EDWARDS AFB
AIR FORCE
Rosamond, CA
United States
EDWARDS AFB
AIR FORCE
Rosamond, CA
United States
Edwards AFB
Base Essentials
The Air Force's premier flight test center in the Mojave Desert near Lancaster, CA — where next-generation aircraft are born, offering cutting-edge technical work in an extremely remote high-desert environment.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1933
Acres
301,000
Active Duty
3,500
Civilian
10,000
Population
200,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
Edwards AFB History
Named AfterCaptain Glen Walter Edwards
Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert of southern California has been at the forefront of aerospace testing since the 1930s. It was here that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947, and the base served as a primary landing site for the Space Shuttle program. Edwards is home to the Air Force Test Center, the Air Force's principal facility for developmental flight testing of aircraft, weapons systems, and emerging technologies. The base's vast dry lakebed runways and restricted airspace make it uniquely suited for experimental flight. Edwards continues to be central to testing next-generation platforms including the B-21 Raider and various hypersonic and autonomous systems.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Force Test Center
—
—
412th Test Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1933
Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range Established
1947
Yeager Breaks the Sound Barrier
1950
Renamed Edwards AFB
1977
Space Shuttle Enterprise Approach and Landing Tests
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1933
Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range Established
The Army established the Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range in 1933 on the dry lakebed of Rogers Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert, exploiting the flat surface for test operations. The remote location and natural runway made it ideal for experimental aircraft testing.
1947
Yeager Breaks the Sound Barrier
On October 14, 1947, Captain Chuck Yeager flew the Bell X-1 to Mach 1.06 over Edwards, becoming the first person to break the sound barrier in controlled level flight. The achievement launched the supersonic era and established Edwards as the center of American flight testing.
1950
Renamed Edwards AFB
The installation was renamed Edwards Air Force Base in 1950 in honor of Captain Glen W. Edwards, a test pilot killed in the crash of a YB-49 flying wing aircraft at Muroc in 1948.
1977
Space Shuttle Enterprise Approach and Landing Tests
NASA's Space Shuttle Enterprise conducted its first free-flight approach and landing test at Edwards on August 12, 1977, validating the shuttle's airworthiness before orbital flights began. Edwards subsequently hosted numerous Space Shuttle landings throughout the program.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Edwards AFB.
Edwards AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Edwards AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Edwards AFB.
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Edwards AFB Housing: On Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Edwards AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
412th Force Support Squadron — Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(661) 277-0723Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630; closed 2nd Friday monthly for training
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Edwards AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff with their PCS package. After-hours arrivals check in at the High Desert Inn lodging (Building 5602) before reporting to CSS the next business day. The CSS coordinates all in-processing appointments, including scheduling for the mandatory Newcomers Orientation, held on the first Thursday of each month at Club Muroc (Building 5600).
The half-day Newcomers Orientation is required for all military members and includes a bus tour of the installation. DOD civilians and spouses are also welcome. Personnel are scheduled through the M&FRC, which handles relocation assistance, financial readiness, employment support, and family counseling.
Edwards AFB is home to the Air Force Test Center and is located in the Mojave Desert near Palmdale/Lancaster, CA. As a flight test installation, it hosts an eclectic mix of aircraft and squadrons. The remote desert location makes the M&FRC's community orientation especially valuable.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Edwards AFB.
On-post family housing at Edwards AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Given the installation's remote Mojave Desert location — far from any major city — on-post housing is a primary choice for most families assigned to Edwards. The on-post communities offer 2–5 bedroom homes across several neighborhoods. Edwards AFB is located on the northern edge of the M…
Local Market
$1,600/mo
rent
/
$340,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Edwards AFB
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Edwards AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Schools: School Liaison Office
3
High Schools
View schools
1
DoDEA Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Edwards AFB is one of the most remote major Air Force installations in the US, sitting in the high Mojave Desert of Kern County, California. The nearest significant communities are Palmdale and Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, about 30–35 miles west on CA-14. Most families assigned to test pilot school or flight test operations live on the base or in the Antelope Valley. Los Angeles is approximately 70 miles south.
Palmdale
Suburban
The larger and more amenity-rich of the Antelope Valley cities, Palmdale has a growing retail corridor around the Antelope Valley Mall, several hospital systems, and access to Antelope Valley Union High School District. The commute to Edwards via CA-14 north takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Housing is more affordable than the Los Angeles basin, and Palmdale is growing rapidly with new subdivisions.
Commute: 40 min
Schools: Palmdale School District / Antelope Valley Union HSD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Most amenities near Edwards, Antelope Valley Mall, growing suburban development, better schools than Lancaster
Lancaster
Suburban
Palmdale's twin city to the north in the Antelope Valley, Lancaster is the closer city to Edwards at about 30 minutes via CA-14. The city is home to California State University, Antelope Valley, and has a modest downtown with local arts programming. Antelope Valley Union HSD serves the secondary schools. Housing is slightly more affordable than Palmdale, and the commute advantage makes it popular with junior officer and enlisted families.
Commute: 32 min
Schools: Lancaster School District / AVUHSD
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Closest city to Edwards, CSULAV campus, more affordable than Palmdale, direct CA-14 commute
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Edwards AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty military pay for California legal residents at rates up to 13.3% — among the highest margin…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside California for California income tax purposes. A…
Vehicle Registration
California charges an annual Vehicle License Fee (VLF) and registration fees based on vehicle value. Military members wh…
Property Tax
California's Proposition 13 caps property tax increases at 2% per year once assessed, with initial assessment at purchas…
Pet Policies at Edwards AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Edwards AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Edwards AFB.
Commissary
1
Edwards AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
412th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Edwards AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
West Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Edwards AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Edwards AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.