NAS North Island itself is host to 23 aviation squadrons and 80 additional tenant commands and activities—one of which, the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, is San Diego's largest aerospace employer.

It has large factory-type buildings which comprise the Naval Aviation Depot, employing 3,300 civilians, and its own commissary, Navy Exchange, and housing units.

Department of Defense (DoD) contractors perform transportation flights from the air station to NALF San Clemente Island.

On August 15, 1963, the station was granted official recognition as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation" by resolution of the House Armed Services Committee.

However the Navy abandoned its camp and did not return for five years, while the Army established an aviation school in 1913 at the southern end of the island.

[6] Forefathers of today's "Blue Angels", the three-plane "Sea Hawks" from VF-6B, the "Felix the Cat" squadron, were thrilling audiences with flight demonstrations as early as 1928.

They demonstrated the training skills of Navy fighter and bomber pilots and on many occasions, flew their aircraft in formation with the wings tethered together.

Six years before the Naval Air Station was commissioned, Glenn Curtiss trained the first group of Japanese aviators at his flying school on North Island.

[citation needed] During World War II, North Island was the major continental U.S. base supporting the operating forces in the Pacific.

Major USO entertainment shows and bond drives were held weekly at the Ship's Service auditorium, which was later replaced by the 2,100 seat Lowry Theater.

Famous people stationed here or on ships home ported here during the war years included Douglas Fairbanks Jr.,[citation needed] Guy Madison, future television cowboy star of the 1950s and 1960s as Wild Bill Hickok, was at that time Seaman Bob Mosely, a lifeguard at the NAS crews' pool.

NAS North Island features some of the warmest winter temperatures anywhere on the west coast of the continental United States.