The final part of the old HQ AAVS building 248, at the now closed Norton Air Force Base, CA, falls to the wrecking ball on April 16 and 17th. It will now take several months to crush the rubble and fill in the land for the next owner or user. – Timelapse by Jose Lopez Jr.
By Jose Lopez Jr.
Originally the Norton SAGE (Semi-Automated Ground Environment) Direction Center DC-17, a radar system operated by the Los Angeles Air Defense Sector from 1959-1966. (http://www.fortwiki.com/Norton_SAGE_Direction_Center_DC-17)
“During 1966, the Headquarters, Aerospace Audio-Visual Service (AAVS) was established at Norton AFB to provide audio-visual services to the US Air Force and DOD agencies.” [Dr. Robert William Curtis, DBA, (Presidio of San Francisco Post Closure)].
In April 1992 AAVS was deactivated and re-designated Air Combat Camera Service (AIRCCS). In 1993 AIRCCS moved to March AFB, CA (Air Combat Camera Service, http://usafunithistory.com). The building was left empty.
On November 29, 2005 eighteen acres were transferred to the San Manuel Tribe, which included Building 248, to be transformed into a development project. (Indian County Today, December 8, 2005)
In 2017 the San Manuel Tribe decided to prepare the building for commercial development by deciding to take it down. (Highland Community News, Oct. 26, 2017)
There are various rumors as to what is taking its place, more than likely another huge warehouse. San Bernardino is becoming a warehouse and distribution center.
There were rumors about great contamination in our area. According to the United States Air Force Installation Restoration Program (September 2010): “The Air Force concluded that there was no release of contamination, and no further action is required at AOC 49.” AOC 49 is our area.
A section of the wall will be on display at the Norton AFB Museum.
HQ AAVS (Air Combat Camera Service) complex October 4, 2017 when the word got out it was coming down.
Jose, any chance I can contact you for an interview about your life ?
Who are you with and please provide contact information. – Jim Pearson, Webmaster
My dad was quality control chief at AAVS from 1969(?) when we were transferred from Fla. to the late ’70s when he retired. As a youngster, I was allowed to go to work with dad a few times. It was a dark and scary place for a kid! I still remember some of dads coworkers. Sad to see it go.
Hi, I tried to contact Jose with the email address you gave me, but no answer…