Facilities & Services

Team Vandenberg is home to a wide variety of organizations that provide a full range of services for active-duty members, military retirees and family members. Many of these services are especially helpful to those newly assigned to the base; all work toward a common goal—customer satisfaction.

 

Airman and Family
Readiness Center

The Vandenberg Airman and Family Readiness Center is located at 723 Nebraska Ave., Building 10525, (805) 606-0039. The AFRC furnishes the Vandenberg community with the following services:

 

Air Force Aid Society

A nonprofit organization that helps the Air Force take care of its own in emergencies through interest-free loans or grants for basic needs. Education loans and grants are also available.

 

Career Focus Program

This program provides military spouses with employment assistance in the area of job referrals, interviewing skills and resume preparation assistance.

 

Family Life Skills

This is a program to assist people with programs such as stress management, self-management,
parenting and marriage enrichment. One-on-one counseling is also available if unable to attend
any programs.

 

Financial Management

The center staff provides counselors and workshops to assist Airmen and their families in getting control of their finances.

 

Information and Referral

The AFRC’s core function is linking individuals and families with the right resource to meet their specific needs. An information and referral specialist is available to help you determine your needs and refer you to the right resource on or off base. On hand is an updated guide and database with community and base resources that has telephone numbers, addresses and specific information on services. For more information, call the hotline at (805) 606-INFO (4636).

 

Volunteer Resource Program

The center serves as one of the community’s main resources for base-wide volunteer activity. The program provides volunteer opportunity information for the base and local community as well as a recognition program.

 

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.

 

Transition Assistance

Transition workshops, seminars and individual counseling help people separating
or retiring from the military and entering another career.

 

Family Services

Volunteers make up the family services work force. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility is closed Wednesday, Thursday and federal holidays. Staff can be reached at (805) 606-5484. Comprehensive stocks of loan-out items for use during permanent change-of-station moves are on hand, including everything from dishes to futons to baby items. The Airmen’s Attic has donated furniture and household items for eligible families.

 

American Red Cross

The Vandenberg American Red Cross office is located on the first floor of the base hospital. Casework is the primary Red Cross responsibility here. Caseworkers provide emergency communications between service members and their families during times of crisis. The office provides volunteers in almost every area of the base hospital. Childcare is available at the base child development center, while volunteers are working, on a space-available basis.

 

The Youth Corps is a program for volunteers 12 to 18 years old. These "volunteers" work mainly in the hospital during the summer months, but they also teach first aid classes, attend competitions and participate in other Red Cross activities. Classes are provided in babysitting, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and disaster readiness.

 

Vandenberg has its own Disaster Action Team on-call to work emergencies in the local community. Volunteers are always needed and all training is provided. For more information on volunteering or taking advantage of the services, call (805) 606-1855.

 

Military Personnel Flight

The military personnel flight is your first stop for all military personnel actions, to include in-processing and out-processing programs. This flight is also the office of primary responsibility for informing and assisting the Vandenberg community concerning benefits. The staff provides specific information on government insurance and casualty assistance, as well as general information and referral assistance for Social Security and the Veterans Administration. The customer service center is located on California Boulevard in Building 11777, Room C-114, (805) 606-2276.

 

Legal Services

Vandenberg’s office of the Staff Judge Advocate, on the first floor of Building 10577 on Nebraska Avenue, advises and assists the Vandenberg community on official and personal legal matters. Legal Assistance in Room C-100 includes preparation of wills, powers of attorney, living wills, notary services, divorce rights, tax assistance, personal finances, automobile issues, adoption, change of name, dependent care issues, Soldier’s and Sailor’s Civil Relief Act, and other personal civil legal matters. Legal assistance with an attorney is available on a walk-in basis on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Emergency cases may be handled at any time. Claims assistance is available in Room C-105 by dialing (805) 605-6214 for an appointment. Claims briefings are conducted every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the claims conference room, C-103. The Military Justice Section is in Room C-110 at (805) 605-6232.

 

Public Affairs

The 30th Space Wing Public Affairs office is located in Building 12000, (805) 606-3595. Programs include:

Vandenberg.af.mil

Keeping you informed of news, information and activities is the mission of the base’s public website, visit www.vandenberg.af.mil. Story contributions by individuals are welcomed. Submissions can be brought by the office or e-mailed to vandenbergnews@van
denberg.af.mil. Call the site manager at (805) 606-3595 for more information.

 

Social Media

The PA office operates the 30th SW’s page on Facebook. This page is used to facilitate open communication between wing leadership, base personnel, the local community and anyone interested in the Vandenberg mission. The page can be reached at www.facebook.com/30thSpaceWing.

The PA office also operates the 30th SW’s page on Twitter. This page is used to provide instant communication about the happenings of the base, its people and the surrounding community. It’s short, to the point and available on-the-go. The page can be reached at www.twitter.com/30thSpaceWing.

 

Equal Opportunity

The Equal Opportunity office on California Boulevard (Building 7015, Room 104, (805) 606-0370) enhances mission effectiveness and quality of life for the Vandenberg community through programs to counter discrimination and poor human relations. Equal Opportunity and Treatment/Human Relations Education specialists offer personal assistance to resolve issues related to unfair practices and treatment based on race, sex, national origin, color and religion. Services include informal intervention, clarification of discrimination and harassment complaints, and interpersonal skills counseling concerning human relations issues. Educational programs include courses required by Air Force instructions as well as requested instructions by individuals and groups. The office also assesses climates for commanders; identifying positive and negative factors impacting mission accomplishment. Areas covered include: job environment, motivation/pride/recognition, peer relationships, unit leadership, perception of freedom to complain, and fair treatment and discrimination.

 

Chaplain Service

The Air Force Chaplain Service provides opportunities for the free exercise of religion in the Air Force community through worship, rites, religious education, visitation, pastoral counseling and responsiveness to individual religious needs. Chaplains offer a comprehensive program of worship and religious education for the Vandenberg community.

 

Child Development Center

A modern child development center is in Building 16113, across the street from Chapel 1 on Summersil Avenue. Base family members with children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years are cared for on a weekly or hourly basis (space available). The home-like atmosphere offers children many learning experiences in an early childhood developmental environment. The center participates in the United States Department of Agriculture Child Care Food Program and serves hot meals and snacks to meet a child’s daily nutritional requirements. For more information, call (805) 606-1555. The family day care program offers parents an alternative to care in the base child development center. Licensed providers may care for up to six children, ages 2 weeks to 12 years, in their base quarters. These homes are licensed according to the strict requirements and standards of Air Force Instruction 34-701, which emphasizes the child’s growth and development in a safe, nurturing home environment. A current list of licensed family day care homes is maintained at the child development center, family housing office, family support center and the pediatric clinic. For more information, call the family day care office at (805) 606-4639/3255.

 

Thrift Shop

The thrift shop is in Building 11153. It is open Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds go to base and local charities. For more information, dial (805) 606-3128.

 

Educational Services

There are two elementary schools, one middle school and one continuation high school on base for Vandenberg residents. High school students attend Cabrillo High School in Vandenberg Village. Students normally enter school the week before Labor Day and finish in early June. Classes for physically, mentally and orally disabled children are available in Santa Maria. Students with hearing disabilities attend classes in Orcutt.

 

The Lompoc Adult School provides services and courses in adult basic education including math and English, GED preparation, a complete high school diploma program as well as vocational offerings. For those with limited English speaking skills, they offer a complete "English as a Second Language" program and citizenship training.

 

Education Services Flight is located in Building 14001, 144 Wyoming Ave. They provide quality, voluntary off-duty educational opportunities for the Vandenberg Community. These range from refresher courses to the masters level and are provided by four colleges and universities.

 

Allan Hancock is a two-year public community college providing a range of programs that includes academic, technical, vocational and self-interest classes. At Vandenberg, approximately 40 courses are offered each eight-week term from the departments of Business Administration, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mathematics, Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education, Industrial Technology, Language Arts, Life and Physical Science, Public Services and Social Sciences.

 

Chapman University offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree. Approximately 30 courses are held each 10-week term. Chapman University has a Santa Maria Center that offers a Master in Education and Teacher Credential Program.

 

University of La Verne offers undergraduate- and graduate-level programs leading to a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Sciences degree in Accounting, Business Administration and Organizational Management. Approximately 20 courses are offered each 10-week term.

 

California Polytechnic State University offers a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. The program is offered by distance learning and prepares students for entry into, or advancement within, the well-established field of Aerospace Engineering. The degree increases a student’s capability for more complex research, development and innovative design, and prepares the student for future graduate study in Engineering.

 

Counseling and testing services are available at the Base Education Service Center. For specific information on individual education, call for a counseling appointment at (805) 605-5900.

 

Airman Leadership School

Enlisted Professional Military Education is designed to provide enlisted personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to make sound decisions in progressively more demanding leadership positions within the national security environment and to strengthen their understanding of and commitment to the profession of arms.

 

Airmen Leadership School is the first level of EPME. As such, it provides the foundation upon which a member builds a career. Completion of ALS is a prerequisite for being promoted to staff sergeant and is also required in order to be assigned as a rater for other individuals.

 

The ALS curriculum covers three major areas of instruction. The first is Leadership. The Leadership lessons cover such things as Feedback and Evaluations, Counseling, Standards and Discipline, and Situational Leadership just to mention a few. The second topic is Communication. This critical area is addressed by instruction in Effective Writing, Preparation for Communication and Presentation Techniques. These lessons are brought together when the students prepare three research papers and deliver three speeches. The third block of instruction deals with topics that are unique to the Air Force and often generate the most conversation. This includes such important topics as Air Force History, The Code of Conduct, Military Readiness, and Customs and Courtesies. There are many other topics covered, some of which are Time Management, Professional Relationships, Diversity and Substance Abuse.

 

Airmen are eligible to attend ALS when they have been selected for promotion to staff sergeant, or when they have 48 months time in service, whichever comes first. Students are provided 189 hours of instruction and earn eight college credits toward their Associate Degree in the Community College of the Air Force. Their hard work culminates in a formal evening graduation at the end of the required 24 academic days. The graduation certificate they receive represents quite an accomplishment, as the course is very demanding and at times intense. These students are the up-and-coming leaders of the Air Force and Airman Leadership School provides us an opportunity to ensure they get off to a solid start.

 

First Term Airmen Center

The First Term Airman Center serves as the initial in-processing focal point for all new Airmen entering the Air Force. The Airmen receive all mandatory and informational briefings through the FTAC program including but not limited to: legal, finance, operational risk management, mental health, safety, equal opportunity, education, and mission and disaster preparedness. The Airmen receive all briefings in a two-week-long classroom atmosphere where they team up with Airmen throughout the base belonging to different squadrons. The Airmen receive mentorship as well as make new friends in the FTAC program.

 

Breakers Dining Facility

The Breakers Dining Facility features two serving lines, ice cream and salad bars, and big-screen TV. Enlisted active-duty members and their families are authorized to dine in Breakers, Building 13330, on weekdays for the breakfast and dinner meals only. Family members must be accompanied by their sponsor. Retirees, E-5s and above will pay surcharge costs for their family members.

 

Commissary

The Vandenberg Commissary, located on Wyoming Avenue, carries a complete line of grocery products, household supplies, bakery and service delicatessen.

 

Base Exchange

Vandenberg’s Main Exchange is a $3 million, mall-type complex including the Main Exchange, barber, beauty, gift, optical, food and flower shops. The main store offers current fashions, linens, hardware, sporting and outdoor goods, major appliances and a modern electronics area, which has recorded music and computer software.

 

The Four Seasons Home and Garden Center, adjacent to the main store at Building 10363, sells toys, lawn care items and furniture. The Service Station at Building 10363 on California Boulevard has a car care center. The Burger King restaurant is at Building 10510 on California Boulevard. The Shoppette/Class Six Store in Building 10317 offers videotape/DVD rentals, convenience store shopping and package liquor items. Patrons must present proper identification before purchasing products from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities, but all are welcome at the food facilities.

 

Postal Services

Vandenberg has two postal service centers. One is for mail delivery, Building 13222 in the dormitory area, and the other is next to the Base Exchange complex. The dorm postal service center operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. The other dorm postal service is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Coast Hills Credit Union

Vandenberg’s military, civilian and family members are eligible for membership in Coast Hills Credit Union. Some of the services offered are direct deposit, payroll deduction, automatic teller machines and "Vandy Voice"—the credit union’s own telephone response system allowing customers to access accounts 24 hours a day. Branches are located on base, in Vandenberg Village, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Orcutt, San Luis Obispo and Solvang. The branches are open Monday through Friday with the Santa Maria and Lompoc branches open on Saturday.

 

Information, Tickets
and Travel Office

The Information, Tickets and Travel Office, located in Building 10250 (in Outdoor Recreation), provides material for "where to go and what to do" in the area. Discount tickets are available to Southern California amusement parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Legoland to name a few. To Northern California we offer the Monterey Aquarium. One day bus tours are offered to popular TV tapings such as "The Price is Right" and various theatrical productions. Those interested in overnight trips can select locations such as Laughlin, Catalina, San Diego and Palm Springs. The travel department also offers military discounts on individual 3-, 4- and 7-day cruises and various land vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean. Operating hours for ITT are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call (805) 606-7976 or (805) 606-1675.

 

Pacific Coast Club

Vandenberg’s Pacific Coast Club, Building 11070, although open to all base personnel and retirees, is a membership club. Membership is available for all active-duty, retired, DoD civilians and base contractor personnel. Club members receive discounts on meals along with many other benefits.

 

The Club is open for lunch Monday through Friday and offers a hot buffet, soup and salad bar as well as a variety of sandwiches and fresh baked pizza. Evening dining is available Tuesday through Saturday with weekly specials.

 

Having a special event? Then the Pacific Coast Club is where you want to go. The club provides excellent facilities and service for those special occasions, such as weddings, promotions, retirements, meetings or special banquets. The club has, depending upon configuration, two to five conference rooms of different sizes to accommodate functions from 10 to 400.

 

For additional information and other club activities, call (805) 734-4375.

 

Base Library

Located in the Community Loop/Base Exchange area, the library is one of the largest in AFSPC. The library is a member of the Gold Coast Library network that allows patrons to locate materials in a three-county (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura) area. They also belong to a national consortium that offers inter-library loan capabilities throughout the United States. The library actively supports both military and voluntary education programs and provides mission-support materials in a variety of formats. Special programs include school orientation tours, display and exhibit opportunities, pre-school story times and much more. A copy machine is available at all times, as are public use computers, word processors and typewriters. For more information about the base library, including its hours of operation, call (805) 606-6414.

 

Fitness Center

The 51,000 square foot Vandenberg Fitness Center on Washington Avenue, Building 9005, has an indoor multi-purpose basketball/volleyball court, a large free-weight room, specialized fitness room featuring Atlantis circuit training equipment, computerized Life Fitness circuit training area, a diverse cardiovascular exercise area, four saunas, and full shower and locker facilities. The main Fitness Center has three racquetball courts that may be reserved during operating hours only. The center also manages two lighted softball complexes, a lighted football/soccer complex, outdoor tennis courts, a paved quarter-mile jogging track, a 12-station multipurpose fitness trail/nature walk area, an outdoor heated pool, a skate park and a roller hockey/skate rink. The year-round fitness and sports program includes 12 intramural and youth sports programs as well as numerous special events such as triathlons, biathlons, and fun runs/walks. The base athletic program is managed by the athletic staff in close coordination with the base sports advisory council. For additional information, call (805) 606-3832.

 

Youth Center

One of the most popular spots for youth is the Vandenberg Youth Center adjacent to the housing area on Montana Avenue. The building contains an open recreation area with pool tables, foosball, air hockey, a teen room, a computer room, dance/music room and a full gymnasium. Instructional lessons are available for martial arts, dance, music and gymnastics. The center is affiliated with Boys and Girls Club of America and offers programs such as 4-H, Keystone Club and Training Responsible Adolescents in Leadership. Sports programs include basketball, soccer, T-Ball, baseball and fast-pitch softball. Regularly scheduled activities include dances, tournaments and outings to local area attractions. Registration for youth athletic programs, instructional programs, before- and after-school programs, Summer Day Camp and Part-day Enrichment are held at the Youth Center. Call (805) 606-2152/9374 (sports) for more information.

 

Marshallia Ranch
Golf Course

The 18-hole Marshallia Ranch Golf Course is located off Lompoc-Casmalia Road five miles north of the main gate. The 6,700-yard course, with its tree-bordered fairway, two putting greens, chipping and pitching area with sand trap, and driving range, is one of the finest in the Air Force and Central California. The clubhouse snack bar dining area provides a glassed-in vista. Daily lunch specials are offered in the snack bar and breakfast is available for the early-morning golfer. Storage is provided for personally owned clubs and the Pro Shop is stocked with top pro-line clubs, brand-name golf clothing and other accessories for authorized customers. A staff member is available for individual or group golf lessons. Tournaments are held year-round and usually conclude with a Santa Maria barbecue dinner catered by the snack bar. For additional information, call (805) 606-6262.

 

Surf Lanes
Bowling Center

The Vandenberg Bowling Center in the Community Loop, Building 10366, has 20 lanes, a snack bar and a lounge. The center offers Thunder Alley/Rock 300 bowling on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Young American Bowling Association for children is offered on Sunday, as is family bowling. Children’s birthday parties are extremely popular. Seasonal tournaments, intramural and other leagues, kegler cards and bumper bowling for youth complete the center’s programs. Call (805) 734-1310 for schedules or information.

 

Swimming Pool

The Family Aquatics Center, located behind the Services Center on Washington Boulevard and California Avenue, is a heated, outdoor, year-round facility. The facility has an eight-lane 25-meter pool, a water park type slide, a one-meter diving board, a tot pool and barbecue pits available. During the summer months, the pool is open every day of the week. We offer various programs for youths, adults and families such as swimming lessons, water polo, open swim, Jr. lifeguarding, lap swimming and water aerobics. Dive-In Movie Night and Family Fun Swimming Night are a few of the exciting aquatic events available during the summer. The Aquatics Center provides year-round programs. There is lap swimming and water aerobics for those who want to stay in shape. Private swim lessons are also offered throughout the year. These one-on-one swim lessons are designed to meet the needs of the participant. How about having a party at the pool? The Family Aquatics Center is accessible for pool rentals to celebrate those special occasions. Call (805) 606-3581 for current hours of operation.

 

Skills Development Center

Vandenberg’s Skills Development Center includes the Auto Shop.

Auto Skills Center

The Auto Skills center, Building 10260, has 10 stalls, including five with car lifts and a welding room. Major equipment in the shop includes a computerized engine scan tool, pneumatic tire changer, wheel balancer, brake drum/disk cutter, exhaust pipe bender and a glass-beading machine. A used car sales lot is available, as well as an optional online web lot. The center is equipped with tools, printed forms, as well as computer manuals. The staff can provide professional assistance by calling (805) 606-6014.

 

Outdoor Recreation
and FAMCAMP

Information on outdoor recreational opportunities is available from the Equipment Check-Out, Building 10250, on the corner of Washington Avenue and Alaska Way. If you are interested in an adventure, our Outdoor Recreation provides programs such as: kayaking, whitewater rafting, sailing, hiking and mountain biking. Vandenberg has four year-round picnic areas with barbecue grills and children’s play areas. The Family Camp, located on Santa Barbara Street, Building 5002, is equipped with a TV lounge, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a tent area and 49 full hookup trailer spaces. San Antonio picnic grounds and Pine Canyon Lake offer primitive camping spaces. Call (805) 606-5908 for more information.

 

Rod and Gun Club

The Rod and Gun Club, Building 1521, on Taco Road, one mile from the ocean, boasts a panoramic view of the Vandenberg coastline. This is the gathering place for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Club offerings include California Hunting Safety Courses, a resale store, fun and competitive shoots, plus ranges and instruction in rifle, pistol, indoor and outdoor archery, and trap, skeet and sporting clays. Call (805) 606-4560 for further information.

 

Fish and Game
Information

A state hunting license is required to take mammals and birds, according to season, from Vandenberg. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show them upon request. In addition to the basic hunting license, both the federal and state duck stamps are necessary to take migratory waterfowl. Deer tags are necessary to take deer. Licenses are issued only if proof of completion of a state-approved hunter safety-training course is shown. In addition to the above requirements, appropriate base-use fee stamps and a base-hunting permit are required to hunt on base. Use fee stamps may be purchased at the Base Exchange and hunting permits may be obtained at the Game Warden’s office at the South Base Gate entrance, (805) 606-6804 in Building 853, or the Law Enforcement Desk on North Base at (805) 606-3911 in Building 13675. When purchasing fishing licenses, military people are considered California residents. Family members must wait six months to establish residency. The basic license permits fishing in the Pacific Ocean. An additional stamp is required for inland water fishing and certain species of fish in the ocean. The ocean enhancement stamp is required to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello. Contact a game warden for current information before hunting or fishing.

 

Recreational
Equipment Checkout

The Recreational Equipment checkout office, Building 10250 on Alaska Avenue, rents a variety of equipment to the Vandenberg community. Pop-up camping trailers and six outboard motor boats are amongst the available camping and fishing gear. Live and frozen bait is also available. Yard maintenance tools such as rakes and shovels are part of the vast inventory, as well as power mowers and edgers. Sports equipment, tables and chairs, even large electric coffee pots can be rented in this one-stop shopping/rental center. A secure storage area for recreation vehicles and boats is maintained nearby. Call (805) 606-5908 for more information on their services.

 

Minuteman Theater

The Minuteman Theater on South Dakota Avenue between the hospital and the cleaners has the latest sound equipment and seats 500 people. The theater features first-run movies. A current identification card is required to enter. The movie schedule is available at www.aafes.com/ems/conus/vandenberg.htm or by dialing (805) 734-1315.

 

Hoyt S. Vandenberg
Saddle Club

The Saddle Club off Corral Road has 96 horse stabling facilities, a club house, and 37 acres of plains, ocean-view and lakeside trails for novice and experienced riders. Membership meetings are the third Tuesday of each month and the Vandenberg community is encouraged to attend. Each year club members participate in local parades, locally sponsored competitive trail rides, saddle club competitive play days, plus English and Western horse shows involving riders from surrounding counties for the Martis and Maltman memorial trophies. For more information, call (805) 606-8325.

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