Vandenberg AFB is a United States Air Force Base and is operated by Air Force Space Command’s 30th Space Wing. It is a DoD space and missile testing base and the only military installation in the United States from which government and commercial satellites are launched into polar orbit. It is also the only site from which Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are launched toward the Kwajalein Atoll to verify weapon systems performance.
Location
Vandenberg Air Force Base is located on the Central Coast of California, about 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles approximately 9.2 miles northwest of Lompoc, California.
History
Vandenberg’s military service started in 1941 as an Army training center called Camp Cooke. It was built as part of America’s effort to strengthen its military defenses in preparation for a war that the federal government feared was coming in light of tragic events occurring in Europe and the Far East where Nazi Germany and its ally Japan were overrunning one country after another.
In June 1957, a portion of the camp was renamed Cooke Air Force Base, and was officially transferred to the Air Force.
On October 4, 1958, Cooke AFB was renamed Vandenberg AFB in honor of the late General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the Air Force’s second Chief of Staff.
Mission
“To Provide Combat Capability to the Joint Warfighter Through Assured Access to Space and Combat Ready Airmen”
Population Served
Vandenberg supports a population of over 15,000 (military, family members, contractors and civilian employees).
- 2,892 Military Personnel
- 3,785 Family Members
- 1,143 DoD civilians
- 2,822 NAF/Contractors/Private Business
- 8,000 Retirees (Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties from all branches of service)
Base Transportation
Commercial transportation options such as taxi services and bus lines are listed in local telephone books.
Sponsorship
Personnel are advised to use Vandenberg’s Individualized Newcomer Treatment and Orientation Program when they receive permanent change-of-station orders here. The program ensures a smooth transition and assists with orientation and scheduling. Newcomers are encouraged to complete all leave and permissive temporary duty for house hunting before signing in to the base. Try to give your sponsor a firm arrival time so he can assist you upon arrival. If you do not have a sponsor, or would like more information, call (805) 606-7681.
Temporary Quarters
Military members should call 805-606-1844 to make a reservation at the Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) on base.
Relocation Assistance
The staff provides information and referral services for inbound and outbound military and DoD Civilian members, retirees and family members. Adult and children’s smooth move workshops and sponsorship training classes assist in reducing stress related to relocation. Call (805) 606-0801 for further assistance.
Please visit the Air Force Housing website to find your new home with the Air Force. This website serves as a one-stop shop for Airmen and their families to obtain information about the housing options and support services available to them at Air Force bases world-wide.
Contact Information
Vandenberg AFB, CA
(805) 606-1110