Caesar 305 Posted April 23, 2009 'Evening all, As I'm getting closer to commissioning and EAD date, I've been doing research on my assigned base and was able to get a fair amount of information on it (Vandenberg AFB) and some of the surrounding area, but as I'm trying to get as much info as I can, I figured I'd ask here: has anyone been assigned to Vandenberg AFB? If so, were you on base or off (I've gotta live off, not being married)? I heard most of the newer LTs are in the Santa Maria area about half an hour away, but areas like "Lompoc" (sp?) are closer and cheaper. Any places I ought to avoid? Anything you could tell me would be great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Typhoid 231 Posted April 23, 2009 haven't been there myself, but have had some dealings with support of the base and use of the systems and data. Are you going into space ops? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caesar 305 Posted April 23, 2009 13S1X, or space/missile trainee. I've been thinking of missiles first, maybe transitioning to space ops later on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+suhsjake 11 Posted April 23, 2009 I watched a missile launch once. It was pretty epic. Haven't been on base though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Typhoid 231 Posted April 23, 2009 awesome. best of luck. I've been in the space and missile field when on joint assignments and continue to work with some of that stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caesar 305 Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) Cool beans, and thanks. I've heard sitting alert is the "fastest way to get a Masters or PHD in the military" so we'll see how that goes . Edited April 23, 2009 by Caesar Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FastCargo 412 Posted April 23, 2009 I've flown into Vandenburg several times, however, the big thing from what I understand is that's it's a bit isolated relatively speaking. FC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper6 3 Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) I was born there and have been back several times Lompoc is isolated but santa barbra county has some great scenery and beaches. some places are pricer than others so do your home work there were some major fires there last year Edited April 23, 2009 by Viper6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Dave 2,322 Posted April 24, 2009 I was stationed there from 1993 to 1994. Incredible area. Just beautiful. Lompoc has a federal prison there. We also called Lompoc, Lompton because of the wanna be gansters there. Also during the spring there are giant fields of flowers are far as the eye can see. So if you have allergies. You will just love the spring. What else do you want to know? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caesar 305 Posted April 24, 2009 Well, I suppose any "need to know" stuff you've encountered; I fear I've been a bit vague, though. The info I have so far is: Lompoc, Santa Maria, Vandenberg Village and Montiavo are the more common places; Lompoc and the Village are closer and less expensive, but less people live there, while Santa Maria and Montiavo are more expensive, but with more people there; my BAH should make either of the later affordable, though, albeit maybe not ideal. I have a car, so that's not going to damage my pay, which will help. Also did some background on the units at the base and will be going over available map info shortly. Things I'd be interested in knowing: Are there any drawbacks to any of the areas you've lived in? Crime rate, fires (as Viper pointed out), hippies that'd put flowers in my Mossberg? I already know I have to keep my AR-15 locked up in NY with my family until I get my actual base assignment because it's not CA legal. Is there anything you think especially pertinent, or that you wish you knew before you got there? (though from what you describe, it sounds beautiful.) Thanks for your replies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Dave 2,322 Posted April 24, 2009 Well as far as I knew the crime rate wasn't bad. I never had any issues at all. Leave your AR-15 in NY, don't even bring it even when you get on base. The CA liberals love to prosecute military over there. From Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, the area is incredible. So much to do and so much to see. The community around Lompoc really supports the military, but when you get away from Vandyland, people are not so much friendly when they find out you are military. I would stay away from LA if you can, the place needs to be nuked and rebuilt. However San Fransico is a beautiful city with lots to do and EAT, OMG EAT. If you love seafood man you are going to be good to go there. They don't really care for the military either but I didn't have any problems with anyone. In Lompoc, there is a Mexican restaurant called El Toro Bronco, or as we called it, El Bloat McFat, that have the best burritos I have ever had to this day. They are huge and they load them up. Can't be beat. I had a good time at Vandy. Working Vehcles and Equioment, MMT and test launch gave me lots of opportunities to support NASA missions and like. I got to assist in the Taurus, Pegasus projects. Got to do shuttle support missions. A great time for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caesar 305 Posted April 24, 2009 All right, well thanks for the info, Dave! I'm looking forward to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charlielima 328 Posted April 25, 2009 (edited) I like Lampoc alot. Many great mexican resteraunts. Never had a bad meal or service at any one. Last time I was there the Wallmart had a really bitchin' salt water fishing departement. Santa Maria is grand. Don't forget to check out Nipomo. Orcutt, Guadelupe, Oceano, or AG. :ph34r: CL Edited April 25, 2009 by charlielima Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
