The Joint Parachute Test Facility was established in 1951 by the Department of Defense to perform development; testing; and evaluation of parachutes and related assemblies, pilot escape parachute systems, aerial delivery systems for supply and cargo. In Honor of those that served at NAF El Centro in support of the 6511th Test Group (Parachute) - detachment from Edwards AFB during the big build up to put a man on the moon. Prior to that, the base was a Marine Corps Air Station. Through the years, Navy El Centro has had several names: Naval Air Facility, Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Naval Air Station, and the National Parachute Test Range. For the first 35 years, the mission of NAF El Centro was devoted to aeronautical escape system testing, evaluation, and design. In November 1947, the Parachute Experimental Division from Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey moved to El Centro. In 1951, the Joint Parachute Facility was established and consisted of the Naval Parachute Unit and the U.S. Air Force's 6511th Test Group (Parachute). The Air Force remained part of El Centro’s test organization for the next 27 years.
