NAVAIR Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake -- During the summer months, the hours of operation for Richmond Gate (the back gate) at NAWS China Lake will be modified. Beginning this Friday, June 20, the Richmond Gate will be closed on flex Fridays. It will continue to be open Monday through Thursday and non-flex Fridays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Because Sierra Sands Unified School District is holding its summer school session at Faller Elementary School in the City of Ridgecrest, it was decided there is no need to have the gate open on flex Fridays. Drivers for buses taking students to the summer session for special needs students at Richmond School have been instructed to use the NAWS main gate. Commercial vehicle operators are reminded they need to utilize the main gate at all times.

When school reconvenes this fall, the gate operation hours will be updated and published.

Questions regarding gate hours can be directed to the NAWS Public Affairs Office at (760) 939-3511.