WWII era Yellow Water Naval Air Gunnery School

[RMHoward]

Your welcome Ed and thanks for the pictures you sent me.  If you have any more, I would love to share them with my Facebook group.  Thanks again.

[Rick39FL]

First - thank you Rick for your insight and history regarding NAGS and Cecil Field.  I was stationed in F-18 squadrons at Cecil and recently returned to the Westside of Jacksonville.  I've started reading about the NAGS history as well as Branan Field.

I ventured out to the Equestrian Center this afternoon.  Found the path at the far end of the baseball fields, gated closed of course.  Think what I found surprising the the gate wasn't rusted and the padlock looked brand spanking new.  I'll have to head back out there some time, and jump the gate.  Or see if there is another way back there.

It's a shame the this facility is tucked away, and forgotten about.  They have trails on the massive Cecil property now, why not a historical trail. Without Rick's insight and those that have chimed in - I would not have even known about the Gunnery facility.  I only thought it was a weapons cashe North of Normandy.

Just like Branan Field... My Granddaughters school sits a mid the old octagon airfield and I seen nothing around here that refers to it.  Even the Publix on the southern end of Oakleaf has a large areal photo of Cecil Field, nothing of Branan Field (which it sits on the corner of Branan Field Rd.  Which by the way, won't even be called Branan Field Rd soon (from my understanding), it will be North Florida Expressway.

So judging by the photos I am attaching, it's hard to say how much traffic goes back there.  The road has grass growing over it, but not 50+ years worth...

-Rick B.

[RMHoward]

Rick B., thanks for the kind words.  The locked gate behind the baseball fields is there more to keep vehicles out than foot traffic.  The reason I say this is because the locked gate accesses trails/roads that connect (without warning signs) to official/established trails that are entered via the trailhead by the equestrian center.  There are lots of hikers and bicyclists who ride just past the locked gate.  That gate was NOT locked all of last year and that is where I normally entered the trails/roads.  Please join my FB group (link below) where I/we discuss nothing but Jacksonville area WWII facilities.  I would relish your input.  This site (as well as Cecil Field) warrant historical markers.  The gunnery school was one of only three in the Navy and by far the largest graduating 30,000 gunners.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/536209709803908/

[valeriew94]

I spend all day along the whole area, even attempting to drive my jeep down wells rd(gated off). Where do I enter to go explore this awesome history?!!!! First seeing this on First Coast News had me dying to go here! It really sounds like you step back in time.

[slyle]

I just discovered this thread after Channel 12 had a small video story on the gunnery school/nuclear weapons area a week or so ago. Went looking for info on Yellow Water and Metro Jax had it. I hike and bike all over the area and the Sal Taylor an Taye Howard ( I believe those are the names) areas are great.  Hadn't been to the gunnery school/Howard areas but saw the posts from RMHoward and also Timkin and Bobsimm and got fired up to go out there.  It was just as your pics from a few years ago had it  and very interesting and humbling. Plan to go out again and explore more..... 

[slyle]

And Valerie, u just go in at the Equestrian Center off Normandy Blvd. and there is a sign for the bike path straight ahead.....

[RyaninJax]

I went today and was looking for the pool.  I didn't see it.  Found the bridge, a few buildings near by, the large water tank and the old Cecil field hazmat building.  I followed wells rd to Normandy on foot and on my way back was intercepted by a FSCJ guard who told me that was campus property and couldn't be there.  I want to go back and find some of the other buildings.  There was a completely rotted bridge about 30 yards north the bridge at wells.  Anyone have the coordinates of the pool and other buildings?

[camarocane]

There is an old abandoned road just north of the baseball fields which runs due east/west. The pool is located between that road, the baseball fields and Normandy Blvd.

[bobsim]

  Thanks for dusting this old one off, it sure was fun. I can't find the old pictures of mine to pull the location from but I'll keep trying.

  We entered from behind the ball fields - park at the pool and walk around the north side of the fields to an old barricade and enter there. The pool is close. You won't see it from the road though, there's a slight ditch then a berm paralleling the road and the berm blocks your view. Walk on top of the berm and look for open areas in the trees or areas with only newer growth. I'll post the co-ordinates if I can find them.

[RyaninJax]

Man, I was looking in that area too. It must be hidden. 

[bobsim]

 

Man, I was looking in that area too. It must be hidden. 

  IM sent

[RyaninJax]

So I found the pool! Thanks for the help couldn't have found it without the advice.  Does anyone know where the pile of gas masks that were "right around the corner" from the pile of civil defense supply barrels?  Found the barrels, can't find the masks.

[RattlerGator]

Incredibly interesting first-time read on a lazy Saturday morning. Thanks to all who contributed.

[OldLady62]

Hello All, I have posted this question in another thread, but thought I would post it her also in hopes that someone will see it.  My father was stationed here in 1945 and while cleaning out my mother house, I found his "Knights of the Yellow Water" certificate from the Gunnery School.  It was dated 8 August, 1945.  Does anyone know any history behind these certificates?  It looks to be ceremonial in nature and is not not official Navy (I don't think) as it is signed by "Thor, God of Thunder".  It was for the mystic Order of Sharpshooters.  I really have no idea what it was for or any history about it as my father never discussed any of this with us.  He was about 32 years old at this time and I came along much later in his life.  Just hoping someone might have a little historic knowledge they would be willing to share.  Thanks for reading.  I can post an image if anyone is interested.

[bdv927]

Found this and thought it might be what you're looking for!

https://vintagejacksonville.net/2011/09/20/yellow-water-naval-air-gunnery-school/