Vandenberg AFB, CA Installation Guide

Are you moving to Vandenberg AFB? If so, please contact the Family Support Center at 805-606-0039 and we can provide some helpful local websites. Also, let us know if you need assistance in a sponsor contact (except students--see Air Education & Training Command information below). If considering housing off of the base, contact the Housing Office for an individualized package at DSN 276-3434 or 805 734-1660.

Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Vandenberg AFB is located on the central coast of California, 10 miles NW of Lompoc and 17 miles SW of Santa Maria. Cross-reference: See specific directions on how to get to the installation from the airport, bus/train
station(s)and driving under DIRECTIONS.

Major Command: Air Force Space Command

Mission: 30th Space Wing, Launches US polar orbiting satellites in support of national and warfighting CINC requirements. Operates national aerospace operations and test range supporting space launches, SLBM test launches, and cruise missile and aircraft flight tests. Supports all USAF ICBM FDE. Manages the bases's $3.8B in assests, $290M annual budget and over 12,000 AF/contractor personnel.

Air Education and Training Command-381 TRG: Provide initial operations and maintenance training for the nation's space and missile forces. Conduct training in ICBM air-launched missile and spacelift maintenance. Provide training in ICBM attack warning, space surveillance, spacelift, and satellite operations. Train joint space fundamentals and intelligence operations. Provide AFSPC wing senior leadership and staff training. ***AETC STUDENTS and permanent party assigned to an AETC Unit (i.e., 392 TRS; 532 TRS; 533 TRS; or 534 TRS) in the 381 TRG can send E-mail to sponsor@aetc1.vafb.af.mil for more information about the 381 TRG.

Telephone Access: All numbers listed are in the 805 area code except when indicated.

History - Vandenberg AFB is named in honor of the late Gen Hoyt S. Vandenberg, second Chief of Staff of the USAF. Previously named Camp Cooke and then Cooke AFB, the base received its present name on 4 Oct 1958. More than 1,700 launches have been conducted from VAFB since its first launch on 16 Dec 1958.

Vandenberg AFB encompasses over 98,000 acres, with 35 miles of pristine coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean -- it is truly a military installation in a national park setting. The land area is considered to be Savannah terrain, with rolling hills, large oak trees and eucalyptus trees. Outside the Vandenberg AFB area it is very common to see fields of vegetables, berries, vineyards, and flowers. There are also many horse and cattle ranches.

Additional information for Vandenberg AFB and local communities may be accessed at the Internet websites noted in each Category overview.

Arrival and check-in requirements for military and civilian personnel: Cross reference to Category RELOCATION SERVICES, Related Subject, PCS REPORTING PROCEDURES.

Temporary Quarters information for military and civilians: Cross reference to Category RELOCATION SERVICES, BILLETING.

Child care information: Cross-reference to Category CHILD AND TEEN SERVICES, Child Development Programs-On Installation and Child Development Programs-Community.

Newcomers coming to Vandenberg AFB without their own transportation need to be aware of the difficulty in getting around on-off base from the dorms or housing areas. It is recommended that a car, bicycle, or motorcycle be available. There is no base shuttle or transportation to the surrounding communities except by taxi service. Vandenberg AFB is at least 8 miles from any off-base form of entertainment or shopping. Lompoc is 11 miles and Santa Maria is approximately 20 miles from Vandenberg AFB. There is a rainy season during the winter months which will effect reliance on walking, bicycles, or motorcycles.

Unexploded ammunition may be found on the base. It is important to inform family members and guests to NOT TOUCH anything that looks suspicious and report it to Explosive Ordinance Disposal at 605-1374 during duty hours or 606-9961 during non-duty hours. This information is briefed at the Newcomers Orientation (INTRO)-spouses are encouraged to attend.

Earthquakes - earthquakes/tremors are felt in the Central Coast area approximately once a year on average, but injuries are rare. Experts say that the nature of the soil/rock formations under the base make it less prone to damage than many other areas in California. Earthquake/Disaster Preparedness checklists may be obtained from the American Red Cross, 805 606-1855 (Bldg 13850).

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP): There is a state-wide quarantine on the harvesting of some shellfish (especially mussels, clams and oysters) from all California beaches, including those at Vandenberg AFB, from at least 1 May to 31 October every year. This quarantine is in effect because small ocean micro-organisms (dinoflagellates), produce a toxin, especially during the warmer summer months. This nerve toxin is NOT destroyed by cooking. Eating shellfish containing the poison (even a single shellfish) can result in a fatal illness.

Forwarding Address:

To send mail to Vandenberg AFB in advance you may request an address by writing to the Postal Service Center - include: "Your Name", PSC BOX 2000, VANDENBERG AFB CA 93437-6225. You may also request your postal box in advance by calling the Postal Service Center directly with your request. The Postal Service Center DSN is 276-1841. The commercial number is 805 606-1841. The DSN FAX number is 276-3766 or commercial number is 805 606-3766. Your sponsor may also request a postal box by providing the Postal Service Center with a copy of your PCS orders or sponsorship rip.

The data in this booklet is current as of the date listed below. Please allow for changes that will naturally occur over a 6 month period if obtaining data from a CD. Call POC's to verify important information on which you are relying for critical decision-making such as Housing, Finance, Childcare, etc.

Must Know Items

FSC/ACS Director	706 Washington Ave. Bldg 10122 30 MSS/DPF Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223 Phone: 805-606-0039 Fax: 805-606-3743 DSN: 276-0039 DSN Fax: 276-3743 Email: sally.galligan@vandenberg.af.mil Sally Galligan
Mailing Address	706 Washington Ave. Bldg. 10122 30 MSS/DPF, Family Support Center Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223 Phone: (805)606-0039 Fax: (805)606-3743 DSN: 276-0039 DSN Fax: 276-3743
Official Homepage	URL: http://www.vandenberg.af.mil 30th Space Command Home Page
Package Delivery Address	706 Washington Ave. Bldg. 10122 30 MSS/DPF Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223 Phone: 805-606-0039 Fax: 805-606-3743 Email: anthony.goodsell@vandenberg.af.mil Tony Goodsell
RAM	706 Washington Blvd. Bldg 10122 30 MSS/DPF Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223 Phone: 805-606-0039 Fax: 805-606-3743 DSN: 276-0039 DSN Fax: 276-3743 Email:
Relocation Assistant	706 Washington Ave. Bldg 10122 30 MSS/DPF, Family Support Center Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223 Phone: 805-606-0039 Fax: 805-606-3743 DSN: 276-0039 DSN Fax: 276-3743 Email:
Street Address	706 Washington Ave. Bldg 10122 Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-6223