Vandenberg SFB  In-depth Overview

Unexploded ammunition may be found on the base. It is important to inform family members and guests to not touch anything that looks suspicious and to report it to Explosive Ordinance Disposal at 805-605-1374, during duty hours, or 805-606-9961 during non-duty hours. This information is briefed at the Newcomer's Orientation, and spouses are encouraged to attend.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a concern. There is a state-wide quarantine on the harvesting of some shellfish (especially mussels, clams, and oysters) from all California beaches, including those at VSFB, from at least May 1st to Oct 31st each year. This quarantine is in effect because small ocean micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) produce a toxin, especially during the warmer summer months. This nerve toxin is not destroyed by cooking. Eating shellfish containing the poison (even a single shellfish) can result in fatal illness.

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member 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.

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.

Snowy Plover nesting season

Vandenberg beaches close Mar. 1 to Sept. 30 as nesting season begins for the western snowy plover. To aid the species' recovery, portions of Vandenberg's beaches are closed and access is restricted during the bird's nesting season.

Beach rules include:

• Keep out of posted closed beach and dune areas
• No littering
• No pets
• No camping
• No beach fires
• No fireworks
• No kite flying
• No feeding wildlife
• No horses or ATV's (except for authorized enforcement personnel).

Vandenberg Space Force Base has closed the restricted sections of Surf, Wall and Minuteman Beaches on March 1 in observance of the Western Snowy Plover breeding season. Certain areas of each beach will remain open for recreational access, however it is imperative beachgoers know the boundaries and ensure they do not violate the restricted areas.

It is extremely important to understand that restricted area boundaries extend from the posted signs all the way down to the waterline and beyond. These beach restrictions are enforced annually on all three beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the western snowy plover, listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and its nesting habitat.

• Unexploded ammunition may be found on the base. It is important to inform family members and guests to not touch anything that looks suspicious and to report it to Explosive Ordinance Disposal at 805-605-1374, during duty hours, or 805-606-9961 during non-duty hours.
• Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a concern. There is a state-wide quarantine on the harvesting of some shellfish (especially mussels, clams, and oysters) from all California beaches, including those at VAFB, from at least May 1st to Oct 31st each year. This quarantine is in effect because small ocean micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) produce a toxin, especially during the warmer summer months. This nerve toxin is not destroyed by cooking. Eating shellfish containing the poison (even a single shellfish) can result in fatal illness.
• The Airman & Family Readiness Center now offers complimentary wireless capability. Use your laptop anywhere in the facility.
• Additionally, The Airman & Family Readiness Center has 4 commercial (Non-LAN) computers for your use

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has 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 United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.