China Lake Project Produces a Speedy Recovery

The whirring of construction equipment is a constant sound at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWSCL), California; but it’s welcome noise. In July 2019, two devastating earthquakes struck the base, essentially shutting down operations. Almost two years later, a lot has changed at the United States Navy’s primary aviation weapons research base. Our team, along with the installation and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), has marked an exciting milestone: This month, all 18 new construction projects will have successfully moved into the construction phase!

After the earthquakes, Jacobs secured a sole-source opportunity to serve as the Navy’s trusted partner for design and field support for the China Lake Earthquake Recovery Program. Including the repair program, we have delivered more than 100 projects, opening an avenue to unending opportunities with the Navy air warfare community.

What makes this program so unique, in addition to the lightning-fast delivery schedule, is the expansive scope and vast technical complexity of the various test facilities. Our approach includes more than 700 Jacobs and subconsultant staff from around the globe and across the joining the team to meet every conceivable project specialty, to the delight of this core client. Despite the mission urgency, our team has continued delivering bold and sustainable solutions that challenge the accepted on this high-profile program.

“We have continued to push the envelope of technical expertise and process innovation when it comes to this project,” says Jacobs’ Navy Portfolio Operations Director, Jake Washington. “We are constantly innovating in this expanding program, all while delivering top quality products and services, which speaks to the caliber and work ethic of our people.”