Herlong (Amedee AAF)

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Amedee Airfield is a unique facility that differs from standard civil airports in its specificity and atmosphere.

Historical Heritage: The airfield was built back in 1942 during World War II and has since played an important role in supporting the operations of the Sierra Army Depot. This place is imbued with the spirit of US aviation history.

Unique Location: Located in Lassen County, the airfield is surrounded by the impressive landscapes of the Californian hinterland. The proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Honey Lake creates a special microclimate here and offers stunning views of wildlife.

Specialized Status: Since the airfield is a military facility, it is not intended for regular commercial flights, which guarantees the absence of tourist crowds and exceptional order within the territory. Access here is strictly regulated, highlighting the importance and exclusivity of this transport hub.

• Official Website: Sierra Army Depot (US Army)
• Public Affairs Phone: +1 (530) 827-4343
• Airport Address: Amedee Army Airfield, Sierra Army Depot, Herlong, CA 96113, USA
• Email: usarmy.sierra.tacom.mbx.sier-webmaster-mailbox@army.mil (General inquiries)
• Social Media: Official Sierra Army Depot Facebook page
• Lost Luggage Information: Service not available (the airport does not serve commercial passenger flights).
• Support Services Contacts (PPR): To coordinate landing and operational matters, it is necessary to contact the airfield coordinator at +1 (530) 827-4147.

It is important to consider that Amedee Army Airfield (Herlong) is an active military facility with restricted access. Unlike civil airports, there is no regular passenger service here, and "getting to the airport" most often means arriving for duty or by special permission. For the majority of civilian travellers and tourists, the nearest points of arrival will be major airports in neighbouring cities, from where the journey must continue by ground transport.

Car and Rental

The most reliable and common way to reach the vicinity of Herlong and the Sierra Army Depot is by car. The airfield is located in a remote area, so personal or rented transport is essential.

• Route: The main road leading to Herlong is Highway US-395. If you are driving from the city of Reno (Nevada), the journey will take about 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately 90 km). You need to drive north on US-395, and then turn east onto County Road A25 or A26 towards Herlong.
• Car Rental: Since rental services are absent in Herlong itself, it is recommended to rent a car immediately upon arrival at a civil airport (for example, in Reno or Sacramento).
• Parking: Parking zones on the airfield territory are intended exclusively for service vehicles and personal cars of the staff. A pass is required for entry.

Taxi and Transfer

Finding a taxi directly in Herlong is difficult due to its small size. Booking a transfer or taking a taxi (Uber, Lyft) is possible from the nearest major city — Reno.

• Cost: A trip from Reno will be expensive, estimated at 100 to 150 USD and above one way due to the distance and crossing state lines (Nevada — California).
• Recommendation: Arrange a return trip with the driver in advance, as summoning a car in the desert area to the checkpoint itself can be problematic.

Public Transport

Direct public transport connections (metro, commuter trains, city buses) to Amedee Airfield do not exist. The nearest bus station (serviced, for example, by Greyhound or regional carriers) is located in the city of Susanville, approximately 60 km northwest of Herlong. From there, you will still need to reach your destination by taxi or arranged transport.

Nearest Civil Airports

Since Amedee does not accept commercial flights, tourists should plan their flight to one of the neighbouring civil hubs:

1. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). This is the most convenient option. It is located just 90 km from Herlong. The airport offers a wide selection of flights and a full range of car rental services.

2. Redding Airport (RDD). Located significantly further away, at a distance of about 185 km. The drive will take more than 2.5 hours through mountainous sections.

3. Sacramento International Airport (SMF). A major transport hub of California, located 214 km away (about 3 hours drive). Suitable if you are planning a grand tour of the state.

There are also smaller airports in the region, such as Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport and Mammoth Lakes Airport, but they are located more than 300 km away and are less convenient for a trip to Herlong.

Important Recommendations: Before travelling, ensure you have all necessary documents if the purpose of your visit involves entering the military facility. Strictly observe speed limits on local roads and monitor your fuel level, as petrol stations are infrequent in the desert terrain.

Since Amedee Army Airfield (Herlong) is an active military facility, its infrastructure differs radically from what tourists are accustomed to seeing in civil aviation hubs. Here you will not find the usual division into international and domestic terminals, Duty Free zones, or crowded waiting halls.

Number of Terminals and Purpose

The airport lacks the classic concept of passenger terminals. All flight management and crew service functions are concentrated in one administrative-operational building (Base Operations). This structure serves as a unified centre where logistics, mission planning, and flight safety issues are resolved.

Infrastructure Features

The main feature of the Amedee "terminal" is its exceptional utility. There are no entertainment zones or shops here. The internal space is organised for maximum efficiency of military operations: briefing rooms for pilots, control points, and service rooms. Minimal amenities for short rest may be provided for crews of transient military aircraft.

Departure and Arrival Zones

A clear separation into departure and arrival zones, as in civil airports, does not exist here. Boarding and disembarking of personnel or loading of cargo takes place directly on the apron, located next to the operations building and hangars. Logistics are designed to minimise the time the aircraft spends on the ground.

Check-in and Screening Procedures

The time for completing formalities here does not depend on queues at check-in counters, but is regulated by military protocols:

• Check-in: Absent in the civilian sense. All passenger lists (military personnel) and crew manifests are approved in advance.
• Screening: Security control is extremely strict, but it does not resemble standard TSA procedures. Document and cargo checks are carried out by Military Police or authorised personnel at the base entrance or directly at the aircraft.
• Time: If you have flight clearance, procedures are quick and organised, without unnecessary delays.

Map and Navigation

Orienting yourself at Amedee Airfield is simple due to its compactness, however, freedom of movement is strictly limited here. The entire territory is clearly zoned, and civilians (if granted access) are permitted to be present only under escort and in strictly defined zones. Independent walks "from the terminal to the plane" are categorically prohibited.

Navigation Recommendations

The main rule of navigation at Amedee is to follow the instructions of the meeting officer or flight coordinator. Upon arrival at the facility, do not attempt to find an entrance or exit to the airfield on your own; wait for your escort at the designated assembly point. Strict adherence to signs and markings is the guarantee of your safety and the absence of problems with the facility administration.

The history of Amedee Airfield (Herlong) is a chronicle of strategic importance, engineering mastery, and unique geography. While many airports around the world were built to transport tourists, this facility was created with a completely different purpose, and its past is inextricably linked with the history of American military logistics.

Birth During the War Years

The airfield was founded and opened in 1942, at the height of World War II. At that time, the US government was actively seeking remote, secure, and climatically favourable locations for storing ammunition and strategic reserves. The Honey Lake Valley, with its dry high-desert climate, was ideally suited for these purposes. Thus, the Sierra Army Depot appeared, and with it, Amedee Airfield, which became a vital aerial artery for the rapid movement of cargo and personnel.

Development and Modernisation

In the early years of its existence, the airfield's infrastructure was quite modest, designed for the piston aviation of that era. However, with the onset of the jet age and the Cold War, requirements for the facility increased significantly.

• 1950s — 1970s: A series of large-scale reconstructions took place during this period. The runway was significantly lengthened and strengthened. This was done so that the airfield could accommodate new generations of heavy military transport aircraft.
• Era of Giants: One of the key milestones in Amedee's history was the modernisation that allowed it to receive giants such as the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III. The ability to land such heavy machines in a desert area made Herlong a unique logistics hub.

Historical Name

The origin of the airfield's name is interesting. It is not named after a general or politician, as is often the case, but in memory of the settlement of Amedee. In the late 19th century, this was a thriving railway town known for its geothermal springs. Over time, the town fell into decline and vanished, turning into a ghost town, but its name lives on in the military airfield.

Records and Achievements

Although Amedee does not chase passenger traffic records, it has its own technical achievements. The length of its main runway is about 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). For an airfield located in such a secluded area, this is an outstanding figure. Such a runway length combined with ideal visibility (it is almost always clear in the desert) makes it a backup option for landing almost any existing type of aircraft in emergency situations.

Interesting Facts

The history of Amedee holds many curious details:

• Ideal Climate: The dry desert air, which was the reason the airfield was built here, allows equipment to be stored outdoors for decades with virtually no corrosion. This has turned the airfield's surroundings into a sort of "open-air museum" for mothballed military equipment.
• Railway Connection: Historically, the development of the airfield ran parallel to the railway line. The uniqueness of Herlong's logistics lies in the fact that cargo here can be instantly transferred from trains directly into the cargo holds of aircraft.
• Peace and Quiet: Unlike civil airports, which over the years become surrounded by residential quarters and suffer from noise complaints, Amedee has preserved its pristine isolation, remaining one of the "quietest" for the outside world, yet active internally, aviation hubs in California.

When planning a visit or researching information about Amedee Army Airfield (Herlong), it is important to understand the key difference between this facility and civil aviation hubs. Since this is an active military base, the concept of "passenger service" is practically absent here. All infrastructure is subject to strict army regulations and is aimed at fulfilling official tasks, not the comfort of travellers.

Restaurants, Cafés and Shops

In the administrative buildings of the airfield, you will not find familiar coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or Duty Free zones. There are no souvenir shops or newsstands. Meals for military personnel and crews are organised in specialised canteens or via snack vending machines, access to which is generally closed to outsiders. If you are in the area on business, we strongly recommend stocking up on food and water in advance in the nearest settlements.

Lounges and VIP Service

Classic business lounges with soft armchairs and a bar are absent here. "Waiting rooms" are utilitarian spaces for crew briefings or rest rooms for duty staff. The level of comfort in them is minimal and corresponds to army standards: tables, chairs, and necessary communication equipment for flight planning.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Public Wi-Fi networks for guests are not provided at the airfield. Existing communication networks are secure and used exclusively for military needs. The use of mobile phones and especially photography on the territory may be strictly limited by the facility's security rules. Charging stations in the generally accepted sense (public stands with USB ports) are also absent; only standard power outlets in service rooms are available.

Financial and Medical Services

There are no civil bank branches, currency exchange points, or ATMs on the airfield territory. The nearest available financial institutions are in the settlement of Herlong or the city of Susanville. Medical assistance on the base is provided by a military infirmary oriented towards treating service members. In case of an emergency, civilians will be given first aid until city services arrive.

Services for Passengers with Children and Limited Mobility

Amedee's infrastructure is not adapted for families with children: there are no playrooms or mother-and-child rooms here. Also, the facility is not equipped with specialised equipment for passengers with disabilities to the extent customary in civil terminals, as military service assumes certain physical fitness requirements for personnel. Movement around the territory without an escort can be difficult.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels for tourists directly at the airfield or within its perimeter. Accommodation on the base is provided only for personnel. Travellers and civilian specialists should look for accommodation in surrounding towns:

• Susanville: Located approximately 60 km to the northwest. The main selection of motels and chain brand hotels is presented here.
• Reno: Located 90 km to the south. A major city with a huge selection of hotels, resorts, and developed tourist infrastructure.

Conference Rooms and Business Services

Headquarters rooms and meeting rooms perform the function of a business centre here. They are equipped with everything necessary for conducting tactical briefings and planning operations but are used strictly for their intended purpose by military command. Renting such premises for civilian conferences is not possible.

When planning meals during a visit to Amedee Army Airfield (Herlong), it is important to consider its military status and isolated location. Passengers and crews should be prepared for a gastronomic experience that differs radically from a typical visit to civil airports. Here you will not find food courts, coffee shops of famous brands, or fine dining restaurants.

Restaurants and Cafés on the Premises

Inside the airfield perimeter, there are no commercial catering establishments available to the general public. The infrastructure does not provide for passenger terminals, and therefore, no zones with restaurants or coffee shops.

• For Military Personnel: Staff and service members' meals are organised in specialised Dining Facilities (DFAC) or via distribution points. The menu here is hearty and balanced but strictly functional. Access for civilians to these zones is usually prohibited or requires special escort.
• Vending Machines: In administrative buildings and crew rest zones, vending machines with a basic set may be installed: carbonated drinks, water, crisps, chocolate bars, and coffee. This is often the only opportunity to have a snack on the base itself.

Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Due to the absence of public cafés, finding specialised food directly at the airfield is impossible.

• Recommendation: If you follow a strict diet (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal), it is highly recommended to bring food with you. Finding specific products in the desert area around Herlong will be extremely difficult.
• Water: Be sure to carry a supply of drinking water with you, as the dry climate of the high desert contributes to rapid dehydration.

Dining in the Surroundings (Herlong and Neighbouring Cities)

Since an ordinary traveller will not be able to eat at the airfield itself, it is worth considering options in the nearest settlements. However, the choice here is also quite limited.

1. Herlong

Infrastructure directly in the settlement is minimal. A small General Store or a sandwich bar at a petrol station may operate here, where you can buy ready-made sandwiches and coffee. Operating hours of such establishments are usually limited to daylight hours.

2. Susanville — 60 km

For a full lunch or dinner, it is best to head to this city. A wide range of establishments is presented here:

• Fast Food: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Subway — standard prices (10–15 USD), open from early morning until late evening. Note that Halal options may be limited in standard US fast food chains, so vegetarian options (salads, bean burritos) are often the safest choice.
• Restaurants: Local steakhouses, pizzerias, and Chinese restaurants. The average bill will be 20–40 USD per person. Vegetarian options can be found here.
• Supermarkets: Large chain stores (e.g., Walmart or Safeway) where you can buy fresh fruit, salads, and everything needed for a picnic.

3. Reno — 90 km

If your route takes you through Reno, this is the best place for dining experiences before or after your visit to Herlong. The city offers everything: from extensive buffets in resorts to cosy third-wave coffee shops and fine dining restaurants.

Tips for Travellers

For a comfortable stay in the Amedee airfield area, follow these simple rules:

• Quick Snack: Rely only on your own supplies. Pack a lunch box with nuts, dried fruits, sandwiches, and energy bars before leaving.
• Full Meal: Plan it in Susanville or Reno. Do not expect to find hot meals within a 15 km radius of the airfield.
• Operating Hours: Remember that the few establishments in rural California close early (around 20:00–21:00), so do not postpone dinner until late evening.

Since Amedee Army Airfield (Herlong) is a closed military facility, the travel experience through it differs radically from flying through civil hubs. If you are among the authorised persons (military personnel, government employees, or contractors) scheduled to fly via this airfield, the tips below will help make the process as smooth as possible and avoid misunderstandings.

Arrival Time Recommendations

Unlike commercial flights, where the "2 hours before departure" rule applies, the schedule here is dictated by the flight mission or orders.

• Strict Punctuality: Arrive exactly at the time indicated in your flight notification or itinerary. Lateness is unacceptable here, as military aircraft do not wait for passengers via public address announcements.
• Time Buffer: It is recommended to be at the assembly point (control point) at least 30–45 minutes before the designated briefing time to calmly pass document checks.

Check-in and Security Features

Procedures here are stricter but less formalised in terms of queues.

• Documents: Keep your identification (Military ID, CAC, or passport for civilian specialists) and copies of orders/permissions in an easily accessible place. They will be checked several times: at the base entry, upon entering the operations zone, and before boarding.
• Screening: Be prepared for a personal search and luggage check by Military Police. There are no shoe scanners here, but the check of bag contents can be very thorough.
• Electronic Devices: Clarify the status of smartphone and laptop usage in advance. Strict restrictions (OPSEC) may apply on the airfield territory and on board. Photography of the airfield and infrastructure is categorically prohibited.

Seat Selection and Comfort on Board

The concept of "seat selection" on military aircraft (e.g., C-130 or C-17) or charter flights for personnel differs from civilian travel.

• Seating: Usually carried out on a first-come, first-served basis or according to rank/status of the passenger. If you are flying on a cargo aircraft, seats may be side-facing and made of canvas.
• Noise and Temperature: Military aircraft often do not have the same sound insulation and temperature control as passenger liners. Tip: Be sure to bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, as well as a warm jacket or blanket, even if it is hot outside (it can be cold at altitude in the cargo hold).

Hand Luggage and Baggage

• Packing: Use durable, soft bags or backpacks. Hard suitcases on wheels can be inconvenient when loading into military transport aircraft.
• Prohibited Items: The list of prohibited items is similar to civilian rules (weapons, explosives), but enforcement is stricter. Alcohol: Alcohol is generally prohibited for transport and consumption on military aircraft. Please respect this rule strictly.
• Food and Water: Bring a supply of water and non-perishable snacks. There are no flight attendants with trolleys on such flights, and rations are not always issued.

Recommendations for Transfers

Herlong Airport is a final destination, not a transit hub. "Transfer" here means transferring to ground transport.

• Ground Transport: Coordinate in advance who is meeting you and where. Taxis do not have the right to enter the base territory without a prior request. If you are not met, you risk getting stuck at the checkpoint.
• Car Rental: If you plan to rent a car, you will first have to get to Reno or Susanville. Organise this transfer before departure.

Tips for Saving Time and Nerves

• Restroom: Visit the washroom in the administrative building before going out to the airfield. Amenities on board military transport aircraft can be extremely specific and minimalist.
• Clothing: Dress practically and comfortably. Avoid high heels or complicated clothing. Closed-toe flat shoes are mandatory.
• Information: Do not hesitate to ask the flight coordinator (Loadmaster) questions, but do so clearly and to the point.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays at Herlong can happen due to weather (strong winds in the desert) or changes in mission priorities.

• Patience: Monetary compensation or hotel vouchers are not provided here. Be mentally prepared for waiting.
• Autonomy: Have a fully charged power bank and a book (paper or electronic) with you. There may not be enough power outlets in the waiting area for everyone, and there may be no internet at all.