Edwards Air Force Base, California
LOCATION:
Nearest communities: Rosamond (17 mi.), California City (17 mi.), Boron (19 mi.), Lancaster (31 mi.)
Major Command: Air Force Materiel Command
Edwards AFB, in the western portion of the Mojave Desert, is 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and is ideally located for shopping, sightseeing and recreational activities.
HISTORY:
The desolate isolation of Muroc, California, in the Mojave Desert, 1933, was the perfect location for the establishment of Camp Corum, the future Edwards AFB. It is here the Army Air Corps first trained bomber and pursuit pilots for the upcoming World War II. Later, Camp Corum was to become the premiere research and development center of the United States Air Force. Aircraft ranging from the Bell XP-59 Airacomet, to the Bell X-1, to the NASA Space Shuttle and to the B-2 Bomber were first developed, tested and finalized for production. This proud history continues with the testing of the Joint Strike Fighter X-35A, Airborne Laser Weapons and the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Programs.
POPULATION SERVED:
Active Duty Military,Family Members, over 8,000 Military Retirees, Civilian Employees and Reserve Components.
SPONSORSHIP:
Sponsors should be requested through your current MPF, or contacting the Edwards AFB, INTRO Monitor, DSN 527-3186, COM 661-277-3186. Sponsors will provided Sponsorship Packages, answers to questions, Airport arrival arrange-ments,and oriention to your new base and surrounding communities.
The base lodging facility is your after-duty hours arrival point. If you arrive during duty hours, please report to your new unit for check-in.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS:
Edwards AFB has temporary lodging available for the following personnel: single, active duty enlisted and officers, unaccompanied officers, and accompanied enlisted and officers. Civilian employees frequently can be accommodated on a space available basis. For reservations or information call 24 hours to DSN 527-7666 or COM 661- 277-7666.
Note, local hotels may be expensive. Pets are allowed in some hotels. Junior Enlisted Personnel, please work closely with your sponsor and First Sergeant to arrange for a dorm room to be ready when you arrive.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
The Edwards AFB Family Support Center (FSC) is wating to assist you with it's newly equipped computer room, Resource Library, phones, Fax machines, and Job Search Center. All military personnal are required to attend the base Desert Warrior Orientation Program. For more information, please contact your Sponsor. All new Spouses are asked to attend the base New Spouse Welcome Program, held at the (FSC) the first Wednesday of each month. Please call DSN 527-0723, COM 661-277-0723 to make reservations.
If you are traveling to California by commercial air to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you have two means of transportation to Edwards AFB base. One is to have your sponsor pick you up at LAX. Another is to take the Antelope Express (shuttle) that will drop you off at ether the Ramada Inn, in Palmdale, 1-800-272-6232, 300 West Palmdale Boulevard,CA. 93551, or the Comfort Inn, in Lancaster,1825 W. Ave, J-12, Lancaster CA. 93534. Making a reservation for the Antelope Express (shuttle) prior to your arrival is highly recommended to guarantee a seat on the van or bus. Make reservations by calling them at 1-661-945-2529.
Upon your arrival at LAX, proceed to the baggage claim area. A schedule of the Antelope Express can be found at the Ground Transportation Service area. The Antelope Express Van picks up new arrivals underneath the hanging GREEN "BUSES & LONG DISTANCE VANS" sign on the center island in front of each terminal.
Cost from LAX is $42 one way. You will be reimbursed when you file your Travel Voucher.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION:
Edwards is not now nor in the near future expected to be placed on the Base Realignment and Closure Committee list. All incoming personnel who don't have an advance mailing address should write General Delivery at, PSC Box 1998, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-1259. Additionally, you are asked to call them at DSN 527-4395, COM 661-277-4395 for more information.