Branch: U.S. Space Force / U.S. Air Force (joint)
Location: Lompoc, California
Installation Type: Space Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Vandenberg Space Force Base, formerly Vandenberg Air Force Base, was established in 1941 and redesignated as a Space Force Base in May 2021 following the creation of the United States Space Force. Located on the Central California coast near Lompoc, approximately 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, Vandenberg is the primary West Coast launch facility for the United States military and commercial space industry. The installation spans approximately 99,000 acres along the Pacific Ocean and is the only active-duty military installation in the continental United States from which satellites and rockets can be launched into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

Mission & Units

  • Primary Mission: Conduct space launch operations, missile testing, and space domain awareness missions to support national security space objectives.
  • Major Units:
  • Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30 — primary host unit, U.S. Space Force)
  • 30th Space Wing (legacy designation, now reorganized under SLD 30)
  • 533rd Training Squadron
  • Space Test and Training Range (STTR)
  • 381st Training Group (missile training)
  • 532nd Training Squadron (Minuteman III ICBM crew training)
  • Tenant Units: NASA, SpaceX (significant launch operations), United Launch Alliance (ULA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and various commercial launch providers; Air Force Global Strike Command elements for ICBM testing

Location & Access

  • Nearest Major City: Santa Barbara, CA (approximately 60 miles southeast); San Luis Obispo, CA (approximately 30 miles north)
  • Nearest Commercial Airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) — approximately 60 miles; San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) — approximately 35 miles; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — approximately 150 miles south
  • Gate Access: Main gate (Highway 1 / Ocean Avenue) operates 24/7; visitor control center issues passes for civilians; CAC required for unescorted access; Real ID-compliant ID or passport required for civilian visitors; installation covers a very large geographic area with multiple access points for different mission areas

Population

  • Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000-4,500 (Air Force and Space Force combined)
  • Family Members: Approximately 5,000-7,000
  • Civilian Employees: Approximately 5,000-7,000 (government and contractor)
  • Total Installation Population: Approximately 20,000+ (including large contractor workforce)

Key Facilities

  • Medical: 30th Medical Group — primary care and preventive medicine clinic; dental clinic; specialty care referrals to Tricare network in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo areas; Vandenberg’s remote location means some specialty care requires travel
  • Commissary: Yes — commissary on base serving the installation and surrounding military community
  • Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX with retail, food court, and specialty stores; adequate for daily needs given the installation’s relative isolation from large commercial centers
  • Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers, outdoor recreation with extensive Pacific Coast access, surfing, hiking, hunting and fishing on the installation’s large grounds, golf course (Marshallia Ranch Golf Course), bowling, beach access, equestrian facilities
  • Schools: Lompoc Unified School District serves dependent children; no DoDEA schools; the Lompoc USD has a significant military-connected student population
  • Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common; register immediately upon receipt of orders given the remote location and limited off-base childcare options
  • Veterinary Services: Vandenberg SFB Veterinary Treatment Facility — services for military working dogs and eligible beneficiary pets; appointment required; given the large installation size and somewhat isolated location, the on-base vet clinic is a valued resource
  • Legal Assistance / JAG: Space Launch Delta 30 Legal Office — legal assistance by appointment; powers of attorney, tax assistance (VITA), and notary services available

Housing

  • On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities — housing on a large installation with varied neighborhoods; approximately 1,100+ units for enlisted and officer families; ocean and hillside views available in some areas; highly sought after given high cost of Central Coast California living
  • Average Wait Time: Waitlists often 3-12+ months depending on grade and bedroom size; apply immediately upon receiving PCS orders; BAH in this area is set to reflect the high local cost of living
  • Off-Base Housing: Lompoc is the primary off-base community; Santa Maria (approximately 25 miles north) is also popular; average rent for 2-3 bedrooms ranges approximately $1,600-$2,500/month in Lompoc, higher in Santa Barbara area; home prices are elevated on California’s Central Coast
  • BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

  • Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit (Space Force delta or Air Force squadron as applicable); use MyPers or Space Force equivalent sponsorship system well before PCS move; sponsor can provide invaluable guidance on housing, schools, and the unique mission environment
  • In-Processing: Report to the SLD 30 / 30th Force Support Squadron in-processing center; orientation briefings held regularly; Space Force Guardians follow Space Force-specific in-processing procedures; process typically takes 3-5 days
  • EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 30th Medical Group and Airman & Family Readiness Center (or Space Force equivalent Family Readiness program); enrollment required prior to PCS; families should note the installation’s relative distance from major medical centers and coordinate specialty care needs with the EFMP office early

Local Area & Quality of Life

  • Climate: Mediterranean coastal climate; mild year-round temperatures (55-75 degrees F typical range); frequent morning fog especially in summer (June Gloom); occasional winter rain; rarely hot or cold; one of the most temperate climates of any military installation in the continental United States
  • Cost of Living: High — Central Coast California is an expensive region; housing costs are significantly above the national average, though BAH rates are set correspondingly high; other goods and services are also elevated compared to national norms
  • Nearby Attractions: Pacific Ocean beaches and coastal hiking directly accessible from the installation, Pismo Beach and Shell Beach (approximately 35 miles north), Solvang (Danish-themed village, approximately 35 miles southeast), Santa Barbara wine country (Santa Ynez Valley, approximately 30 miles east), Channel Islands National Park, Hearst Castle (approximately 70 miles north)
  • Spouse Employment: Lompoc’s job market is limited; Santa Maria and Santa Barbara offer more opportunities; major local employers include the base itself, agriculture (wine grapes, strawberries), healthcare, and retail; remote work is highly popular and practical for this location given limited local opportunities

Contact & Resources

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil, Space Launch Delta 30 official resources, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, personal knowledge base through August 2025, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

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