NAS Fallon's History, Mission and Future...

In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, one of four airfields built for our nation's air defense in the Nevada desert was constructed in Fallon. As the war in the Pacific escalated, the facility in Fallon was utilized as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station to train torpedo, attack and fighter pilots for action.

The station underwent caretaker, reactivation, and expansion status during the years after World War II. In the early 1960's, millions of dollars were appropriated to expand the station and its bombing and electronic warfare to prepare crews for the challenges of tactical jet operations.

In 1972, Fallon was recognized as a major shore command and upgraded to the status of a full Naval Air Station.

Today, NAS Fallon's mission is to operate and maintain facilities to provide services and materials to support aviation activities of the operating forces of the Navy and other activities or units designated by the Chief of Naval Operations.

Each year, NAS Fallon trains Carrier Air Groups (CAGS). These squadrons bring in over 1,500 aircraft and 30,000 military personnel during the year. NAS Fallon is also the home of "Strike University," Naval Strike Warfare Center where aerial combat exercises are created and analyzed to provide essential pilot training.

Recent successes in military operations such as Desert Storm where Navy pilots performed flawlessly were rehearsed right here in Fallon.

NAS Fallon continues to play a vital role in the future of Naval aviation. The climate at Fallon provides Visual Flight Rule (VFR) weather of over 300 days per year. And, with military downsizing and realignment, NAS Fallon is the new home for many of America's premier training schools such as TOPGUN, the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School. NAS Fallon's importance and distinction as one of the most strategic bases in the country is sure to continue well into the future. Log on to the Navy’s website at: www.cnic.navy.mil/fallon