Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Edwards, California
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Edwards Air Force Base is located in the Mojave Desert of southern California, approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and has been operational since 1933 when it was established as Muroc Army Air Field. It is world-renowned as the premier flight test center for the United States Air Force, having been the site of Chuck Yeager’s historic first supersonic flight in 1947 and the landing site for numerous Space Shuttle missions. Edwards is home to the Air Force Test Center and is one of the most important research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) installations in the Department of Defense.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Conduct developmental test and evaluation of aircraft, weapons systems, and aerospace systems to ensure they meet requirements before fielding to operational forces.
• Major Units:
• Air Force Test Center (AFTC) — headquarters
• 412th Test Wing
• 412th Operations Group
• 412th Test Wing (host wing)
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) detachments
• 412th Medical Group
• 412th Mission Support Group
• Tenant Units: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Air Force Materiel Command units, DARPA test programs, contractor test operations (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Lancaster/Palmdale, California (approximately 25 miles southwest); Los Angeles approximately 100 miles southwest
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), approximately 90 miles southwest; Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 80 miles southwest
• Gate Access: Multiple gates with 24/7 main gate access; CAC or RealID required for base access; visitors must obtain visitor passes at the Visitor Control Center; due to active flight test operations, access to certain areas requires escort and additional security clearance

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500
• Family Members: Approximately 5,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 10,000 (large civilian and contractor workforce supporting test operations)
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 30,000 (including contractors)

Key Facilities

• Medical: 412th Medical Group — primary care, dental, mental health, pharmacy, and occupational medicine; referrals to Antelope Valley Hospital (Lancaster) or Los Angeles area military treatment facilities for specialty care
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary operated by DeCA; one of the larger commissaries in the Mojave Desert region
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Main Exchange (BX) with clothing, electronics, shoppette, and specialty concessions; gas station on base
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers, outdoor pool, tennis courts, golf course (Muroc Lake Golf Course), bowling alley, outdoor recreation rental center, Joshua Tree National Park nearby
• Schools: Muroc Joint Unified School District serves dependent children on and near base; no DoDEA school; George Air Force Base area schools also serve some families
• Childcare: Child Development Center on base; School-Age Care program available; waitlists typical, register as early as possible
• Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; services include wellness exams, vaccinations, and care for military working dogs; privately owned animal care available on a space-available basis
• Legal Assistance / JAG: 412th Test Wing Judge Advocate; legal assistance by appointment; powers of attorney and notary services available; contact JAG office for walk-in hours

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Companies (Edwards AFB Housing); approximately 1,200 family housing units; neighborhoods include Wherry, Buckley, and newer housing areas; condition is generally good with ongoing renovation projects
• Average Wait Time: Varies by bedroom requirement; 2-3 bedroom units typically 1-6 months; larger units may have shorter waits due to lower demand
• Off-Base Housing: Rosamond, California (10 miles); Lancaster (25 miles); Palmdale (30 miles); average rent for 3-bedroom home approximately $1,400-$2,000/month in Rosamond; significantly higher in Lancaster/Palmdale
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Gaining unit orderly room assigns sponsors; contact the 412th Test Wing Airman & Family Readiness Center for assistance connecting with a sponsor prior to arrival
• In-Processing: Report to the Military Personnel Section upon arrival; full in-processing typically 2-3 days; newcomers orientation briefing provided; due to test wing mission, some units have additional security in-processing requirements
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through 412th Medical Group; enrollment required prior to PCS for families with special needs; Mojave Desert region has limited specialty medical providers — early enrollment is critical; contact EFMP coordinator well in advance of move

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Mojave Desert climate; extremely hot and dry summers (regularly above 105 degrees F); cool to cold winters with occasional frost; very low humidity; high winds are common; excellent flying weather year-round
• Cost of Living: Moderate — the Antelope Valley area is more affordable than greater Los Angeles, but higher than much of the rest of the country; California state income tax applies
• Nearby Attractions: Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 90 miles), Lancaster Museum of Art and History, California Poppy Reserve (seasonal), Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
• Spouse Employment: Lancaster/Palmdale area offers defense industry employment (Lockheed Skunk Works, Northrop Grumman); general civilian job market is moderate; Los Angeles metro commute is possible but lengthy

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.edwards.af.mil
• Main Installation Phone: (661) 277-1110
• MWR Website: https://www.edwardsforcesupport.com
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — (661) 277-2421; located in Bldg. 2650 on base

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.edwards.af.mil, militaryinstallations.mil, Air Force Test Center public affairs, AHRN housing data, DeCA commissary locator; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law