Edwards AFB, CA

Edwards AFB, CA 93524 | Base Operator: DSN 527-1110, (661) 277-1110

Edwards AFB: Overview

The mission of Edwards AFB is one that includes testing and evaluating cutting-edge aerospace technology from inception to application. It is the home of the Air Force Flight Test Center, which serves as the Air Force Materiel Command center of excellence for the aforementioned testing. Other entities that utilize the facilities at Edwards include the USAF Test Pilot School and NASA’s Dryden Research Center. A significant amount of testing is conducted by the commercial aerospace industry here as well. The major units stationed here include the 412th Test Wing and the 95th Air Base Wing. Basically, the 412th Test Wing is responsible for all of the flight operations that are conducted on the base, and the 95th Air Base Wing handles the municipal functions of the installation.

The area where the base is now located was originally used by the Army Air Corps as a bombing range in 1933. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Muroc Army Air Field was mobilized and used as a base from which patrols were deployed in search of the Japanese Fleet off of the West Coast. Bomber crew training was also conducted here at that time. Jet testing started at this installation as far back as 1942, and it became its primary mission following WWII. The base was eventually became Edwards AFB in 1950, named in honor of Captain Glen Edwards. Capt. Edwards was killed while testing the XB-49 Flying Wing near the installation.

Edwards AFB: Education

Considering the mission of Edwards AFB, you must be motivated to earn your college degree. A great way to accomplish that goal is to attend an online school. Online schools are a great choice for military members due to the fact that they provide you with a quality education in a portable format, so you never have to delay your degree progress. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Edwards AFB: Location

Edwards AFB is in the Antelope Valley on the borders of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties. The Mojave Desert makes up the eastern border of the base. The cities closest to the base include Rosamond, California City, Boron, and Lancaster. Los Angeles is about 90 miles to the southwest, San Bernardino about 90 miles to the southeast, and Bakersfield about 80 miles to the northwest.

Edwards AFB: Interesting Facts

Edwards AFB is a large proponent of renewable energy. Nearly 60 percent of its electricity comes from renewable sources.
Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in the X-1 while conducting tests from Edwards AFB.
The first landing of the Space Shuttle took place at Edwards AFB.
Prior to the establishment of the installation, John K. Northrop used the dry lakebed as a testing site for his flying-wing in 1929.
The movies, The Right Stuff and Firefox, both filmed scenes at Edwards AFB.