Jump to content

Joint Forces Training Base – Los Alamitos: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 33°47′24″N 118°03′05″W / 33.79000°N 118.05139°W / 33.79000; -118.05139
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m removed Seal beach swim. Pool is 80% military use
Tag: references removed
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,220,127 edits
(32 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Military airbase in Los Alamitos, California, USA}}
{{Infobox airport
{{Infobox military installation
| name = Los Alamitos AAF
| name = Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos
| image = Los Alamitos Army Airfield photo D Ramey Logan.jpg
| ensign =
| image-width = 200
| caption = Aerial view of the base
| ensign_size =
| IATA = <!--not SLI-->
| native_name = JFTB
| ICAO = KSLI
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location = [[Los Alamitos, California|Los Alamitos]], [[California]]
| FAA = SLI
| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
| type = Military
| owner =
| country = the United States
| image = Los Alamitos Army Airfield photo D Ramey Logan.jpg
| operator = [[California National Guard]]
| location = [[Los Alamitos, California]]
| alt =
| caption = An aerial view of JFTB Los Alamitos during 2015
| elevation-f = 32
| image2 = [[File:Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos badges.png|250px]]
| elevation-m = 10
| alt2 =
| coordinates = {{coord|33|47|24|N|118|03|05|W|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| website =
| caption2 =
| type = Joint forces training base
| r1-number = 4L/22R
| coordinates = {{coord|33|47|24|N|118|03|05|W|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| r1-length-f = 5,902
| gridref =
| r1-length-m = 1,799
| image_map =
| r1-surface = [[Porous European Mix|PEM]]
| r2-number = 4R/22L
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| r2-length-f = 8,001
| image_map_caption =
| r2-length-m = 2,439
| pushpin_map = United States
| r2-surface = [[Asphalt]]/[[Concrete]]
| pushpin_mapsize =
| footnotes = Sources: Official website<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Alamitos Army Airfield|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/AA-LosAl|website=California National Guard|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref> and [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]]<ref name=FAA>{{FAA-airport|ID=SLI|use=PR|own=MR|site=01796.*A}}, effective 2007-07-05</ref>
| pushpin_map_alt =
}}
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
[[File:NAS Los Alamitos NAN4-47.jpg|thumb|240px|NAS Los Alamitos in the mid-1940s.]]
| pushpin_relief =
[[File:Los Alamitos Army Airfield April 11 2011.JPG|thumb|240px|Los Alamitos Army Airfield in 2011]]
| pushpin_image =

| pushpin_label = Los Alamitos
'''Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos''' is a [[joint base]] in [[Los Alamitos, California]]. Formerly operated as a [[Naval air station#United States Navy|Naval Air Station]], the base contains the '''Los Alamitos Army Airfield''' and is sometimes called by that name. The base is also known as '''JFTB - Los Al''' or just '''JFTB'''. The base is 1,319 [[acres]] and "supports 850 full-time employees and more than 6,000 [[California National Guard|National Guard]] and [[Reserve components of the United States Armed Forces|Reserve]] troops."<ref>{{cite web|title=Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop Assumes Command of JFTB Los Alamitos|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/PA/Pages/Brig--Gen--John-W--Lathrop-Assumes-Command-of-JFTB-Los-Alamitos.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|accessdate=12 October 2016}}</ref>
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_marksize =
| ownership = [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
| operator = [[United States Army|US Army]]
| controlledby = [[California National Guard]]
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1942}} (as NAS Los Alamitos)
| used = 1942 – 1973 ([[United States Navy|US Navy]])<br />1973 – present (US Army)<!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational
| battles =
| events =
| current_commander = [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Manju Vig
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations =
| website = {{Official website|https://calguard.ca.gov/jftb_losalamitos/}}
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA =
| ICAO = KSLI
| FAA = SLI
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| elevation = {{Convert|10.8|m|0}}
| r1-number = 4R/22L
| r1-length = {{Convert|2,439|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]/[[concrete]]
| r2-number = 4L/22R
| r2-length = {{Convert|1,799|m|0}}
| r2-surface = [[Porous European Mix]]
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = Other facilities
| airfield_other = Anderson [[Drop zone|Drop Zone]]
<!-- end airfield information -->
| footnotes = '''Sources:''' [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref>{{FAA-airport|ID=SLI}}</ref>
}}'''Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos''' is a [[joint base]] in [[Los Alamitos, California]], United States. Formerly operated as a [[Naval air station#United States Navy|naval air station]], the base contains the '''Los Alamitos Army Airfield''' and is sometimes called by that name. The base is also known as '''JFTB - Los Al''' or just '''JFTB'''. The base covers 1,319 acres and "supports 850 full-time employees and more than 6,000 [[California National Guard|National Guard]] and [[Reserve components of the United States Armed Forces|Reserve]] troops."<ref name="lathrop">{{cite web|title=Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop Assumes Command of JFTB Los Alamitos|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/PA/Pages/Brig--Gen--John-W--Lathrop-Assumes-Command-of-JFTB-Los-Alamitos.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref>


== Facilities ==
== Facilities ==
JFTB has an [[Morale, Welfare, and Recreation|MWR]] with billeting, a [[pub]], and a [[banquet hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/JFTB-LosAl/Pages/BilletingMWR.aspx|title=Billeting MWR|publisher=California National Guard|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref> The pub, known as Fiddler's Green, is the last remaining military pub in Orange County.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pub at Fidder's Green|url=http://www.ocweekly.com/location/pub-at-fiddlers-green-6495038|website=OC Weekly|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref>
JFTB has an [[Morale, Welfare, and Recreation|MWR]] with billeting, a [[pub]], and a [[banquet hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/JFTB-LosAl/Pages/BilletingMWR.aspx|title=Billeting MWR|publisher=California National Guard|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref> Fiddler's Green is the last remaining military pub in Orange County.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pub at Fidder's Green|url=http://www.ocweekly.com/location/pub-at-fiddlers-green-6495038|website=OC Weekly|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>


JFTB has significant training facilities, including an [[Engagement Skills Trainer]], a Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer, a [[HMMWV]] Egress Assistance Trainer, a Laser Marksmanship Training System, and a Close Combat Tactical Trainer.<ref>{{cite web|title=JFTB Operations and Training|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/JFTB-LosAl/Pages/Operations-and-Training.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref>
JFTB has significant training facilities, including an [[Engagement Skills Trainer]], a Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer, a [[HMMWV]] Egress Assistance Trainer, a Laser Marksmanship Training System, and a Close Combat Tactical Trainer.<ref>{{cite web|title=JFTB Operations and Training|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/JFTB-LosAl/Pages/Operations-and-Training.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>


===Los Alamitos Army Airfield===
===Los Alamitos Army Airfield===
The airfield has two [[runway]]s:
The airfield has two [[runway]]s:
* Runway 4L/22R: 5,902 x 150&nbsp;ft. (1,799 x 46 m), Surface: PEM
* Runway 4L/22R: 5,902 x 150&nbsp;ft. (1,799 x 46 m), surface: PEM
* Runway 4R/22L: 8,001 x 200&nbsp;ft. (2,439 x 61 m), Surface: Asphalt/Concrete
* Runway 4R/22L: 8,001 x 200&nbsp;ft. (2,439 x 61 m), surface: asphalt/concrete

The airfield is home to Company A, [[140th Aviation Regiment (United States)|1st Battalion (Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment]].


===Aquatics Training Center===
===Aquatics Training Center===
The JFTB Aquatics Training Center is an [[Olympic-size swimming pool]] 50m by 25m, which offers year-round lap swimming, swim lessons, and fitness classes. The [[United States women's national water polo team|women's national water polo team]] regularly practices at the facility.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joint Forces Training Base|url=http://www.losalchamber.org/community/joint-forces-training-base|website=Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref><br />
The JFTB Aquatics Training Center is an [[Olympic-size swimming pool]] 50m by 25m, which offers year-round lap swimming, swim lessons, and fitness classes. The [[United States women's national water polo team|women's national water polo team]] regularly practices at the facility.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joint Forces Training Base|url=http://www.losalchamber.org/community/joint-forces-training-base|website=Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
In 1942, JFTB became a naval air base to train [[fighter pilot]]s during [[World War II]]. In 1973, JFTB was transferred to the [[U.S. Army]].<ref name="presence">{{cite web|last1=Luppi|first1=Kathleen|title=Los Alamitos military base, still a formidable O.C. presence, now has a new commander|url=http://www.latimes.com/socal/weekend/news/tn-wknd-et-0117-los-alamitos-base-20160117-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>


On 16 July 1957, then-[[Major (rank)|Major]] [[John Glenn|John H. Glenn, Jr.]], [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]], set the [[transcontinental air speed record]], flying a [[F-8 Crusader|F8U-1P Crusader]] from NAS Los Alamitos to [[Floyd Bennett Field|NAS Floyd Bennett Field]], New York, in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds. Project Bullet, as the mission was called, provided both the first transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed, and the first continuous transcontinental [[Panoramic photography|panoramic photograph]] of the United States. Glenn was awarded his fifth [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for the mission.
In 1942, JFTB became a naval air base in to train [[fighter pilot]]s during [[World War II]]. In 1973, JFTB was transferred to the [[U.S. Army]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Luppi|first1=Kathleen|title=Los Alamitos military base, still a formidable O.C. presence, now has a new commander|url=http://www.latimes.com/socal/weekend/news/tn-wknd-et-0117-los-alamitos-base-20160117-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref>

On 16 July 1957, then-[[Major]] [[John Glenn|John H. Glenn, Jr.]], [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]], set the [[Transcontinental air speed record]], flying a [[F-8 Crusader|F8U-1P Crusader]] from NAS Los Alamitos to [[Floyd Bennett Field|NAS Floyd Bennett Field]], New York, in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds. '''Project Bullet''', as the mission was called, provided both the first transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed, and the first continuous transcontinental [[Panoramic photography|panoramic photograph]] of the [[United States]]. Glenn was awarded his fifth [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for the mission.


The senior command on post is the [[40th Infantry Division (United States)|40th Infantry Division (Mechanized)]], headquartered in the large, prominent building facing the flagpole and main entrance artery.
The senior command on post is the [[40th Infantry Division (United States)|40th Infantry Division (Mechanized)]], headquartered in the large, prominent building facing the flagpole and main entrance artery.


The base served as the starting line for the 14th season of the hit CBS Reality TV Show ''[[The Amazing Race]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hTmuNBAmvhqFyktmDnblV-lOdq8QD95UT4D00|title=Meet the new teams on 'The Amazing Race'|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|first=Derrik|last=Lang|date=2008-08-19|accessdate=2008-08-19}}</ref> The base's status as an alternate landing area for Air Force One was mentioned in a West Wing episode.
The base served as the Starting Line for the [[The Amazing Race 14|14th season]] of the hit CBS Reality TV Show ''[[The Amazing Race (American TV series)|The Amazing Race]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hTmuNBAmvhqFyktmDnblV-lOdq8QD95UT4D00|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131013340/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hTmuNBAmvhqFyktmDnblV-lOdq8QD95UT4D00|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2009|title=Meet the new teams on 'The Amazing Race'|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|first=Derrik|last=Lang|date=2008-08-19|access-date=2008-08-19}}</ref> The base's status as an alternate landing area for Air Force One was mentioned in an episode of ''The West Wing''.

The base leases the airfield to the City of Los Alamitos's for the annual [[Southland Credit Union]] Los Alamitos "Race on the Base," a charity event including a 5K Run, 5K Walk, 10K Run, 10K Skate/ Handcycle / Wheelchair, Mission: 1K Kids Run, Jr. Reverse Triathlon and Reverse Triathlon. This is the largest reverse triathlon event in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oc-breeze.com/2014/02/12/47576_race-on-the-base-a-great-big-welcome-from-the-city-of-los-alamitos/|title=Race on the Base: A great big welcome from the City of Los Alamitos|publisher=OC Breeze|first=Shelly|last=Henderson|date=2014-02-14|access-date=2014-06-04}}</ref>

On the south edge of Runway 22L is the Navy Golf Course, where [[Tiger Woods]] honed his game as a youth.<ref name=glatngc>{{cite web|url=http://www.navygc.com/golf_course/golf_lessons.html|publisher=Navy Golf Course|title=Golf lessons at The Navy Golf Course|access-date=January 28, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417104932/http://www.navygc.com/golf_course/golf_lessons.html|archive-date=April 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name=golfcub>{{cite journal|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119011/index.htm|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Crothers|first=Tim|title=Golf Cub|date=March 25, 1991|page=56 }}</ref><ref name=rts2000>{{cite journal|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1018852/2/index.htm |magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Shipnuck|first=Alan|title=Roots|date=April 3, 2000|access-date=January 28, 2013}}</ref> The 18-hole Destroyer Course opened in 1966 and an executive nine holes was later added. The former military-only facility opened for public play in 2004.

In 2014, [[President Barack Obama]] landed at Los Alamitos Army Airfield in [[Air Force One]] in order to give the [[commencement speech]] at [[UC Irvine]].<ref name="presence"/>

In April 2015, [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brig Gen]] Nathaniel S. Reddicks became the first installation commander from the [[California Air National Guard]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keith|first1=Sharon|title=Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base has a new commander|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/reddicks-656500-commander-national.html|website=Orange County Register|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref> After this command, Reddicks retired from federal service and joined the [[California State Military Reserve]], "making him the first federally
recognized general officer to join the CSMR since the Korean War."<ref name="lathrop"/>

In October 2016, Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop took command of the base.<ref name="lathrop"/>


==Gallery==
The base hosts the annual [[Southland Credit Union]] Los Alamitos "Race on the Base," a charity event including a 5K Run, 5K Walk, 10K Run, 10K Skate/ Handcycle / Wheelchair, Mission: 1K Kids Run, Jr. Reverse Triathlon and Reverse Triathlon. The Southland Credit Union Los Alamitos "Race on the Base" is the largest reverse triathlon event in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oc-breeze.com/2014/02/12/47576_race-on-the-base-a-great-big-welcome-from-the-city-of-los-alamitos/|title=Race on the Base: A great big welcome from the City of Los Alamitos|publisher=OC Breeze|first=Shelly|last=Henderson|date=2014-02-14|accessdate=2014-06-04}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed">
File:NAS Los Alamitos NAN4-47.jpg|NAS Los Alamitos in the mid-1940s


File:Naval Reserve FJ-1 at Los Alamitos 1950.jpg|Naval Reserve [[North American FJ-1 Fury]] at JFTB, 1950
On the south edge of Runway 22L is the Navy Golf Course, where [[Tiger Woods]] honed his game as a youth.<ref name=glatngc>{{cite web|url=http://www.navygc.com/golf_course/golf_lessons.html|publisher=Navy Golf Course|title=Golf lessons at The Navy Golf Course|accessdate=January 28, 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417104932/http://www.navygc.com/golf_course/golf_lessons.html|archivedate=April 17, 2013|df=}}</ref><ref name=golfcub>{{cite journal|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119011/index.htm|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Crothers|first=Tim|title=Golf Cub|date=March 25, 1991|page=56 }}</ref><ref name=rts2000>{{cite journal|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1018852/2/index.htm |magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Shipnuck|first=Alan|title=Roots|date=April 3, 2000|accessdate=January 28, 2013|page=}}</ref> The 18-hole Destroyer Course opened in 1966 and an executive nine holes was later added. The former military-only facility opened for public play in 2004.


File:F-4B Phantoms of VF-22L1 at Los Alamitos 1970.jpg|[[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]]s of VF-22L1 at JFTB, 1970
In 2014, [[President Barack Obama]] landed at JFTB in [[Air Force One]] in order to give the [[commencement speech]] at [[UC Irvine]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Luppi|first1=Kathleen|title=Los Alamitos military base, still a formidable O.C. presence, now has a new commander|url=http://www.latimes.com/socal/weekend/news/tn-wknd-et-0117-los-alamitos-base-20160117-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref>


File:California Army National Guard honors their best warriors 111023-A-XQ016-018.jpg|[[California National Guard]] Best Warrior Competition, 2011
In April 2015, [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brig Gen]] Nathaniel S. Reddicks became the first installation commander from the [[California Air National Guard]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keith|first1=Sharon|title=Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base has a new commander|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/reddicks-656500-commander-national.html|website=Orange County Register|accessdate=23 August 2016}}</ref> After this command, Reddicks retired from federal service and joined the [[California State Military Reserve]], "making him the first federally
</gallery>
recognized general officer to join the CSMR since the Korean War."<ref>{{cite web|title=Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop Assumes Command of JFTB Los Alamitos|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/PA/Pages/Brig--Gen--John-W--Lathrop-Assumes-Command-of-JFTB-Los-Alamitos.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|accessdate=12 October 2016}}</ref>


==See also==
In October 2016, Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop took command of the base.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop Assumes Command of JFTB Los Alamitos|url=http://www.calguard.ca.gov/PA/Pages/Brig--Gen--John-W--Lathrop-Assumes-Command-of-JFTB-Los-Alamitos.aspx?LeftNav=No|website=California National Guard|accessdate=12 October 2016}}</ref>
* [[Naval Air Station Los Alamitos Naval Outlying Landing Fields]] during World War 2


== References ==
== References ==
<br /><references />
<references />


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{FAA-diagram|00953}}
* {{FAA-diagram|00953}}
{{US-airport-mil|SLI|-}}
{{US-airport-mil|SLI|-}}


{{Greater Los Angeles Airports}}
{{CAMilitary|state=autocollapse}}
{{CAMilitary|state=autocollapse}}


Revision as of 17:30, 7 June 2024

Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos
JFTB
Los Alamitos, California in the United States
An aerial view of JFTB Los Alamitos during 2015
Los Alamitos is located in the United States
Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos
Location in the United States
Coordinates33°47′24″N 118°03′05″W / 33.79000°N 118.05139°W / 33.79000; -118.05139
TypeJoint forces training base
Site information
OwnerDepartment of Defense
OperatorUS Army
Controlled byCalifornia National Guard
ConditionOperational
WebsiteOfficial website
Site history
Built1942 (1942) (as NAS Los Alamitos)
In use1942 – 1973 (US Navy)
1973 – present (US Army)
Garrison information
Current
commander		Lieutenant Colonel Manju Vig
Airfield information
IdentifiersICAO: KSLI, FAA LID: SLI
Elevation10.8 metres (35 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
4R/22L 2,439 metres (8,002 ft) Asphalt/concrete
4L/22R 1,799 metres (5,902 ft) Porous European Mix
Other facilitiesAnderson Drop Zone
Sources: Federal Aviation Administration[1]

Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos is a joint base in Los Alamitos, California, United States. Formerly operated as a naval air station, the base contains the Los Alamitos Army Airfield and is sometimes called by that name. The base is also known as JFTB - Los Al or just JFTB. The base covers 1,319 acres and "supports 850 full-time employees and more than 6,000 National Guard and Reserve troops."[2]

Facilities

JFTB has an MWR with billeting, a pub, and a banquet hall.[3] Fiddler's Green is the last remaining military pub in Orange County.[4]

JFTB has significant training facilities, including an Engagement Skills Trainer, a Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer, a HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer, a Laser Marksmanship Training System, and a Close Combat Tactical Trainer.[5]

Los Alamitos Army Airfield

The airfield has two runways:

  • Runway 4L/22R: 5,902 x 150 ft. (1,799 x 46 m), surface: PEM
  • Runway 4R/22L: 8,001 x 200 ft. (2,439 x 61 m), surface: asphalt/concrete

The airfield is home to Company A, 1st Battalion (Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment.

Aquatics Training Center

The JFTB Aquatics Training Center is an Olympic-size swimming pool 50m by 25m, which offers year-round lap swimming, swim lessons, and fitness classes. The women's national water polo team regularly practices at the facility.[6]

History

In 1942, JFTB became a naval air base to train fighter pilots during World War II. In 1973, JFTB was transferred to the U.S. Army.[7]

On 16 July 1957, then-Major John H. Glenn, Jr., USMC, set the transcontinental air speed record, flying a F8U-1P Crusader from NAS Los Alamitos to NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York, in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds. Project Bullet, as the mission was called, provided both the first transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed, and the first continuous transcontinental panoramic photograph of the United States. Glenn was awarded his fifth Distinguished Flying Cross for the mission.

The senior command on post is the 40th Infantry Division (Mechanized), headquartered in the large, prominent building facing the flagpole and main entrance artery.

The base served as the Starting Line for the 14th season of the hit CBS Reality TV Show The Amazing Race.[8] The base's status as an alternate landing area for Air Force One was mentioned in an episode of The West Wing.

The base leases the airfield to the City of Los Alamitos's for the annual Southland Credit Union Los Alamitos "Race on the Base," a charity event including a 5K Run, 5K Walk, 10K Run, 10K Skate/ Handcycle / Wheelchair, Mission: 1K Kids Run, Jr. Reverse Triathlon and Reverse Triathlon. This is the largest reverse triathlon event in the country.[9]

On the south edge of Runway 22L is the Navy Golf Course, where Tiger Woods honed his game as a youth.[10][11][12] The 18-hole Destroyer Course opened in 1966 and an executive nine holes was later added. The former military-only facility opened for public play in 2004.

In 2014, President Barack Obama landed at Los Alamitos Army Airfield in Air Force One in order to give the commencement speech at UC Irvine.[7]

In April 2015, Brig Gen Nathaniel S. Reddicks became the first installation commander from the California Air National Guard.[13] After this command, Reddicks retired from federal service and joined the California State Military Reserve, "making him the first federally recognized general officer to join the CSMR since the Korean War."[2]

In October 2016, Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop took command of the base.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ FAA Airport Form 5010 for SLI PDF
  2. ^ a b c "Brig. Gen. John W. Lathrop Assumes Command of JFTB Los Alamitos". California National Guard. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  3. ^ "Billeting MWR". California National Guard. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  4. ^ "The Pub at Fidder's Green". OC Weekly. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  5. ^ "JFTB Operations and Training". California National Guard. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  6. ^ "Joint Forces Training Base". Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  7. ^ a b Luppi, Kathleen. "Los Alamitos military base, still a formidable O.C. presence, now has a new commander". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  8. ^ Lang, Derrik (2008-08-19). "Meet the new teams on 'The Amazing Race'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  9. ^ Henderson, Shelly (2014-02-14). "Race on the Base: A great big welcome from the City of Los Alamitos". OC Breeze. Retrieved 2014-06-04.
  10. ^ "Golf lessons at The Navy Golf Course". Navy Golf Course. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  11. ^ Crothers, Tim (March 25, 1991). "Golf Cub". Sports Illustrated: 56.
  12. ^ Shipnuck, Alan (April 3, 2000). "Roots". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  13. ^ Keith, Sharon. "Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base has a new commander". Orange County Register. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joint_Forces_Training_Base_–_Los_Alamitos&oldid=1227763255"