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Point Mugu has played a major part in naval history since 1943, when a small group of U.S. Navy Seabees and several newly organized amphibious units headed across the Oxnard Plain to establish an advance base training facility. Toward the end of World War II, the small naval air base began testing newly developed guided missiles, pilotless aircraft, and special weapons to combat kamikaze pilots. This early testing transitioned Point Mugu from a temporary base into a pioneer in the world of science and national defense. On October 1, 1946, the Naval Air Missile Test Center Point Mugu and, later, the Pacific Missile Range were established to create, research, and test weapons systems. Point Mugu continues to support many diverse military missions, including testing weapons systems, operating space satellite systems, and providing radar and communication support to the naval aviation community.
About the author
Gina Nichols is the archivist for the US Navy Seabee Museum at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme. The author has gathered more than 200 fascinating photographs to tell this community's unique history. Nichols has also authored The Seabees at Port Hueneme and The Seabees at Gulfport for Arcadia's Images of America series.
