Check-in Procedures

At China Lake, the main gate is easily accessible from State Highway 178, State Highway 14 and Highway 395. Like any other command in the Navy, you have the responsibility of letting your command and your sponsor know you have arrived. Military personnel should initially check in at the Quarterdeck, which is located in the Headquarters Building 1 at the northeast corner of Knox Road and Blandy Avenue. The Quarterdeck, 760-939-2303, staff can give further instructions to complete the check-in process. If it is after hours and the Quarterdeck is closed, call the CDO 760-608-7004. For further information, you can visit the NAWS China Lake public website at https://www.CNIC.Navy.mil/ChinaLake/.

Be sure to call your family members and let them know you arrived safely.

Your spouse may benefit from knowing the contact information for the Fleet and Family Support Center and the Morale Welfare and Recreation Program:

• Fleet and Family Support Center, Bldg 2308 (wide variety of resource) - 760-939-4545
• Fleet and Family Readiness/Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FFR/ MWR), Bldg 19 - 760-939-3440

These are geared to inform you and your family about military life, the installation, and the local community. You can contact the Fleet and Family Support Center for further information.

China Lake Badge

After you have checked in, you will be informed of the China Lake badge process. This badge is very important to you and should be safeguarded with the same care as your driver's license or any other important document. It must not be left unattended where an unauthorized person could obtain it (in your vehicle, for instance). Pass and ID office 760-939-3160,  CAC Card office 760-939-4707 or 760-939-3315.

Vehicle on Base

You must be able to show proof of the following: vehicle registration, insurance, and a Department of Motor Vehicle driver's license at any time.

What to do if you Get Married Enroute

If you get married before you PCS, you must inform your commander and follow the procedures exactly as you are given them. The Military will not pay for travel and housing of your spouse if you do not follow proper procedures.

Fire Arms

If will have questions regarding fire arms please contact the Watch Command at 760-939-3172. 

A sponsor is someone from your new command who is assigned to assist you and your family with settling into your new location. A sponsor is assigned through your gaining unit.

A sponsor's duties include:

• Contacting you and your family by letter of introduction or e-mail upon learning of your assignment to the installation.
• Assisting with information about your command and navigating through the installation location and logistics.
• Sending any information about the installation/area, which you may require, or putting you in touch with the proper authorities, which can supply the information.
• Answering any questions which you or your family may have, or, again, providing the proper resources to answer those questions.
• Being available when you arrive at your installation to meet you, show you around, and help you through inprocessing.

If you have been assigned a sponsor, or have not been contacted as of yet, you may request one by contacting the commander of your new unit.

Or you may contact the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at 760-939-4545 for further sponsorship information.