Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is in Kern County, California, and most of the property lies within the California City limits. The Army Corps of Engineers is 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 also known as Munitions Response Site 03, or MRS 03.
MRS 03 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 Army Corps of Engineers began investigating the former Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS, including MRS 03, in 1999. 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 MRS 03 have not been completely identified.
In 2011 a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study Report for Mojave Gunnery Range “C” was completed. Based on limited rights of entry and the findings of the site visits, the Army Corps of Engineers recommends a separate Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study be performed on MRS 03 to determine if additional clearance activities are required.
As part of a Notification and Safety Education initiative for the FUDS Program, the Army Corps of Engineers mailed letters to landowners within the project area. The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness of the potential risks and hazards associated with FUDS properties and to reduce impacts to human health, safety and the environment until further response activities are initiated at the sites. For more information, call the FUDS Information Center toll-free number 1-855-765-3837 or review the safety guides and maps located in the menu on the left.
An Administrative Record containing project documents and reports for Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is available at the Kern County Library, California City Branch, 9507 California City Blvd., and at the Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District office.