FighterControl

Hi all,

Would be great if someone was able to help me with spotting in California - I'm hoping to make it to Point Mugu and Lemoore during my time there. Point Mugu seems pretty straight forward, but I'm struggling to find any information on where to spot for Lemoore. I hoping to get down there for the day and hope I see something, especially with how much is based there. Would anyone know of any locations to safely spot, I understand it may be from a bit of a distance because of its remote location, but any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks.

Hi,
Lemoore isn’t the easiest as they are sensitive to folks taking photos. It’s quite a distance from public roads but you can actually drive past the first gate to a memorial area between the runways. Public access is allowed and it puts you close but they may challenge particularly if you’re using a long lens. When turning off the main highway you double back as if a large hairpin. The memorial area is in a few miles (over a small rail line) before reaching the main base security.
Point Mugu is easy - park at the heritage area with the missiles.
Hope this helps.

Hi
Agree with Pjross and would add for Point Mugu from my visits over the years:
USN Police often check/visit the Missile Park and may be unhappy with you if you are taking phots, as it's USN property. and when I've been there some of the aircraft have both landed and taken off over the sea (the opposite end to you). Don't expect a lot of activity, but a smallish number of nice movements.

Point Mugu USAF C-130J unit have their own ramp area away from the Navy area. Easy to see from the lay-by down from the missile park at.

34.142040, -119.106745

When I went there a good few years ago I hung round the missile park for a while.
Then when I knew there was inbounds I drove to Wood Road which is on the centreline off Highway 1.
I’d heard the Navy doesn’t like photos being taken when at the Missile Park.
Had no problems there and saw some nice Kfirs coming in to land.
Ian