airtestandevaluationsquadronnine

Residing one hundred and fifty miles North East of L.A. and nestled in the western most part of the Mojave Desert just outside of Ridgecrest, California is the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake (NAWS). NAWS and its 1.1 million acres encompass California’s upper Mojave Desert and contain a variety of mines, hangars, testing ranges, and the famous Death Valley. The base supports approximately 4,400 DOD employees and is home to VX-9 with its resident 417 Sailors, historical Hangar One and 40 Marines.

vx9 flickr

China Lake’s VX-9 “Vampires” are charged with the testing and evaluation of weapons and their related systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet. The skilled Sailors and Marines of VX-9 are known for their ability to adapt to the dynamic testing environment that the aviation field provides. They are dedicated to their task and hold a broad-range of expertise in the aviation field.

vx9mission

Support of our National Military Strategy by providing new warfighting capability to the Fleet by testing aircraft, weapons, and weapon systems in an operationally relevant environment. Develop advanced warfighting tactics for the Fleet operator to enable him/her to lay waste to our enemies with violent prejudice.

command philosophy

Mission: it is why we are here - it is our highest priority
Goal: Execute our mission safely.
Strive to be the best citizen sailor you can be.
We are a family - take care of each other.