California: Drive Through Former Castle AFB, Atwater, 6/2/15

A drive through the former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California, on June 2, 2015.

In 1946, the base was named Castle Army Air Field to honor Brigadier General Frederick Castle, who had been killed in action in 1944. In 1995, when the AFB was officially closed, and after the more than 6,000 military and civilian personnel moved away, it left Atwater, Merced, and the other surrounding areas with a huge economic downfall. I remember many houses with either for sale or rent signs, and many apartment buildings with vacancies offering move-in incentives (i.e. sign a one year lease, get the first two months free, etc.). It had been common to see military personnel walking around town in their uniforms and flight suits, and to hear the planes overhead. It was odd when all of that was gone.

I was not in the military, but had been on the base several times as a guest. For many years after it was closed, the buildings went unoccupied. Slowly, private companies moved in and set up shop. The airfield is still used, but for private planes.

For those of you who were stationed at Castle AFB and are curious as to what it looks like now, here you go!

Just a side note, the valley is suffering from a severe drought and most people and businesses are conserving water by not watering.

Enjoy!

This video was not made for children.

DASH CAM: Garmin 20 with GPS, 1080p

Видео California: Drive Through Former Castle AFB, Atwater, 6/2/15 канала Linda's Travels