The Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California, is the Air Force Materiel Command center of excellence for conducting and supporting research, development, and test and evaluation of aerospace systems from concept to combat. It operates the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and is home to NASA’s Dryden Research Center and considerable test activity conducted by America’s commercial aerospace industry. From the development of the country’s first jet aircraft to the Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, the test forces at Edwards have played a role in the development of virtually every aircraft to enter the Air Force inventory since World War II. The 412th Test Wing is the host wing for Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. -- the 2nd largest base in the Air Force. The 412th Test Wing plans, conducts, analyzes, and reports on all flight and ground testing of aircraft, weapons systems, software and components as well as modeling and simulation for the U.S. Air Force. There are three components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance, and engineering.

Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport

If you are traveling to California by commercial air to Los Angeles International Airport you have two means of transportation to Edwards Air Force 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 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 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 $75 one way. You will be reimbursed when you file your Travel Voucher.

Pets

A maximum of two animals per household is allowed while residing on Edwards. All animals must be registered within 10 working days of arrival by presenting a current rabies certificate or scheduling vaccinations at the Edwards Veterinary Treatment Facility.

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.

If you are traveling to California by commercial air to Los Angeles International Airport you have two means of transportation to Edwards AFB. One is to have your sponsor pick you up at LAX. Another is to take the Antelope Express shuttle that will pick up new arrivals underneath the hanging green “Flyaway Buses & Long Distance Vans” sign on the center island in front of each terminal. They will drop you off in Palmdale at AV Flyaway, 332 W. Ave S. or in Lancaster at the Comfort Inn 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 661-947-2529 or 800-251-2529.

Cost from LAX is $75 one way and $123 round trip per person. You will be reimbursed when you file your Travel Voucher.

Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. 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.