Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is located east of Mojave, California, and overlaps the southwestern corner of California City. The Corps of Engineers is investigating and monitoring the former training area through the Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS, Program for munitions and explosive hazards that may remain from previous military activity. This page provides information on the Bombing Target “F” project, which is part of the Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS.
The Bombing Target “F” project encompasses approximately 499 acres and is located in California City and in the eastern portion of the Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps used the target area for bombing and other air-to-ground training between 1944 and 1951. Privately owned, the land is crisscrossed with unpaved roads used for off-highway vehicle recreation. The land is also used for recreational target practice and seasonal sheep grazing.
The Corps of Engineers began investigating the former Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS, including Bombing Target “F,” in 1999. During Corps of Engineers’ site visits, munitions debris from the following items was identified: small arms ammunition, projectiles, rockets, practice bombs and high explosive bombs. However, the nature and extent of munitions risks at the Bombing Target “F” project area have not been completely identified due to limited rights of entry granted to the Corps of Engineers.
In 2011 the Corps of Engineers completed the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study Report for Mojave Gunnery Range “C.” Based on limited rights of entry and the findings of the site visits, the Corps of Engineers recommends a separate Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study be performed on the Bombing Target “F” project area to determine if additional clearance activities are required.
An Administrative Record containing project documents and reports for Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is available at the Kern County Library, California City Branch, and at the Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District office.