Foundations: From Farmland to Aircraft Manufacturing
In the early 20th century, the land that would eventually become Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB) was farmland. The Bennett family, local sharecroppers, worked this land, growing wheat and lima beans, until the aviation boom in the 1930s. The area's fate changed dramatically when Donald W. Douglas established the Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo in 1932, acquiring the Moreland Aircraft factory and partnering with aviation pioneer John K. Northrop. This marked the transformation from agricultural land into one of the most significant aviation hubs of the 20th century.
The Birth of Douglas Aircraft and El Segundo’s Aviation Revolution
The Gamma aircraft, one of the earliest all-metal aircraft designed by Northrop and produced by Douglas, set the foundation for a booming aviation industry. This led to rapid expansions in both military and civilian aircraft production, shaping El Segundo into a cornerstone of U.S. aviation innovation. The aviation revolution set the stage for World War II, during which the factory’s contribution became critical.
World War II: El Segundo’s Crucial Role in Aircraft Production
When World War II broke out, the Douglas Aircraft Company’s El Segundo plant shifted its entire focus to military aircraft production. Among its most famous creations was the SBD Dauntless dive-bomber, which became essential in turning the tide of the war in key battles, including the pivotal Battle of Midway.
At its peak during the war, the plant employed over 21,000 people, many of whom were women who joined the workforce as "Rosie the Riveters." The plant produced up to 12 SBD Dauntless planes per day, showcasing American industrial power. The facility was heavily fortified with security measures, including camouflage nets and antiaircraft defenses, to protect against possible enemy air raids. The infamous "Battle of Los Angeles" on February 24-25, 1942, saw the area around El Segundo thrown into chaos when antiaircraft crews fired into the night sky, mistaking balloons or planes for enemy aircraft.
Post-War Innovation: The Jet Age
After World War II, the Douglas El Segundo plant continued its legacy of aviation innovation. The post-war era saw the rise of iconic aircraft like the A-1 Skyraider and the A4D Skyhawk, designed by the legendary Ed Heinemann, who had worked under Northrop. The Skyhawk, in particular, earned the nickname "Heinemann's Hot Rod" for its compact size and agility. It became a favorite of the U.S. Navy and was used in combat during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Additionally, the El Segundo plant produced cutting-edge research jets like the D-558 Skyrocket, which became the first aircraft to break Mach 2, setting new standards for speed and altitude records.
Transition to Los Angeles Air Force Base
By the early 1960s, as the demand for large-scale military aircraft production dwindled, the Navy no longer required the extensive facilities in El Segundo. In 1962, the U.S. Air Force took over the site, transforming it into Los Angeles Air Force Base. The base was repurposed to focus on the research, development, and acquisition of military space systems rather than aircraft production.
In the decades that followed, the base underwent several modernizations, including the pivotal Systems Acquisition Management Support (SAMS) Complex project in the early 2000s. The SAMS initiative traded part of the base’s land to private developers in exchange for the construction of new, seismically compliant facilities, ensuring the base’s relevance and functionality for years to come.
Modern Role of Los Angeles Air Force Base
Today, Los Angeles Air Force Base plays a critical role in the U.S. military's space operations. In 2021, the base became home to the newly established Space Systems Command (SSC) under the U.S. Space Force. SSC is responsible for the development, acquisition, and deployment of military space systems, including satellites, space launch systems, and ground control infrastructure.
With a mission to move at the speed of innovation, SSC oversees cutting-edge space technology to maintain U.S. superiority in an increasingly contested space environment. SSC works in close collaboration with other U.S. military services and agencies to ensure that space assets are fully integrated into national security strategies.
The base has seen numerous infrastructure upgrades, with modernized facilities continuing to enhance its capabilities, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the nation’s defense strategy. The SAMS Complex and other modernization initiatives have allowed LAAFB to remain at the forefront of military space operations.