China Lake Museum

The museum at China Lake, "The U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology" is full of intriguing technology and fascinating history that will introduce you to the numerous contributions China Lake and the Navy have made to the defense of the nation.

The museum’s gift shop stocks T-shirts, coffee mugs, and other items bearing China Lake logos, as well as pertinent books, videos, and artwork.

The museum, which is open Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is located in China Lake and is accessible with a pass. Due to the events of Sep. 11, 2001, access to the museum is currently restricted to those possessing a community pass or some form of DoD identification. If you are an American citizen, a guest pass is easy to obtain and well worth the effort. For further information, call the museum at (760) 939-3530.

Below are few of pictures. They do not do justice to the exhibitions. Take some time out to visit this extraordinary place!

Visit their web site by clicking on this link.


The view on the way there. It is in the desert! Approaching the exhibit hall. If you think you've seen this Polaris missile, it used to be at RTC San Diego! The entrance is impressive. To the right are trophies and memorabilia that demonstrate the support given to the community. There are two very large rooms of displays. Plan on staying at least an hour!

Weapons of every type are in display. From the Side Winder to many first designs that don't exist anywhere else!

Displays range from the beginning of rocket development to the well known Tomahawk cruise missile. In addition there is a large conference room where you may have time to watch a short video and there are many displays about the people who made this unique facility produce. There is even the history of a weapon that was developed in less than a month, from it's inception, to delivery to the fleet for use!
		Going to Death Valley? Make sure you stop by the China Lake Exhibit Center!
Congratulations to the China Lake Museum Foundation on their recent approval to establish an official U.S. Navy Museum at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. And a special thanks to Frank St. George for showing me around and answering a thousand questions.