re
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Air_Weapons_Station_China_Lake

My room-mate for a time at Mil. Academy/San Diego (One Anthony V. Miller) was the co-pilot of the plane which hit the top of the SFOBayBridge (early '60s.)
(Well.. he was Doing what, always he aimed To Do.)

When I called Alameda Air Station to check: my correct offering that "the V. stood for Verplank" {whod'a ever guessed?} got me a few particulars but mainly confirmed: it Was He.

Forever he was talking about USNOTS (US Naval Ordnance Test Station) at China Lake, where his Father worked.
Same venue, obviously. And I hadn't encountered another general ref. to that spot ... til This.

Time stays. We go.