Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California Military Base Guide
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is in the Mojave Desert, approximately two and a half hours from Los Angeles. The base is a specialized facility that supports infrastructure and safety for the research, development, acquisition, test, and evaluation missions.
The site spans over one million acres, providing 38 percent of the Naval global territory and the more than 20,000 miles of airspace under its wing. The acreage at this facility ensures the resources NAWS China Lake needs to fulfill its mission and vision.
Learn more about Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, including check-in procedures, local schools, childcare options, base housing, and more.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake History
Originally known as Naval Ordnance Test Station or NOTS when founded in 1943, the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake reinforces and aids in new developments in research and testing under the United States Navy.
In 1998, thousands of Weapons Division personnel joined forces with Naval Sea Systems Command, changing the structure of the organization. Many specialized weapons have been tested and developed at this site including the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, F Super Hornet, and the Join Stand-Off Weapons System (JSOW).
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Surrounding Area
Bordering the Mojave Desert in California, and about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles, the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake offers an affordable area to live in and thrive. It is comprised of land in three counties: San Bernadino, Inyo and Kern Counties.
Within a few hours drive from NAW China Lake, families and friends can visit Victorville, Yermo, Santa Clarita, Oro Grande and Palmdale for recreation. Here are a few of the most popular nearby sites:
- California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA
- Calico Ghost Town, Yermo, CA
- Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita, CA
- Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande, CA
- Dry Town Water Park, Palmdale, CA
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Mission and Units
China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station includes testing squadrons, weapons divisions, and units that encompass air and sea capabilities.
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three One
- EODMU ONE
- EODMU THREE
- Fleet Readiness Command West, China Lake
- Marine Aviation Detachment
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
- Navy Munitions Command
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake In-Processing and Check-In
In-processing and check-in are required upon arrival to China Lake to notify sponsors. Check-in is in the main building at Quarterdeck through the main gate. One checked in, you can begin the badge process. If bringing a vehicle, carry your registration, insurance, and official driver’s license with you to register the vehicle. To inquire about badges, call (760) 939-3160.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Child Care
Children of service members, ages six weeks to 18 years of age, can be served by the Child Development Center and related programs. The CDC serves children up to five years old at their accredited facility.
Children old enough to go to school will be referred for School Age Care up to third grade. Older children can attend the Castle X Youth Center where they can enjoy many activities and get help with their homework.
These programs will provide meals and snacks. The Sierra Sands School District offers transportation to these programs for students. Registration ahead of time is required. Fees will change but should be income-based.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Housing
There are plenty of comfortable housing options for service members here. Base housing comes with standard amenities and fenced backyards with multiple floorplan options. Housing should be applied for with advance notice up to several months to reserve one of the nearly 200 family homes. The Navy Family Housing Office can be reached at (760) 939-4450 for questions, assistance and availability.
The military-managed units include:
- (82) Enlisted three-bedroom units
- (66) Enlisted four-bedroom units
- (18) Officer three-bedroom units
- (6) Officer four-bedroom units
- (19) Senior officer units
- (1) Flag unit
Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Commissary
The Commissary is available on base to supply various needs for service members, including fresh produce and meat. Meat Power Boxes and special offers are offered regularly as well as discounts through the YES! Program. The commissary holds regular business hours excluding major holidays.
Phone (760) 939-0002
Bldg 02023 E Inyokern Rd
1 Administration Circle
China Lake, CA 93555
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake PCS and TDY Lodging
The Navy Gateway Inn provides temporary housing for Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, featuring rooms with all standard amenities. Some rooms have kitchenettes. No pets are allowed at the temporary lodging, so make special arrangements for pets before arrival. Reservations are required and can extend up to 30 days in duration. Call (760) 939-3146 to reserve.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Transportation
If flying into the area, visitors may use one of several local airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Burbank Airport, Bakersfield Airport or Ontario Airport. If coming in from Los Angeles International Airport, use 405 to State Route Highway 14 to Highway 178 East, heading toward the main gate.
From Burbank, use State Route Highway 14 and follow a similar route. From Ontario Airport, use Interstate 215 to Highway 395 toward China Lake. From Bakersfield Airport use Highway 99 to Highway 58 to Highway 14 and follow the same route. Shuttle options from the airports should be available for a fee.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License
In the state of California, visitors and residents must carry a valid driver’s license and sufficient liability insurance with a registered vehicle. Carry proper paperwork any time you are driving. For new arrivals, vehicles must be registered to the previous base address or the home country or region. The vehicle and driver should be registered with the state for updated licensing as soon as possible.
While driving, avoid cell phone use. Children and adults must be properly secured in seat belts and appropriate car seats. Motorcyclists must use proper safety equipment and helmets. Check areas for security measures that may demand a decal.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Schools
The Sierra Sands United School District offers quality education to children of service members at China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. Composed of six elementary campuses and 2 middle and high campuses, this district educates most area children. Other education options include charter schools and home schooling. For more detailed information and options, refer to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake School Liaison Officer at (760) 939-7135.
Schools in the area include but are not limited to:
- Burroughs High School
- Mesquite Continuation High School
- James Monroe Middle School
- Faller Elementary School
- Gateway Elementary School
- Inyokern Elementary School
- Las Flores Elementary School
- Murray Middle School
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Colleges and Universities
Service members have access to a variety of educational opportunities through Cerro Coso Community Colleges. With degree programs and tech training, Cerro Coso Community College is accredited. The Navy College Program may aid in earning degrees based on previous training and work experience on base. The Navy College Office can be reached at (760) 939-4545.
Cerro Coso Community College
3000 College Heights Blvd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-6100
Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Contacts
- Housing Office (760) 446-1320
- Family and Bachelor Housing (760) 939-4449
- Youth Services (760) 939-3171
- Family Support Center (760) 939-4545
- Military Administration (760) 939-1553
- Safety and Occupational Health (760) 939-2315
- School Liaison Officer (760) 939-7135
Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide
Military Bases and VA and Veteran Facilities in California
Find a listing of military bases, as well as VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of California. If you are traveling to California on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator.
The State of California provides a large number of veteran benefit programs. The state also provides veteran service officers across a wide range of California counties; these officers can help you file claims for VA benefits, compensation, and housing. You can also look up veteran benefits in the State of California.
Air Force Bases in California
Did you know? The State of California offers military family members a benefit known as the California College Fee Waivers Program for Veterans’ Dependents. It waives tuition and mandatory fees for classes at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. The payment is limited to tuition and fees and does not cover books or lodging.
Defense Logistics Agency Centers in California
Space Force Bases in California
- Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB is part of Space Force, but at press time, the base is still designated as an Air Force base, not a Space Force base.)
Army Bases in California
- Fort Irwin
- U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey
- USAREC Los Angeles Battalion
- USAREC Southern California Battalion
Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.
Marine Corps Bases in California
- Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
- Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Navy Bases in California
- Naval Air Facility El Centro
- Naval Base Coronado
- Naval Air Station Lemoore
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
- Naval Base Point Loma
- Naval Base San Diego
- Naval Base Ventura County
- Naval Support Activity, Monterey/Naval Postgraduate School
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
- Naval Base Coronado (eight Navy installations including Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado; Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado; Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach; Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente Island; and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado.)
Reserve and National Guard Bases in California
Did you know? The State of California has been helping veterans and families get into affordable veteran home loans for 100 years. CalVets offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for veterans and their families through a network of participating lenders. This California state government program is just one of the many options for veterans who live in Orange County or anywhere else in the state.
Department of Veterans Affairs Locations In California
The Department of Veterans Affairs facility locator on the VA official site does NOT list all VA facilities in the state at press time. What follows is the VA’s current list of facilities based on the locator found on the VA official site:
VA Clinics In California
Oakhurst VA Clinic
40597 Westlake Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644-9024
559-683-5300
Mental health: 559-683-5300
Fresno VA Medical Center
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703-2223
559-225-6100
Mental health: 559-228-5336
VA Benefits Centers
VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Fresno
855 M. Street
Suites 150 and 155
Fresno, CA 93721
559-443-1491
Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Airstation Lemoore
937 W Franklin Ave
Lemoore, CA 93246
800-827-1000
VA Cemeteries
Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery
37387 Auberry Mission Rd.
Auberry, CA 93602
559-374-0066
VA Vet Centers
Fresno Vet Center
1320 East Shaw Avenue
Suite 125
Fresno, CA 93710
559-487-5660
Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:
- Fort Novosel, Alabama
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
- Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
- Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
- Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
Please review our complete list of Military Bases by State.
About the author
Kena Sosa is an award-winning author, filmmaker and percussionist. She
earned her BA from OLLU and her MBEGT from SMU. She published two
award-winning children’s books. Kena has written for CBS/DFW Local and
Multicultural Review Magazine. She was the Guest Editor for the Fall/Winter
2023 ChildArt Magazine issue. Kena has written for Recon Media since 2023.
