cost plus fixed fee]] contract June 13, 1940. The Roosevelt campaign in Texas no longer had a shortage of cash.<ref>{{cite book |author-link=Robert Caro |last=Caro |first=Robert A. |series=[[The Years of Lyndon Johnson]] |title=The Path to Power |url=https://archive.org/details/pathtopower00caro |url-access=limited |year=1982 |publisher=[[Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] |isbn=0394499735 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/pathtopower00caro/page/579 579]–584}}</ref> |
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The official step leading to the construction of the Naval Air Station was initiated by the [[75th United States Congress]] in 1938. A board found that a lack of training facilities capable of meeting an emergency demand for pilots constituted a grave situation. They recommended the establishment of a second air training station, and further, that it be located on [[Corpus Christi Bay]]. NAS Corpus Christi was commissioned by its first Commanding Officer, [[Captain (United States O-6)|CAPT]] [[Alva Berhard]], on March 12, 1941. The first flight training started on May 5, 1941. |
The official step leading to the construction of the Naval Air Station was initiated by the [[75th United States Congress]] in 1938. A board found that a lack of training facilities capable of meeting an emergency demand for pilots constituted a grave situation. They recommended the establishment of a second air training station, and further, that it be located on [[Corpus Christi Bay]]. NAS Corpus Christi was commissioned by its first Commanding Officer, [[Captain (United States O-6)|CAPT]] [[Alva Berhard]], on March 12, 1941. The first flight training started on May 5, 1941. |
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[[File:SNJ-4s at NAS Corpus Christi c1943.jpg|left|thumb|[[US Navy]] [[North American Aviation|North American]] [[SNJ-4]]s warming up for training at NAS Corpus Christi circa 1943. ]] |
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[[File:PBY Gun Blister.jpg|thumb|left|[[Aviation Ordnanceman]] stationed at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi boarding a [[PBY Catalina]], circa 1942]] |
[[File:PBY Gun Blister.jpg|thumb|left|[[Aviation Ordnanceman]] stationed at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi boarding a [[PBY Catalina]], circa 1942]] |
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In 1941, 800 instructors provided training for more than 300 student pilots a month. The training rate nearly doubled after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor|bombing of Pearl Harbor]]. By the end of [[World War II]], more than 35,000 naval aviators had earned their wings there. Corpus Christi provided intermediate flight training in World War II, training naval pilots to fly [[T-6 Texan|SNJ]], [[Vultee BT-13 Valiant|SNV]], [[Beechcraft SNB|SNB]], [[OS2U]], [[PBY]], and [[N3N]] type airplanes. In 1944 it was the largest naval aviation training facility in the world. The facility covered {{convert|20000|acre|km2}}, and had 997 hangars, shops, barracks, warehouses and other buildings. |
In 1941, 800 instructors provided training for more than 300 student pilots a month. The training rate nearly doubled after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor|bombing of Pearl Harbor]]. By the end of [[World War II]], more than 35,000 naval aviators had earned their wings there. Corpus Christi provided intermediate flight training in World War II, training naval pilots to fly [[T-6 Texan|SNJ]], [[Vultee BT-13 Valiant|SNV]], [[Beechcraft SNB|SNB]], [[OS2U]], [[PBY]], and [[N3N]] type airplanes. In 1944 it was the largest naval aviation training facility in the world. The facility covered {{convert|20000|acre|km2}}, and had 997 hangars, shops, barracks, warehouses and other buildings. |
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Future [[President of the United States|President]] [[George H. W. Bush]] was the youngest pilot to receive his wings at NAS Corpus Christi in June 1943. NAS Corpus Christi also was home to the [[Blue Angels]] from 1951 to 1954. It also served as a [[Project Mercury]] Tracking station in the early 1960s. |
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===2020 shooting=== |
===2020 shooting=== |
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On May 21, 2020, a motorist crashed through a northern perimeter gate at NAS Corpus Christi, activating vehicle barriers that stopped the vehicle. The driver then got out and opened fire before being shot and killed. A [[United States|Navy]] police officer was shot but was protected by a ballistic vest. Officials with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] announced the incident was [[terrorism]]-related and a second [[person of interest]] may be at large.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/injured-shooting-naval-air-station-corpus-christi-suspected/story?id=70806888|title=Naval Air Station Corpus Christi shooting terror-related, person of interest may be-at-large|publisher=ABC News|last1=Marinez|first1=Luis|last2=Shapiro|first2=Emily|last3=Fuhrman|first3=Matthew|date=May 21, 2020| |
On May 21, 2020, a motorist crashed through a northern perimeter gate at NAS Corpus Christi, activating vehicle barriers that stopped the vehicle. The driver then got out and opened fire before being shot and killed. A [[United States|Navy]] police officer was shot but was protected by a ballistic vest. Officials with the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] announced the incident was [[terrorism]]-related and a second [[person of interest]] may be at large.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/injured-shooting-naval-air-station-corpus-christi-suspected/story?id=70806888|title=Naval Air Station Corpus Christi shooting terror-related, person of interest may be-at-large|publisher=ABC News|last1=Marinez|first1=Luis|last2=Shapiro|first2=Emily|last3=Fuhrman|first3=Matthew|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-active-shooter-prompts-lockdown-naval-air-station-corpus-christi/7E2fcvcRfOGFBF7maVVJ2L/|title=UPDATE: Shooting suspect killed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi|publisher=The Atlantic Journal-Constitution|last=Barak|first=Rich|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> The shooter was later identified as Adam Alsalhi, a 20-year-old Corpus Christi resident born in [[Syria]], who had expressed support for [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]] and [[Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/21/us/naval-air-station-corpus-christi-lockdown/index.html|title=Texas Naval base shooter believed to have expressed support for terrorist groups online|publisher=CNN|last1=Andone|first1=Dakin|last2=Starr|first2=Barbara|last3=Silverman|first3=Hollie|last4=Campbell|first4=Josh|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> The incident was the second fatal shooting and the fourth security incident that caused NAS Corpus Christi to be locked down since February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FBI says Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi shooting was terror related, second suspect could be at large|url=https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/officials-shooter-neutralized-near-north-gate-of-nas-corpus-christi-one-person-injured/503-2ed913a9-09d7-466e-ae9a-1e2f26c021b1|website=KIII|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> |
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==Current operations== |
==Current operations== |
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Today, the Naval Aviator training program at NAS Corpus Christi is much longer, approximately 18 months, due to the increased complexity of today's aircraft. Currently, Training Air Wing FOUR produces approximately 400 newly qualified aviators each year via the "Maritime Pipeline" for shore-based U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard fixed-wing jet and turboprop aircraft, as well as a limited number of NATO/Allied/Coalition military pilots for similar aircraft. |
Today, the Naval Aviator training program at NAS Corpus Christi is much longer, approximately 18 months, due to the increased complexity of today's aircraft. Currently, Training Air Wing FOUR produces approximately 400 newly qualified aviators each year via the "Maritime Pipeline" for shore-based U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard fixed-wing jet and turboprop aircraft, as well as a limited number of NATO/Allied/Coalition military pilots for similar aircraft. |
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[[Image:NAS Corpus Christi NAN3 47.jpg|thumb|NAS Corpus Christi in 1946 or 1947]] |
[[Image:NAS Corpus Christi NAN3 47.jpg|thumb|NAS Corpus Christi in 1946 or 1947|left]] |
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Training Air Wing FOUR consists of four squadrons. VT-27 and VT-28 handle primary training in the [[T-6B Texan II]], a single engine turboprop aircraft. VT-31 and VT-35 provide advanced training in the twin engine [[T-44C]] Pegasus aircraft. |
Training Air Wing FOUR consists of four squadrons. VT-27 and VT-28 handle primary training in the [[T-6B Texan II]], a single engine turboprop aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} VT-31 and VT-35 provide advanced training in the twin engine [[T-44C]] Pegasus aircraft along with the [[Textron T-54A]].<ref name="AFMJUN24-17">{{cite book|title=[[Air Forces Monthly]]|date=June 2024|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], [[Lincolnshire]], [[England]]|pages=17}}</ref> |
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Other aircraft found at NAS Corpus Christi include the P-3 Orions and [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]] [[drone (aircraft)|drones]] operated by [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]. |
Other aircraft found at NAS Corpus Christi include the P-3 Orions and [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]] [[drone (aircraft)|drones]] operated by [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]. |
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In support of the base's training mission are three nearby outlying landing fields owned by the Navy: [[Naval Outlying Field Waldron]], which is {{convert|3.5|mi|km}} southwest of the Naval Air Station, [[Naval Outlying Field Cabaniss]], which is {{convert|8.0|mi|km}} west of the Naval Air Station and [[Naval Outlying Field Goliad]] which is {{convert|57.7|mi|km}} north of the Naval Air Station. |
In support of the base's training mission are three nearby outlying landing fields owned by the Navy: [[Naval Outlying Field Waldron]], which is {{convert|3.5|mi|km}} southwest of the Naval Air Station, [[Naval Outlying Field Cabaniss]], which is {{convert|8.0|mi|km}} west of the Naval Air Station and [[Naval Outlying Field Goliad]] which is {{convert|57.7|mi|km}} north of the Naval Air Station. |
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NAS Corpus Christi is also home to the [[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] (CCAD), the largest helicopter repair facility in the world |
NAS Corpus Christi is also home to the [[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] (CCAD), the largest helicopter repair facility in the world and an unusual arrangement of an Army installation located on a Naval facility. |
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==Units== |
==Units== |
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===Major Commands=== |
===Major Commands=== |
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* |
*Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) |
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*[[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] |
*[[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] (CCAD) |
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*Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG-22) |
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*[[Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi]] |
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*Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) |
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===Wings=== |
===Wings=== |
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===Other Tenants=== |
===Other Tenants=== |
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*[[U.S. Navy Reserve]] Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) |
*[[U.S. Navy Reserve]] Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) |
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*Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) |
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*Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Jacksonville Det Corpus Christi (FISC JAX Det Corpus Christi) |
*Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Jacksonville Det Corpus Christi (FISC JAX Det Corpus Christi) |
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*Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) |
*Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) |
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*[[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) |
*[[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) |
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==Facilities also located on the installation== |
==Facilities and service also located on the installation== |
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*[[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] |
*[[Corpus Christi Army Depot]] |
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*[[Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi]] |
*[[Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi]] |
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*Commissary<ref>{{cite web|title=Home - Commissaries|url=https://www.commissaries.com/|website=www.commissaries.com}}</ref> |
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*DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas<ref>http://www.distribution.dla.mil/sites/corpus_christi.aspx</ref> |
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*DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.distribution.dla.mil/sites/corpus_christi.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025020636/http://www.distribution.dla.mil/sites/corpus_christi.aspx |archive-date=2011-10-25 |title=DLA Distribution}}</ref> |
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*Naval Aviation Forecast Detachment Corpus Christi |
*Naval Aviation Forecast Detachment Corpus Christi |
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*Navy Exchange |
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*Navy Lodge |
*Navy Lodge |
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*[[Surveillance Support Center]] (SSC) |
*[[Surveillance Support Center]] (SSC) |
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*[[Veterinary Treatment Facility]] |
*[[Veterinary Treatment Facility]] |
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== |
== See also == |
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*Commissary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.commissaries.com/|title=Home - Commissaries|website=www.commissaries.com}}</ref> |
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* [[List of United States Navy airfields]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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*[http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_corpus_christi.html NAS Corpus Christi] (official site) |
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*{{FAA-airport|ID=NGP|use=PR|own=MN|site=23660.*A}} |
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*[https://www.cnatra.navy.mil/tw4/index.asp/ Training Air Wing Four] (official training wing site) |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*{{Official website|https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_corpus_christi.html}} |
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*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/corpus-christi.htm Naval Air Station Corpus Christi] ([[GlobalSecurity.org]]) |
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*{{FAA-diagram|00098}} |
*{{FAA-diagram|00098}} |
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| Naval Air Station Corpus Christi | |||||||||||||
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Truax Field
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| Corpus Christi, Texas in the United States | |||||||||||||
AT-44C Pegasus of Training Wing Four based at NAS Corpus Christi
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  NAS Corpus Christi Location in the United States | |||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 27°41′33″N 97°17′28″W / 27.69250°N 97.29111°W / 27.69250; -97.29111 | ||||||||||||
| Type | Naval Air Station | ||||||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||||||
| Owner | Department of Defense | ||||||||||||
| Operator | US Navy | ||||||||||||
| Controlled by | Navy Region Southeast | ||||||||||||
| Condition | Operational | ||||||||||||
| Website | Official website | ||||||||||||
| Site history | |||||||||||||
| Built | 1941 (1941) | ||||||||||||
| In use | 1941 – present | ||||||||||||
| Garrison information | |||||||||||||
| Current commander | Captain Ty C. Jurica | ||||||||||||
| Garrison | Training Air Wing Four | ||||||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||||||
| Identifiers | IATA: NGP, ICAO: KNGP, FAA LID: NGP, WMO: 722515 | ||||||||||||
| Elevation | 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in) AMSL | ||||||||||||
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| Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1] | |||||||||||||
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (IATA: NGP, ICAO: KNGP, FAA LID: NGP) is a United States Navy naval air base located six miles (10 km) southeast of the central business district (CBD) of Corpus Christi, in Nueces County, Texas.
A naval air station for Corpus Christi had been proposed since the mid-1930s, and the city's congressman, Richard M. Kleberg, supported it. But it remained a low priority construction project for the U.S. Navy as late as January 9, 1940. (The Kleberg family and Roy Miller both supported Vice President John Nance Garner's quest for the 1940 presidential nomination.) Rep. Lyndon B. Johnson made himself a key Texas ally of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's bid for a third term, and the White House told the Navy Department to consult Johnson, and heed his advice, on Navy contracts in Texas. By February 1940, the project was on the Navy's preferred list. Brown & Root, a Houston firm, shared the construction contract with another New Deal supporter, Henry Kaiser; the president personally signed the (first) cost plus fixed fee contract June 13, 1940. The Roosevelt campaign in Texas no longer had a shortage of cash.[2]
The official step leading to the construction of the Naval Air Station was initiated by the 75th United States Congress in 1938. A board found that a lack of training facilities capable of meeting an emergency demand for pilots constituted a grave situation. They recommended the establishment of a second air training station, and further, that it be located on Corpus Christi Bay. NAS Corpus Christi was commissioned by its first Commanding Officer, CAPT Alva Berhard, on March 12, 1941. The first flight training started on May 5, 1941.
In 1941, 800 instructors provided training for more than 300 student pilots a month. The training rate nearly doubled after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. By the end of World War II, more than 35,000 naval aviators had earned their wings there. Corpus Christi provided intermediate flight training in World War II, training naval pilots to fly SNJ, SNV, SNB, OS2U, PBY, and N3N type airplanes. In 1944 it was the largest naval aviation training facility in the world. The facility covered 20,000 acres (81 km2), and had 997 hangars, shops, barracks, warehouses and other buildings.
Future President George H. W. Bush was the youngest pilot to receive his wings at NAS Corpus Christi in June 1943. NAS Corpus Christi also was home to the Blue Angels from 1951 to 1954. It also served as a Project Mercury Tracking station in the early 1960s.
On May 21, 2020, a motorist crashed through a northern perimeter gate at NAS Corpus Christi, activating vehicle barriers that stopped the vehicle. The driver then got out and opened fire before being shot and killed. A Navy police officer was shot but was protected by a ballistic vest. Officials with the FBI announced the incident was terrorism-related and a second person of interest may be at large.[3][4] The shooter was later identified as Adam Alsalhi, a 20-year-old Corpus Christi resident born in Syria, who had expressed support for ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.[5] The incident was the second fatal shooting and the fourth security incident that caused NAS Corpus Christi to be locked down since February 2019.[6]
Today, the Naval Aviator training program at NAS Corpus Christi is much longer, approximately 18 months, due to the increased complexity of today's aircraft. Currently, Training Air Wing FOUR produces approximately 400 newly qualified aviators each year via the "Maritime Pipeline" for shore-based U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard fixed-wing jet and turboprop aircraft, as well as a limited number of NATO/Allied/Coalition military pilots for similar aircraft.
Training Air Wing FOUR consists of four squadrons. VT-27 and VT-28 handle primary training in the T-6B Texan II, a single engine turboprop aircraft.[citation needed] VT-31 and VT-35 provide advanced training in the twin engine T-44C Pegasus aircraft along with the Textron T-54A.[7]
Other aircraft found at NAS Corpus Christi include the P-3 Orions and General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In addition to U.S. Navy Student Naval Aviators, VT-31 and VT-35 also train Student Naval Aviators from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. The station employs officer, enlisted and civilian personnel serving in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the military services of numerous NATO/Allied/Coalition partner nations.
In support of the base's training mission are three nearby outlying landing fields owned by the Navy: Naval Outlying Field Waldron, which is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) southwest of the Naval Air Station, Naval Outlying Field Cabaniss, which is 8.0 miles (12.9 km) west of the Naval Air Station and Naval Outlying Field Goliad which is 57.7 miles (92.9 km) north of the Naval Air Station.
NAS Corpus Christi is also home to the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), the largest helicopter repair facility in the world and an unusual arrangement of an Army installation located on a Naval facility.
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