Leach Lake Target Airfield serves Fort Irwin, US.
Leach Lake Target Airfield (US-5560) in Fort Irwin, US, is not a commercial or public-use airport, but rather a tactical range primarily utilized by the U.S. Air Force and other joint service personnel for military training exercises. Therefore, there are no traditional "traveler reviews" or experiences related to terminal facilities, commercial amenities, security wait times for public passengers, or customs/immigration as one would find at a civilian airport. Information available pertains to accessing Fort Irwin, the military installation where the airfield is located. The overall sentiment for those accessing Fort Irwin generally revolves around the strict security procedures and the isolated desert location.
What Travelers (Visitors to Fort Irwin) Love:
- Crucial Training Environment: The base serves as the National Training Center (NTC) for the U.S. Army, providing realistic training scenarios for military personnel.
- Essential Support Services (for military personnel and their families): Fort Irwin provides various on-base resources including medical care at Weed Army Community Hospital and dining options like the Oasis Dining Facility and Exchange Food Court.
- Organized Visitor Access (for approved visitors): While strict, there is a clear process for visitors, contractors, and vendors to gain entry through the Visitor Control Center (VCC), which is open Monday through Friday, or the Main Gate which is open 24/7.
Common Complaints
- Isolated Location: Fort Irwin is situated in the remote Mojave Desert, approximately 37 miles northeast of Barstow, California, leading to a feeling of isolation for many. There are no gas stations between Barstow and Fort Irwin, requiring visitors to plan accordingly.
- Rigid Security Procedures: All visitors 18 years and older without a DoD identification card are subject to a background check for installation entry, which can be time-consuming. Certain derogatory information can lead to denial of access.
- Limited Public Transportation: While shuttle services are provided for personnel, public transportation to Fort Irwin itself is limited. Arriving at McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) requires further coordination, often involving bus services to Barstow and then a ride to the base. Ontario International Airport is not recommended without private pickup.
- Minimal Off-Base Amenities Nearby: The nearest town, Barstow, is about 40 miles away and offers limited amenities, contributing to the sense of isolation.
In summary, Leach Lake Target Airfield is an active military training area, not a public airport. Any "traveler experience" is strictly in the context of accessing and operating within the highly controlled environment of Fort Irwin National Training Center, which is characterized by rigorous security protocols and its remote desert setting.
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Where is Leach Lake Target Airfield located?
Leach Lake Target Airfield is located in Fort Irwin, US, at an elevation of 2042 ft. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is US-5560.