Tells a compelling story of the secret weapons city of China Lake, California, a secluded Navy base in the middle of the vast Mojave Desert that has been quietly delivering weapons that work since 1943. The book also provides an inside look at Point Mugu, California, a DoD (Department of Defense) premiere electronic warfare site and home of the world’s largest instrumented over-water range where most Navy targets are tested. Combined, these two internationally recognized historic sites comprise the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (also known as NAWCWD, the "Division" or WD), an organization with a strong legacy in direct Warfighter support. Arming The Fleet: 1943-2011, Providing Our Warfighters the Decisive Advantage (Third Edition) describes WD’s significant influence on more than 25 major weapons systems. China Lake developed 75% of the air-launched weapons used during Vietnam and jointly developed 80% of those used during Iraqi Freedom and the Center continues to arm the fleet into the future. In addition, the Division has been awarded 1,600+ patents, and the book documents 50+ world “firsts” including nonnuclear work on the first atomic bomb, Sidewinder missile, plastic bonded explosives, biofuels, light sticks, air-bag sensors, stop action video as well as developing early technology that directly evolved into today’s GPS, digital computer searches, and MRI. Arming The Fleet (ATF) describes the Division’s role and quick response achievements in every major U.S. crisis from WWII to Iraqi Freedom – from Iwo Jima and Midway to Fallujah and Baghdad. ATF documents the Division as a world leader in guided missiles, advanced weapons and systems, and complex software integration on tactical aircraft, energetic materials and subsystems. In addition, the Division is conducting RDT&E (Research Development Test & Evaluation) on 25+ varied unmanned aerial systems (UAV) which is a top-four strategic thrust area. ATF tells the story about how many of today’s major weapons “in the news” got their start including Trident, Tomahawk, HARM, Standard Missile, and Sidewinder. Remarkably, most of the major technologies ever developed are still in fleet use today in one version or another. Arming The Fleet III includes 208 pages, 216 photos/graphics, and 1,000+ indexed items. Anyone wanting to learn more about major milestones in U.S. Naval weaponry and technology “then and now” will find this book of great interest – not just “history” as this Third Edition is updated through 2011. The legacy continues...

In June 1963, in front of more than 60,000 people who crowded the Point Mugu tarmac, President John F. Kennedy said, "I go back to Washington with the feeling of renewed pride in being an American and renewed confidence in being a citizen of the greatest republic on earth." A day later, President Kennedy flew to China Lake for a brief tour, where thousands also came to see their president. "I cannot think of a prouder statement when asked what our occupation may be than to say 'I serve the United States of America, '" stated the president. His words touched the hearts of all those in attendance. Through the years, naval projects and missions have changed, but pride in serving this country has not. The people employed at China Lake and Point Mugu are reminded of the history within the walls of their many laboratories. Through the hallways, echoes of the past precede the sounds of the present, telling us to build on the past's lessons and trials, failures and successes. Nothing should remain stagnant, and, in today's world of uncertainty and crisis, the military is one area where we must continue to advance to protect our country and give our warfighters a decisive advantage over our enemies. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) has made countless contributions to our warfighters. This publication highlights many of them-describing our support in all major military conflicts beginning with World War II, discussing many weapons developed or supported, and illustrating the many technologies invented. This publication could not possibly include every project in which NAWCWD has been involved throughout its illustrious history. Therefore, only its most noteworthy achievements have been cited. Regardless of the task or mission, our workforce is proud to say, "I serve the United States of America.

Beskriver britiske flådeflys bemaling og camouflage i Atlanterhavs- og Middelhavsområdet i perioden 1937-1941