Parents and guardians of students attending Richmond Elementary and Murray Junior High schools are reminded that these schools are on a military installation and badges are required to access the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake for people 16 years of age or older.

To help make the start of the new school year go as smoothly as possible, parents listed on the schools’ rosters will be able to pick up a Community Badge at the Visitor Center located on Inyokern Road from August 19-23. The Visitor Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6:30 to 3 p.m. on non-flex Fridays. After August 23, parents will be required to go into the Visitor Center to pick up a badge application and to have it signed by a school representative from either the Sierra Sands District Office or from the principal of Richmond or Murray School.

Parents are also reminded that Community Badge access normally ends at 8 p.m. each day. In the event Richmond or Murray schools hold an event requiring access after that time, special access arrangements will be made with security. In order to access the base during such times, you will need to show your community badge and indicate you are going to pick up a child at that specific event.

Back gate hours are 5 to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.

For more information, call the Public Affairs Office at 939-3511.