Flight deck of the U.S.S. Hornet CV-12 in Alameda, California.
The F-8 Crusader was introduced into the Navy in 1957. It was a supersonic, carrier-based fighter complete with four 20mm cannons and four 5" Zuni rockets. The aircraft was retired in 1999.
I received a response regarding photography at Alameda NAS.
"Photography and filming are allowed on streets and sidewalks as they are public property. If you are in the parking lot of a building then that would be considered private property and that is not allowed. We get a lot of photography etc. on the property so the security guard was probably just taking extra precaution. I will be sure to remind our security that they should only stop people when they are located on private property."
For those of you considering shooting here, parking your car in a parking lot designated for a public park and staying on the sidewalks and streets will hopefully not lead to contact with a security guard.
"Influx"
The Alameda Naval Air Station closed in 1997 due to the Base Realignment Closure Act, but it was once one of the largest, most complete Naval Air Stations in the world. She was commissioned in 1940, a little over a year before the United States became involved in World War II. During the war, the air station was a fully operating base with patrol plane squadrons and an Overhaul and Operations Department.
"Trailer Trash"
During the 56 years of service, the base had a population of 45,000, employing thousands of workers specializing in approximately 250 different trades in over 300 buildings.
"Zephyr"
Today, some of the old hangars and buildings have been repurposed by a few businesses, but most of the former base sits abandoned.
