China Lake

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Climate & Natural Disasters
  China Lake, located in the heart of California's Mojave Desert, is characterized by its arid desert climate and dramatic temperature fluctuations between the scorching heat of the day and the chilly nights. The region regularly faces intense summer heat, with temperatures soaring well above 100°F, while winter nights can dip below freezing. In addition to extreme heat, the area is susceptible to sudden flash floods, particularly during monsoon season, and occasional earthquakes. 
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov is a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. 
• Getting Around

  Public transportation options in the area are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available, but be prepared for long distances between destinations. It's important to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, especially for the harsh desert conditions.

  The main highways serving the area around Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake include:

  • U.S. Route 395: Running north-south, this highway is a key route for accessing the base from the south, including from Ontario Airport.
  • State Route 178: This east-west highway connects the base to the nearby towns of Inyokern and Ridgecrest.
  • State Route 14: Running north-south, this route connects the base to the Los Angeles area, passing through Palmdale, Lancaster, and Mojave.
• Neighbourhoods

  The closest town to China Lake is Ridgecrest, located just about 3 miles from the base. Ridgecrest offers a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the scenic desert landscapes nearby.

  NAWS China Lake provides base housing for active-duty military families, including those from allied forces. The housing consists of single-family homes equipped with amenities like fenced backyards and garages. For single service members, there is also unaccompanied housing available. Family housing often has a waitlist, so it’s advisable to contact the Navy Family Housing Office to check on availability.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.

• Licensing & Registration

  California Department of Motor Vehicles
  If you're registering a vehicle in China Lake, you can visit the DMV office in Lompoc for vehicle registration, licensing, and plates. California requires annual vehicle registration and mandatory smog inspections for most vehicles. Be sure to keep all your vehicle documents up to date to avoid any legal issues.

  Importing a Vehicle from Canada to California
  If you're bringing a Canadian vehicle to California, there are several key steps to ensure compliance with both U.S. and California regulations:

  1. Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the U.S., your vehicle must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to submit the following forms:

     • CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
     • CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery)
     • CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration)

  2. U.S. Standards Compliance: Your vehicle must meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions standards. You will need:

     • A letter from the manufacturer confirming compliance with FMVSS and emissions standards.
     • FMVSS and EPA labels on the vehicle.

  3. California Emissions Compliance: In addition to federal standards, your vehicle must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards. This typically requires:

     • A certificate from a CARB-licensed lab.
     • A smog certificate (for gasoline vehicles made after 1968 and diesel vehicles made after 1980).

  4. Vehicle Registration: To register your imported vehicle in California, you'll need:

     • Proof of ownership (out-of-state title or equivalent).
     • Documentation that the vehicle has cleared customs.
     • Applicable fees and the following forms:
       • Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
       • Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
       • Statement of Facts (REG 256)
       • Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008)

  5. Additional Requirements: Depending on the vehicle, additional documentation may be needed, such as a weight certificate for trucks or a bond release letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if applicable.

  For more detailed information or assistance, refer to the California DMV and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites.

  Driver’s Licenses
  CAF personnel and their spouses who are stationed in California can continue to drive with a valid Canadian driver’s license while they are settling in. California law allows military personnel and their dependents to use their out-of-state (or out-of-country) driver’s license as long as they remain active-duty military members or dependents of active-duty personnel.

  However, once they establish California residency—such as by obtaining a California address—they will need to apply for a California driver’s license. It's important to check with the California DMV for any specific requirements or updates related to military personnel.

• NAWS China Lake

  Visitors Center
  Located at the corner of China Lake Blvd and Inyokern Road (Hwy 178).
  
  Get to know NAWS China Lake better with these go-to links:

  • Military One Source: NAWS China Lake
    Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community.
  • MWR Navy Life - NAWS China Lake 
    Here you'll find all of the incredible services you can access, including family support, child care, youth activities, entertainment, recreation and adventure resources, fitness, and more! 
• On-Base Medical Facility

  Branch Health Clinic 
  1 Administration Circle, China Lake, CA 93555
  Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am-5:00pm; Thursdays 7:30am-3:00pm; Non-Flex Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. 

  CAF members and their families can access the on-base medical treatment facility at NAWS China Lake. The Branch Health Clinic (BHC) provides various services including family practice, basic pharmacy, laboratory and radiology. Dental care is available for CAF members, but for dependants, it is typically managed through the TRICARE Dental Program, which allows them to recieve dental services from civilian providers in the local community.

• Children's Education

  Ridgecrest and China Lake are both served by the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD), which provides a wide range of educational opportunities for students, including:

  Elementary Schools:

  • Faller Elementary (K-5)
  • Gateway Elementary (TK-5)
  • Pierce Elementary (PK-5)

  Middle Schools:

  • James Monroe Middle School (6-8)
  • Murray Middle School (6-8)

  High School:

  • Burroughs High School (9-12)

   

  School Liasion Program
  The School Liaison Program is an essential element of the military Child & Youth Programs, PreK-12 System Navigation, and youth sponsorship programs and is provided at NAWS China Lake. For more information on local public, private or homeschools, please connect with the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake School Liaison Officers. 
  
  Parents wishing to register their child for school should bring the following documents to the school office:

  • A birth certificate or another form of proof of age
  • The child’s previous school records
  • Immunization records

  For information on California’s minimum vaccine requirements for students in grades K-12, please visit the California Department of Education’s website at www.cde.ca.gov.
  
  Age Requirements for School Enrollment
  Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to enroll in Pre-K programs and 5 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible for kindergarten.