It’s been nearly five years since the Ridgecrest earthquakes rocked the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, a key hub for Navy research, testing, and weapon development. Established in 1943 during World War II, this base has been instrumental in advancing naval capabilities and supporting our nation’s defense. Yet, the destruction from the 2019 quake presented a formidable challenge, one that demanded resilience, determination, and exceptional teamwork.
In a recent Bakersfield Now Eyewitness News segment, Dan Carreño, the executive director of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, reflected on the incredible progress made since the quake. Carreño noted, “It’s surreal that not even five years after the damage was done that not only are we starting to move back into facilities, but we’ve been using some of them for already over a year.” His statement underscores the remarkable turnaround achieved by the dedicated personnel at China Lake.
Ben Wainwright, the commanding officer at China Lake, attributed this success to teamwork and strategic alignment. “Our secret to success was just teamwork. We had strategic alignment amongst senior leaders in Washington DC, and just a really outflowing of support from the community,” he said. This collaborative spirit was essential in overcoming the challenges of operating from temporary buildings while reconstructing the base’s facilities.
The new facilities at China Lake are now built to withstand earthquakes up to 9.0 on the Richter scale, a testament to the commitment to safety and resilience. Rear Admiral Keith A. Hash highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “History has been made here and now with the investment to rebuild after the earthquake, history will continue to be made here.”
VELO Group is proud to have played a crucial role in this recovery process over the last four years. Our team has been honored to support NAVFAC, the federal government, and various contractors in facilitating construction partnerships on 30 critical earthquake recovery projects at China Lake. This collaboration is a significant step in ensuring that the base continues to meet its critical mission of supplying the nation and its allies with essential weapons systems.
In recognition of VELO Group’s contributions, President Neal Flesner was awarded a Challenge Coin by Capt. Wainwright, a symbol of appreciation for the dedication and effort involved in this monumental rebuilding effort.
For a closer look at the progress and the ongoing efforts to restore NAWS China Lake, check out the Bakersfield Now Eyewitness News segment here.
The resilience and commitment shown by everyone involved in this recovery are truly inspiring. As the NAWS China Lake moves forward, its story of recovery stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unity, determination, and unwavering support.
