Edwards AFB

We live for firsts at Edwards Air Force Base – home to the world’s largest airfield, the Air Force Test Pilot School and the Air Force Test Center. Operated by the 412^th Test Wing, the wing oversees day-to-day base operations and provides support to 11,500 military members, federal civilians and contract employees assigned to the 484-square-mile installation.

Mission Statement
Fueling Airpower: World-Premier Test & Evaluation of Tomorrow’s Technology – Today

Vision Statement
The Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe #TCOTATU

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 core components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance and engineering.

Edwards is the perfect place to safely test America's aerospace systems thanks to our wide-open spaces. Here we make history every day, and have for more than 60 years.

Hundreds of significant aviation "firsts" have been accomplished at Edwards. This is where Capt. Chuck Yeager and the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier on Oct. 14, 1947, and where other X-planes pushed that record to two, three, four, five and six times the speed of sound and beyond. It is here that the X-15 probed the threshold of space and where the space shuttle first landed on its initial return from earth's orbit.

Today, our combined workforce is still at the cutting edge of aviation technology, developing, testing and evaluating the newest weapon systems and aircraft to ensure reliability for America's war-fighters. Edwards is the test-bed for today's premiere aerospace technology programs including the Global Hawk, Hypersonic flight, and of course the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

As aviation-friendly as our unique geography is, there is no more valuable asset than the 13,000 people who live and work here. The nation's brightest minds make up a treasured national resource for developing and advancing aviation capabilities across all disciplines.

Valuable partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate, the U.S. Marine Corps, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, and many, many others make Edwards a center of excellence for America's aerospace future.

We are proud of the Edwards heritage and very happy to have you here with us for our continuing journey. We hope you will take a moment to appreciate the unique beauty of the area and explore all that the high desert has to offer. From Rosamond to Boron and East Edwards; from California City to Little Rock; from Lancaster and Palmdale to Mojave, Tehachapi and Acton, we have a wide range of superior recreational activities to offer.

From the Poppy Festival to Willow Springs' auto racing; from the Lancaster Jethawks minor league baseball to the winding draw of Mojave off-road excitement; and from the Antelope Valley Fair to the Los Angeles nightlife and shores of San Diego, the Edwards experience is one we know you'll enjoy.

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.