Petaluma Bombing Target Archive Search Report ... - Corpsfuds.org

ARCHIVES SEARCH REPORT - FINDINGS
Petaluma 12th Naval District Target No. 9
Petaluma, CA
cross arms at 5-foot interval^.'^ The aerial photo analysis identified only the cruiser
target and found no evidence that a circular one was constructed.
X
In the spring of 1945 the Navy ac uired an additional 1,130 acres to expand the use of
Petaluma to include rocket firing. Although the research team found no specific maps
showing the layout of the new rocket target, the aerial photos show that the Petaluma
rocket target followed the 12'~ Naval District standard target designs. The rocket firing
range was cleared around the target center, wooden boardwalk rings surrounded the
target, and an approach line marked every 500 feet both fore and aft of the target.
Unlike many facilities in the 12th Naval District, following the end of WW 11, both NAAS
Santa Rosa and the targets at Petaluma remained in service.I6 The Petaluma range was
temporarily closed from 15 October 1951 through 5 January 1952 for duck hunting
season." It is unclear if the site was closed in other years for duck hunting season.
Circa 1950-195 1 the 12" Naval District re-numbered their targets and Petaluma became
BT or Tar et No. 5, although it remained in service for dive, glide, rocket and radar
bombing. ' 8
It appears that a couple factors led to the deactivation of the Petaluma target. A Navy
aircraft and an Air Force aircraft collided in mid-air on 18 July 1950 near the target. The
target was also near one of the flight paths of the all weather jet aircraft stationed at
Hamilton Air Force Base. l9
On 15 August 1952 the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks ordered the leases
relating to Petaluma be terminated as soon as possible.20 By 9 September 1952 the
Petaluma target had been removed from aeronautical charts.21
4.1.2 Summary of Ordnance and Explosives Activities
An investigation of historical records did not specifically indicate the types or quantities
of ordnance used on site by the 12"' Naval District and the INPR site visit team was
unable to visit the site.
Based on the Navy's use of Petaluma as a bombing target from the 1944 to 1952
period, the expected types of OE include miniature Practice Bombs made of iron, zinc or
lead (i.e., AN-MK 5 MOD 1, AN-MK 23, AN-MK 43) or the 100-pound practice sand or
water filled bombs (eg Navy MK VII or XV) made out of sheet metal. The most
common type of practice rockets in general use by the Navy at the time was the 2.25-inch
SCAR (Sub-caliber Aerial Rocket). Other types of Naval rockets in use at the time
included the 3.5-inch AR (Aerial Rocket) and the 5.0-inch aircraft high velocity aircraft
rocket (HVAR).
Section 4 - History
Page 1.5