Military

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Orange Grove

The BRAC decision to close Chase Field led to an increase in Pilot Training Rate (PTR) and the physical number of aircraft stationed aboard NAS Kingsville. Currently 70 T-45 trainer aircraft have arrived. In recognition of the increased congestion at Kingsville, the Navy made a significant investment in improving the facilities and capabilities of the Auxiliary Landing Field (ALF) at Orange Grove. The terminal airspace at Kingsville was expanded to include Orange Grove and the ALF serves as an overflow relief from the primary airfield.

Hunting and fishing aboard the station, NALF Orange Grove and Escondido Ranch is authorized in accordance with station directives and state and federal laws. Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville's gesture is a great example of how the United States Navy gives a hoot. Located in Kingsville, TX, NAS Kingsville has decided to play seasonal host to the burrowing owl. The South Texas Naval air station, in a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey's Texas Gulf Coast Field Research Station, the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend Ambassadors, will offer an open field with artificial burrows for the burrowing owls, which are anticipated to stay there over the winter, beginning in October. The Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) in Orange Grove, TX, also will have artificial burrows. NAS Kingsville has 18 artificial burrows, as does NALF Orange Grove. The burrows are done in three groups of six sets, with each group being about 100 yards apart.