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Los Angeles's cost of living is 61.7% above the national average. Compared to Colorado Springs, for example, Los Angeles is 62.7% more expensive than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles housing costs are 107% more than Colorado Springs housing costs. Health related expenses are 9% more than Colorado Springs. (from Sperling's BestPlaces)
Housing and Transportation in Los Angeles can be the single biggest concern for members and their families. Single first term airman must contact their First Sergeant for housing arrangements. For those wishing or required to live in the community there are many opportunities to rent both apartments and houses in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Unfortunately, Southern California also has the reputation of having one of the most expensive real estate markets in the United States. Both rental and purchase prices will exceed most other areas in the Continental United States by an average of 15% to 40%. However, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for LA AFB is also higher when compared to other areas. The Housing Management Office can assist with off-base referrals. Call 310-653-8471 for their assistance if needed.
Passports and Visas
Ensure members and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior for final out-processing. Members and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. See MPF for guidance on passports.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). All installations have a special DSN number, and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a US military installation to another US military installation, it is not necessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The base call tree can be reached at commercial (310) 653-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
Space Systems Command (SSC) is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from and to space. We manage a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and work in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.
SSC is headquartered at Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, Calif. The center employs an estimated 6,400 people including military, civilians and contractors at LAAFB and other locations worldwide.
SSC Vision: To leverage partnerships and innovation to deter and dominate any future contest in space.
SSC Mission: SSC develops, acquires, equips and sustains lethal and resilient space capabilities against growing threats in a dynamic global environment.
Los Angeles AFB traces its history back to the Air Research and Development Command's Western Development Division, which was activated on July 1, 1954, in Inglewood, CA not far from our current location. The activities of the Space Systems Division moved to the intersection of Aviation and El Segundo Boulevards in the early 60's, and the property was designated Los Angeles Air Force Station on April 10, 1964. The Space Systems Command's predecessors have remained at Los Angeles Air Force Station, which was redesignated as Los Angeles Air Force Base in September 1987. The base in El Segundo, which has no flightline, houses the main installation. Fort MacArthur, which is located 20 miles south of the main base, is actually part of Los Angeles Air Force Base. For more information see LAAFB's homepage.
Los Angeles County: 9.66 million
Los Angeles AFB is the only active duty installation in Los Angeles County. In addition to personnel assigned to SSC and Space Base Delta 3, LAAFB serves all Air Force personnel in the Greater Los Angeles area. We also serve Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel as well as over 200,000 retirees of all services in the surrounding area.
Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB) is located just south of Los Angeles International Airport and less than a mile west of the San Diego Freeway (I-405) in the city of El Segundo, a part of Los Angeles County. Beach, mountain, and desert recreational opportunities are a short drive away. World renowned theme parks and the glamour of Hollywood are right here as well. The automated base phone number is 310-653-1110, or DSN 312-633-1110. This is not a “military town.” The cost of living is up to 61.7% above the national average.
Directions from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
From LAX, take Sepulveda Blvd. south. Turn left at El Segundo Blvd. and left again at Douglas Street. The entrance to Los Angeles AFB will be on your right.
The address to enter into GPS or to provide to a ride service will be:
200 N. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245
The Visitor Control Center parking lot will be on your direct left after entering the fence line.
When you arrive show your military ID to the Gate Guard.
If you do not have a military ID you will need to get a day pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC), the white building just at the entrance to the gate. Present your driver's license, car registration and proof of insurance. Have your sponsor's name and phone number available as he/she will need to call the Visitor Control Center or go to the building to escort you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: California was certified as Real ID compliant as of May 22, 2019 (See CA_REALID_Compliance_Determination), requiring CA personnel attempting to access the installation to have a Real ID. Per DoDM5200.08V3_DAFMAN31-101V3_DAFGM2024-01, para. 3.2.a.(3), “State-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the standards can no longer be used for accessing Federal facilities including Air Force installations unless the issuing state’s compliance deadline has been extended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Individuals who do not possess a driver’s license or identification card compliant with the REAL ID Act and do not possess an acceptable alternate identification credential, must be escorted or denied access.” visitors who do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID may still be able to access the base, but they will need to be escorted by a sponsor with a valid ID or undergo additional screening and vetting.
Once inside the gate, stay on the main road. the Commissary and BX will be on your right. Opposite the gas station is a street that will take you to customer parking near Building 272. This will be a left turn.
Space Base Delta 3 Members:
SSC Members:
To reach the base from I-405, take the El Segundo Blvd. exit and go west on El Segundo Blvd. Continue west and turn right on Douglas Street. The Base entrance will be on your right. If using GPS, enter 200 N. Douglas St, El Segundo, CA. You will need a military or DoD ID to enter the base. Visitors (those with no military or DoD ID) must stop at the Visitors Center just inside the gate and show proof of registration, proof of insurance and a current drivers license to get a day pass. Park in Customer Parking. See Location Overview for information on parking passes.
Directions to the Housing Area at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro
The housing area is about 20 miles south of El Segundo. From the base take the I-405 south to the I-110. Follow the I-110 south to the end, where it meets Gaffey Street. Turn left on Gaffey, follow Gaffey to 22nd Street and turn left onto 22nd. Turn right at the traffic light at Pacific Avenue. Fort MacArthur is on the left about a block from 22nd Street. The main gate is located at Pacific Avenue and 24th Street. For GPS, use 2500 S. Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA.
IMPORTANT NOTE: California was certified as Real ID compliant as of May 22, 2019 (See CA_REALID_Compliance_Determination), requiring CA personnel attempting to access the installation to have a Real ID. Per DoDM5200.08V3_DAFMAN31-101V3_DAFGM2024-01, para. 3.2.a.(3), “State-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the standards can no longer be used for accessing Federal facilities including Air Force installations unless the issuing state’s compliance deadline has been extended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Individuals who do not possess a driver’s license or identification card compliant with the REAL ID Act and do not possess an acceptable alternate identification credential, must be escorted or denied access.” Visitors who do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID may still be able to access the base, but they will need to be escorted by a sponsor with a valid ID or undergo additional screening and vetting.
Parking
Many parking spaces on Los Angeles AFB are reserved during duty hours. There are 125 "numbered" reserved parking spots for "Key Personnel" that are set aside for those designated by commanders and directors. All other unnumbered/unlabeled parking spaces are open for employee/customer use. Carpools and Vanpools also have spaces available for their use but are not reserved and are first come first served for those with a valid Carpool pass. Please note that parking by the BX/Commissary, Medical Center, Gym, and CDC are for those customers only.
Overnight parking is no longer allowed at LAAFB. The base parking manager who can be reached at 310-653-5477.