Many members may not know that there was a time the Nats were supported by the US Navy. For those members who participated in those Nats, the fond memories and stories remain.
Between 1948 and 1972, the US Navy allowed the AMA to hold Nats competitions on its’ Naval Air Stations (NASs.)
Navy Nats Naval Air Stations locations by year:
1948-1949: Olathe, Kansas
1950-1951: Dallas, Texas
1952: Los Alamitos, California
1953: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
1954: Glenview, Illinois
1955: Los Alamitos, California
1956: Dallas, Texas
1957: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
1958: Glenview, Illinois
1959: Los Alamitos, California
1960: Dallas, Texas
1961: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
1962: Glenview, Illinois
1963: Los Alamitos, California
1964: Dallas, Texas
1965: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
1966: Glenview, Illinois
1967: Los Alamitos, California
1968: Olathe, Kansas
1969: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
1970-1972: Glenview, Illinois
This quarter-century relationship had some great moments. Here are a few mementos from that time:
The 1969 Willow Grove NATS was the first I flew at flying 1/2A Proto. Wonderful memories. I[ll bever forget the big building hangers and all the events within walking distance.
The Navy Nats’ history is truly remarkable. The US Navy’s support from 1948 to 1972 allowed the AMA to host their competitions at various Naval Air Stations, creating unforgettable experiences. Willow Grove, among other locations, became a hub for these events, fostering a unique bond between the Navy and model aviation enthusiasts. It’s a nostalgic reminder of a special era in aviation history.