CHINA LAKE, Calif. — Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is getting back to normal operations, less than a week after two massive earthquakes rattled the base and surrounding areas.
Officials from NAWSCL announced that Air Test and Squadron Nine (VX-9) has resumed normal flight operations on Wednesday, July 10, just six days after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck just northeast of Ridgecrest. Another quake, this time measured at 7.1 magnitude in the same area, followed the next day.
"I'm incredibly excited to have the opportunity to put planes in the sky today," said Capt. Jesse Hilliker, VX-9's commanding officer. "I feel like this is the next step in the recovery process and getting the base back to where it needs to be and doing what they do best: launching aircraft and executing missions."
The base reported damage to its airfield, including water and structural damage and the loss of power to some buildings due to downed power lines.
Naval officials say personnel from NAWSCL are currently involved in recovery and relief efforts in the surrounding area as well.
