Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake  In-depth Overview

China Lake provides quality shore-based infrastructure, base operating support services, safety and security, range and airfield support to the Navy's Research, Development, Acquisition, Test & Evaluation (RDAT&E) mission, Navy training capability, and other fleet and fleet support activities. Included in this mission is the significant environmental stewardship of approximately 1.1 million acres, covering all aspects of natural, cultural, and historic resources NAWS China Lake is the Navy's largest single landholding. It represents 85 percent of the Navy's land primarily used for RDAT&E and 38 percent of the Navy's total landholding worldwide. More than 95 percent of the land has been left undisturbed by testing activities. It has more than 20,000 square miles of controlled airspace. The primary tenant, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), executes full-spectrum weapons and warfare systems RDAT&E.

--MISSION to "Provide and maintain lands, facilities, and capabilities by way of a cadre of Shore Enterprise professionals that enable Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation of cutting edge technological systems, and training of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command personnel."

--VISION to "Action ideas as time and resources permit that possess opportunity to sustain or improve upon safety, security, and services for those military and civilian personnel who live and work on the installation."

The Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) was established on November 8, 1943. In October 1998, NAWS Point Mugu became Naval Air Station Point Mugu and is no longer a part of the parent Weapons Division organization. More than 2,000 Weapons Division employees, however, continue to perform their same functions as tenants at Point Mugu. On October 1, 2001, the White Sands Detachment was transferred to the Naval Sea Systems Command, leaving China Lake and Point Mugu the only WD sites. NAVAIR WD personnel at China Lake are involved in programs that range from the Tomahawk Cruise Missile to the new Joint Stand-Off Weapons System (JSOW) and from the Joint Direct Attack Munitions to the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. For more information please visit the installation homepage.

The Navy, civilian and contracting workforce work together providing for the success of current and future operations here at China Lake.

China Lake statistics (approximations as of March. 2021):

• 620 military employees
• 4,100 full-time civilians
• 1,734 on-board and off-site contractors      

Approximately 29,400 at China Lake and the nearby town of Ridgecrest, CA and the surrounding communities.

The Navy remains the Indian Wells Valley's largest employer with approximately 4,166 full-time civilians, 620 military employees, 1,734 onboard and off-site contractors. On any normal workday, 10,000 people pass through the gates.

Welcome to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, high desert home of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, where the Navy and Marine Corps have developed or tested nearly every significant airborne weapon system in the past five decades. China Lake is located 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles on the western edge of California's Mojave Desert. China Lake is a very military friendly city with a high population of Retired Active Duty and DoD Civilians and has a lower cost of living compared to the rest of the state of California. If you are arriving by air, you may fly into Los Angeles International Airport, Burbank International (Bob Hope Airport), Ontario International Airport or Bakersfield Airport. Shuttle service is available from the airport at a cost. 

From Los Angeles International Airport: Take Interstate 405 North from the airport until you reach Interstate 5 and proceed North for a short distance where you will merge to State Route Highway 14. Stay on 14 as it goes through the town of Mojave. Continue right on Hwy 14 towards Bishop until you reach Highway 178 East, towards Inyokern. This highway leads right to the front gate of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

From Burbank Airport: Take Interstate 5 and proceed North where you will merge to State Route Highway 14. Stay on 14 as it goes through the town of Mojave. Continue right on Hwy 14 towards Bishop until you reach Highway 178 East towards Inyokern. This highway leads right to the front gate of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

From Ontario Airport:  Take Interstate 10 East from the airport, then proceed to Interstate 215/ 15 North over the Cajon Pass; exit Highway 395 North stay on Hwy 395 all the way until you reach the Ridgecrest/ China Lake Blvd turnoff. Take China Lake Blvd all the way to the Main Gate (intersecting with Inyokern Rd.)

From Bakersfield Airport:  Take Highway 99 South, quickly take the Highway 58 East. Stay on the 58 until it exits at Highway 14 and head North until you reach Highway 178 East, towards Inyokern. This highway leads right to the front gate of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

Quarterdeck 760-939-2303;  CDO: 760-608-7004

China Lake is situated next to the town of Ridgecrest, a thriving town with a population of nearly 30,000. China Lake/Ridgecrest is located near three major highways, US Hwy 395 and California State Highways, 14 and 178. It is recommended you drive to China Lake during the daylight hours, as the town is  remote. Transportation from airports can sometimes be arranged by your new command. Please check with them for availability.

From Los Angeles International Airport

Take Interstate 405 North from the airport, over the Hollywood Hills and across the San Fernando Valley. Then take Interstate 5 North a short distance to State Route 14. Remain on Highway 14, through Palmdale, Lancaster, Mojave and Red Rock Canyon until the Inyokern turnoff. Take Highway 178 east through Inyokern to China Lake and Ridgecrest. (160 total miles)

From Hollywood/Burbank Airport

Take Interstate 5 North from the airport until intersecting State Route 14. Take Highway 14 through Palmdale. Take the same directions as above. (140 total miles)

From Ontario Airport

Take Interstate 10 East from the airport, then Interstate 215/15 North exit towards Barstow/Las Vegas and over Cajon Pass. Take Highway 395 North exit towards Bishop/Adelanto and travel to the Ridgecrest turnoff. (120 total miles)

Miles to China Lake/Ridgecrest

• Bakersfield 110
• Las Vegas 225
• Los Angeles 150
• San Diego 220
• San Francisco 430

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.