Vandenberg Space Force Base News

SEASONAL BEACH RESTRICTIONS BEGIN SUNDAY, MARCH 1

SLD 30/PA — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:49:00 GMT

SEASONAL BEACH RESTRICTIONS BEGIN SUNDAY, MARCH 1 VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Seasonal

Vandenberg's Hawk of the Week Award on February 25th

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:27:00 GMT

Vandenberg's Hawk of the Week Award on February 25th.

Vandenberg Hosts Wildlife Education Field Trip For Elementary Students

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:31:00 GMT

Vandenberg hosts wildlife education field trip for elementary students in Lompoc, Calif., Jan. 30, 2026. The field trip was sponsored by Vandenberg Space Force Base and SpaceX and coordinated by biologists at the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands to further educate the public about management of Vandenberg’s ecosystem.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Hosts Mission Update Speaker Series in Lompoc

Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:35:19 GMT

The Vandenberg Mission Update Speaker Series is a monthly event held throughout California's Central Coast in 2026. Each session highlights Vandenberg's mission updates and addresses topics of local interest, promoting transparency and strengthening collaboration with the Central Coast community. Event Details: Date: Friday Feb. 20 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location: Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center, 1120 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA Admission: Free and open to the public

Vandenberg Hosts Annual Gala

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:02:00 GMT

Vandenberg hosts annual gala at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 31, 2026.

Vandenberg's Hawk of the Week Award on February 4th

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:27:00 GMT

U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, left, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, presents Vandenberg’s Hawk of the Week Award to Specialist 4 Ricardo Vargas-Guevara, right, 630th Cyberspace Squadron cyber defense operator, during a weekly installation leadership meeting at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Feb. 4, 2026.

Vandenberg Range Operations Squadron Supports Starlink Launch

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:07:00 GMT

The Western Range Operations Control Center (WROCC) countdown clock ticks down before the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Starlink 17-19 mission, from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026.

Vandenberg's Hawk of the Week Award on January 28th

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:29:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Horton, left, Space Launch Delta 30 commander's individual mobilization augmentee, presents Vandenberg’s Hawk of the Week Award to Staff Sgt. John Boutros, right, 30th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, during a weekly installation leadership meeting at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026.

Vandenberg Continues Dune Restoration Project

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:50:00 GMT

Vandenberg’s 30th Civil Engineer Squadron works on dune treatment during the dune restoration project at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026.

Vandenberg's Hawk of the Week Award on January 21st

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:36:00 GMT

U.S. Space Force Col. Dorian Hatcher, left, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander, presents Vandenberg’s Hawk of the Week Award to Senior Airman Cristian Hacker, right, 30th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, during a weekly installation leadership meeting at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026.

SLD 30 3rd and 4th Quarter Awards

Staff Sgt. Daekwon Stith — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:21:00 GMT

Space Launch Delta 30 members pose for a group photo after receiving awards at the 3rd and 4th quarter award ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026. The award ceremony recognized the work ethic and excellence of individuals and teams within the Delta.

Space Force Teams with Universities to Advance Sonic Boom Research in California

Jennifer Green-Lanchoney — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:37:00 GMT

Vandenberg Space Force Base is collaborating with Brigham Young University, California State University Bakersfield, and other partners to advance research on rocket launch acoustics and sonic booms through the ECOBOOM program. This initiative, launched in June 2024, focuses on monitoring and analyzing the noise impacts of rocket launches on nearby communities. Using data collected from 23 launches and 477 recordings across eight acoustic monitoring stations, researchers employ advanced modeling software to study sonic boom patterns influenced by factors such as weather and wind direction. Seasonal variations have been observed, with larger boom footprints during fall, winter, and spring compared to summer. The program integrates findings into operational planning, enabling Vandenberg SFB to optimize launch trajectories while minimizing disruptions to populated areas, demonstrating a commitment to balancing national defense priorities with environmental and community stewardship. Beyond sonic boom research, Vandenberg SFB conducts comprehensive conservation and environmental management for over 330 wildlife species, including 17 threatened or endangered species, as outlined in the Endangered Species Act. As a strategic hub for space launches and national defense, Vandenberg supports critical operations, including missile testing and space command training, while maintaining a strong commitment to safeguarding natural resources and fostering community partnerships.

Vandenberg Environmental Team Conducts Western Snowy Plover Winter Survey

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:16:00 GMT

Vandenberg Environmental Team conducts Western Snowy Plover winter survey conducted at Surf Beach at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Jan. 13, 2025. Vandenberg’s environmental conservation efforts are maintained by a team of 40 civilians and contractors — the largest environmental team in the U.S. Space Force.

Vandenberg Celebrates New USSF Senior Master Sergeants

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:45:00 GMT

Vandenberg Celebrates New USSF Senior Master Sergeants at the Senior Master Sergeant release party held on Jan. 9, 2025. This year, the Space Force has selected 37 master sergeant Guardians for promotion to senior master sergeant, 2 of which are from Vandenberg SFB.

Space Launch Delta 30 Issues RFI for Space Launch Development at SLC-14

Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:47:26 GMT

Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) has announced a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit interest from United States Launch Service Providers engaged in space transportation services. This initiative aims to develop heavy or super-heavy vertical space launch vehicle capabilities at Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14), located near VSFB’s southernmost point.

Space Force Officer Leads DAF Women’s Rugby Team to Historic Championship Victory

Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:44:00 GMT

U.S. Space Force Maj. Adekunbi Adewunmi, stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., made history by coaching the Department of the Air Force (DAF) women’s rugby team to their first-ever championship victory at the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and U.S. Department of the Air Force (ANZUS) Shield tournament at Whenuapai Air Base, New Zealand, Oct. 9-11.

Vandenberg Hosts Base Tour for San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:14:00 GMT

Vandenberg Hosts Base Tour for San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Dec. 19, 2025. The tour group was introduced to numerous facilities on base including the Space Launch Delta 30 headquarters building, Remote Launch Control Center, Pacific Coast Club, and Firefly Aerospace located at SLC-2. The tour provided details on Vandenberg’s various commercial partnerships, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining national strategic advantages in space.

Vandenberg Hosts Localized T-Minus 10-Miler

Airman 1st Class Olya Houtsma — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 23:48:00 GMT

Vandenberg Hosts Localized T-Minus 10-Miler at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Dec. 13, 2025. The annual endurance event emphasized physical fitness, resilience and readiness while bringing the Space Force community together on base.

Vandenberg Hosts the 2025 Holiday Parade

Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:22:00 GMT

Vandenberg Hosts the 2025 Holiday Parade at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025. Base leadership participate in the parade annually to celebrate the holiday season with the community.

Meet VSFB's 2025 Guardian Arena Teams

Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Teams will represent Vandenberg SFB at this year's Guardian Arena competition at Patrick Space Force Base, FL, Dec. 8-9. Guardians and Airmen from Vandenberg Space Force Base prepare to compete in the 3rd Annual Guardian Arena Challenge, held at Patrick Space Force Base, FLA, Dec. 8-9. Vandenberg teams, "Sidetrack'd," "Houston, We Have Two Kevin's (and Clay)," "Flying Tiger," and "CSpoc-alypse," will join 35 teams from across the Space Force to showcase their tactical proficiency, physical fitness, and mental resilience. The event highlights the "Guardian Spirit" in a service-level competition, bringing together participants from Field Commands, Space Base Delta, Space Launch Delta, and Space Delta to vie for the title of the most elite team of Guardians.