Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake

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."

NAWS China Lake and Surrounding 

Elevation: 2264 feet

Coldest Months: November, December, January (extreme low/high 30/60°F)

Hottest Months: June, July, August (extreme low/high 100/120°F)

Humidity Average: China Lake 35% vs. San Diego 69%, Seattle 75%, Japan 65%

Sunshine: 280+ days of clear, blue skies and skin-searing rays

Humans: Dress to protect, use sunblock, stay hydrated, and plan/prepare for excursions and road-trips well as the desert does not discriminate.

Pets:  The intense cold and heat of the high desert is extremely punishing, which is not an ideal place for outdoor pets so please take special care of your critters so that they do not suffer while playing/resting indoors or outdoors. When you leave your home for any period of time, ensure indoor temperatures are comfortable. When you and your pets go outside to play, ensure they have plenty of shade, water, and rest breaks. Do not walk your pets on asphalt/concrete in the heat of summer as their paws will burn and blister on the 165°F ground. For reference, hot water straight from your faucet is approximately 140°F. Never leave children or pets in vehicles.

Temperatures get extremely hot during the summer months, with a median temperature of 102.5 degrees or higher, from June through September, it is essential to dress properly in order to withstand the sun. Additionally, be aware that temperatures can drop to single digits in the winter time.

Resources and Safety tips

China Lake has over 300 days of sunshine to take advantage of. Fleet and Family Support Center (610 Blandy Ave, Bldg 2308) can offer you ideas, resources and safety tips to make the most of your time here.

Mirror Lake Community Recreation (King Street, Bldg 2733), can provide you with gear, rentals, and tickets for a variety of recreational and outdoor activities.

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, dial your prefix for using DSN, the DSN 437 (for China Lake) then the last 4 digits of the number you are calling. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.  Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.