Edwards Air Force Base in California is the Air Force Materiel Command middle of excellence. This is the Air Force’s middle location to conduct and help analysis and growth. Aerospace methods are additionally developed and examined. The set up additionally operates the Test Pilot School and it’s residence to NASA’s Dryden Research Center. This is the second-largest base within the Air Force, so count on a sturdy and vibrant army neighborhood each on and off the base. Because of the wide-open areas, Edwards is the perfect location for its mission – to take a look at Air Force tech.
Overview
You may comprehend it because the place Chuck Yaeger’s flight broke the sound barrier. Here are the highest 14 the explanation why Chuck Yaeger may simply be the best army pilot of all time.
Breaking sound boundaries apart, Edwards has had different notable moments in its previous too. In reality, it was the placement of the primary touchdown of the Space Shuttle. These days, the set up hosts a community-building airshow yearly, too, that includes the Air Force’s newest and biggest.
Wondering in regards to the climate at Edwards Air Force Base? It’s desert so it’s actually scorching through the day however temps can actually cool off at evening. However, the climate is de facto constant, so that you’ll get used to it fairly rapidly.
Edwards Air Force Base Location
Located within the western portion of the Mojave Desert, Edwards Air Force Base is about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The set up stretches over 300,000 acres.
Directions
From Lancaster, take CA-14 N towards Mojave. Then take exit 55 towards Edwards AFB. Next, merge onto W Rosamond Blvd. Finally, proceed straight to enter Edwards Air Force Base via the West Gate.
From Los Angeles, take US-101 N towards I-110 N. Be positive you retain left and comply with indicators for Sacramento. Then merge onto I-5 N towards Sacramento. Take exit 162 for CA-14 N towards Palmdale/Lancaster. Then, take exit 55 towards Edwards AFB and comply with indicators.
Transportation
The easiest method to attain your new obligation station is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport.
If you’re planning to arrive to Edwards through Los Angeles International Airport, you may both have your sponsor decide you up at LAX or use the Antelope Express Shuttle. This shuttle will drop you off on the Comfort Inn in Lancaster. It’s a good suggestion to make a reservation for the shuttle prior to your arrival. The shuttle prices about $70 per particular person however is reimbursable so hold your receipt!
You may additionally make your subsequent PCS epic and journey to Edwards through prepare. Take the Amtrak to Barstow, which is nearly an hour from Edwards! It’ll be an journey you’ll always remember and it’s an exquisite manner to see this stunning nation.
Currently, the base doesn’t supply any on-installation transportation. There’s additionally no provisions for buses or taxis. Desert warmth is not any joke so it’s a good suggestion to ship your automotive. You’ll undoubtedly need it as you journey round base.
Gates and Hours
There are three gates at Edwards. The West gate is taken into account the principle gate.
North Gate: Open 24/7
South Gate: Open 24/7
West Gate: Open 24/7
The Visitor Control Center is situated in Building 1004. It’s open Monday – Friday 0700 – 1600 and closed on weekends and holidays.
Airman & Family Readiness Center (661) 277-0723
Animal Care & Services: Adopt-A-Pet Rescue (661) 258-9525
Antelope Express Shuttle (661) 945-2529
Area Defense -Counsel Edwards (661) 277-2809
Base Operations (661) 277-2222
Civil Engineer Work-Order Desk (24 hrs.) (661) 277-3330
Civilian Personnel Office (661) 277-3840
Command Post (661) 277-3040
Communications Squadron Customer Support Center (661) 277-3444
Education Office (661) 277-2713
Employee Assistance Program (661) 277-1183
Equal Opportunity Office (661) 277-7985
Finance (661) 277-4550
Health Promotion (previously HAWC) (661) 275-4292
High Desert Inn (661) 275-7666
Household Goods & Housing: (661) 385-6051
IDs/CAC/DEERS Office (661) 277-2276
Inspector General (661) 277-4888
Medical & Dental Care Central Appointments (661) 277-7118
Military Housing Office (661) 277-4506
NASA Switchboard (661) 276-3311
Pass & Registration (661) 277-6263
School Liaison Office (661) 277-2456
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (661) 209-0115
Unaccompanied Housing Office (661) 277-6783
Visitor Control Center (661) 275-9771
Mission and Units
The mission at Edwards is threefold and contains flying operations, plane upkeep, and plane engineering.
Edward’s host wing is the 412th Test Wing. It’s liable for planning, conducting, and analyzing all flights and floor testing of plane and weapons methods. The 412th additionally checks the software program and parts that go into these plane and weapons methods. This host wing oversees the every day operations for the almost 10,000 army personnel, DoD contractors, and civilians who work on base.
The Test Pilot School is the place America’s subsequent high pilots study to conduct flight checks and generate knowledge to efficiently perform missions.
Edwards Air Force Base History
From the earliest days of America’s first jet plane to the latest F-22 Raptor, Edwards Air Force Base has performed a big position within the growth of just about each plane since WWII. Its earliest iteration was as a bombing vary within the Thirties. As America ready to enter the conflict, Edwards Air Force base expanded. Since then, it has achieved vital aviation milestones, together with the testing of the Joint Strike Fighter X-35A, Airborne Laser Weapons and the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Programs.
Most just lately, the Air Force introduced that Edwards would lead testing and analysis of the following era long-range strike bomber.
Things to Do Around Edwards Air Force Base
Both Los Angeles and San Diego are inside driving distance, so you have got loads of issues to do, locations to eat, and methods to expertise California life. Be conscious of the site visitors although as a result of it might actually add a while to your journey.
Hotels
There are so many resorts round Edwards that you simply shouldn’t have any hassle discovering one – even if you happen to don’t make a reservation forward of time.
Best Western Plus Desert Poppy Inn, (661) 418-0550
Comfort Inn & Suites, (661) 418-5690
Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster, (661) 940-9194
Holiday Inn Express Lancaster, (661) 951-8848
Oxford Suites Lancaster, (661) 949-3423
Food Scene
Edwards has the benefit of being shut to a number of main cities so foodies ought to be very excited to attempt all this area has to supply. Craft beer, cocktail and low scenes are enormous in San Diego, and there are a ton of nice eating places within the cities round base, too. This space of California is thought for its recent fusion delicacies. Be positive to try the nice barbeque eating places that dot the world in addition to the Mexican and southwestern choices, too.
Activities
Both close by main cities have sports activities groups, museums, and native points of interest. Catch a Padres sport in San Diego and take a look at LA’s vibrant music scene. If you’re up to a drive, close by Yuma affords world-class golf and not-to-be missed birdwatching. Of course, throughout the Mojave Desert, you must go to the National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and Death Valley National Park.
Edwards Air Force Base Housing
Edwards Airmen have the whole Antelope Valley to name residence! That stretches all the way in which from Rosamond to California City, so there are such a lot of choices while you’re on the lookout for your subsequent residence. Keep in thoughts that the common price of dwelling on this space is above the nationwide common. That means it could be extra advantageous to stay in privatized housing.
The most necessary factor to do is name the Housing Office as quickly as you obtain orders. Corvias Property Management owns and manages privatized housing for the base and affords a number of neighborhood choices.
Of course Airmen E1-E4 stay within the barracks. They’re not so unhealthy although – Edwards barracks include Higher Grounds Cafe entry as a spot to calm down and socialize. Airmen ranked E4 with greater than three years of service can stay in the local people. Call the Unaccompanied Housing Office for extra info.
Schools Near Edwards Air Force Base
Unfortunately, there aren’t any DoDEA faculties on base. Mil-kids who name Edwards residence can reap the benefits of the native faculty districts. If you reside on base, your elementary-aged faculty children will attend Muroc Unified faculties. Speak with the School Liaison Office for extra info to make your best option for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What main metropolis is Edwards Air Force Base close to?
The closest metropolis is Los Angeles. However, San Diego can also be close by.
Is Edwards Air Force Base within the Mojave Desert?
It positive is! Edwards is within the southwest a part of the Mojave Desert.
Is Edwards Air Force Base the most important air base within the United States?
It’s the second largest base within the United States.
Where ought to I stay when stationed at Edwards AFB?
That’s a really private resolution primarily based on your loved ones’s wants. Check out our housing part up high for more information.
