Yuma (Laguna AAF)

Since Laguna AAF (LGF) is an active military facility within the Yuma Proving Ground, standard civilian services (such as lost luggage tracing or tourist customer support) are absent here. Contact information refers to the administration of the proving ground.

• Official Website: home.army.mil/yuma/ (Yuma Proving Ground garrison website)
• Directory Assistance (Base Operator): +1 928-328-2151
• Address: Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona 85365, USA
• Email: Contacts for press and general inquiries are available via the form on the official website.
• Social Media: Official Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) pages on Facebook and X (Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: Service not provided (the airfield does not service commercial flights).
• Passenger Support Contacts: Not applicable (access to the facility is strictly limited to military personnel).

Since Laguna AAF is located on the territory of an active military proving ground, getting here is not as simple as reaching a standard civilian terminal. Tourist shuttles do not run here, and you will not find the usual taxi ranks at the exit. The main flow of visitors consists of military personnel and authorised specialists. Nevertheless, if you have permission to visit, it is important to know the logistics of moving through the Arizona desert terrain.

By Car and Transport Rental

A personal or rented car is the most reliable and often the only convenient way to get to the airfield. The journey from the centre of Yuma to the proving ground's checkpoint takes approximately 30–40 minutes.

The route usually lies along highway US-95 North. The road goes through a picturesque but harsh desert, so ensure there is enough fuel in the tank and the air conditioning is working. Renting a car is most convenient upon arrival at the civilian airport in Yuma or in the city centre. The cost of renting a standard sedan starts from 50–60 US dollars per day.

Parking and Access Control

There are sufficient parking spaces equipped on the base territory, but access to them is strictly regulated. To enter, you will need to present documents confirming your identity (driving licence, passport) and, as a rule, a pre-arranged pass. "Spontaneous" parking outside designated zones in the desert is not recommended due to the sandy soil.

Taxi and Transfer

Using standard taxi services (Uber, Lyft) is possible, but with limitations. Drivers can only take you to the main gate (Visitor Control Center). Further movement through the proving ground to the Laguna airfield itself is possible only on authorised transport or with an escort. The cost of a one-way trip from Yuma will be approximately 40–70 US dollars.

Public Transport

The public transport system in this area is poorly developed. The local operator YCAT (Yuma County Area Transit) has routes connecting the city with military facilities (for example, the route to Yuma Proving Ground), but they are oriented towards the staff shift schedules and may be inconvenient for one-off visits. Travellers should not rely on the bus as the main method of reaching the airfield.

Nearest Civilian Airports

Since Laguna AAF does not accept commercial flights, travellers fly into neighbouring civilian aviation hubs and then reach the location by car. Here is a list of the main alternatives:

• Yuma International Airport (YUM) — the nearest civilian harbour, located just 30 km away. This is the most convenient option for transferring to a car.
• Mexicali International Airport (MXL) — located in Mexico, approximately 84 km away. Suitable for those travelling from Latin America, but requires crossing the border.
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) — located in California, 223 km away. A good option if you want to combine the trip with visiting the resorts of the Coachella Valley.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — the largest hub in the region (232 km). Most international flights arrive here, and the drive to Yuma takes about 3 hours by expressway.
• Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) — another Mexican option 244 km away, often used for budget flights, but requiring a long transfer.

It is important to understand that Laguna AAF (LGF) is a military airfield, not a civilian transport hub. Therefore, you will not find the familiar structure with terminals A, B, or C, Duty Free shops, and waiting lounges with soft chairs here. The facility's infrastructure is subordinate exclusively to defence and testing tasks, and its layout differs radically from what tourists are used to seeing in ordinary airports.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

Instead of passenger terminals, the airfield operates a Flight Operations building (Base Operations) and a number of specialised hangars. All activity is centred around supporting test missions. The "service zones" here are briefing rooms for pilots, technical workshops for aircraft maintenance, and equipment warehouses. For the civilian passenger, there is no infrastructure here: no ticket counters, no luggage belts, no cafes.

Airport Map and Navigation

The airfield territory is strictly zoned. Navigation is carried out not by colourful signs for tourists, but according to military maps and regulations. Key points:

• Visitor Control Center (VCC): Located at the main entrance to the proving ground. This is the analogue of a "check-in zone," where all visitors undergo an initial document check.
• Flight Line: A guarded zone for parking and taxiing aircraft. Only authorised personnel with special passes have access here.
• Administrative Buildings: This is where the command and support services are located.

Transfers and Departure/Arrival Zones

The concept of "transfer between terminals" is absent here. Movement between base facilities (for example, from the administrative building to the hangars) takes place via official vehicles. Departure and arrival zones represent utilitarian concrete areas. Boarding the aircraft (whether a helicopter or transport plane) is carried out directly on the apron, without the use of jet bridges or shuttle buses.

Features of Procedures

The process of "check-in" and screening at Laguna AAF is much stricter than in civilian aviation and takes more time.

• Registration (Access Check): If you are a civilian with permission to visit (for example, a journalist or contractor), the pass issuance procedure at the Visitor Control Center can take from 30 minutes to several hours. A full background check is conducted.
• Screening: There are no metal detector frames for finding water bottles here. Screening of personal belongings and vehicles is conducted by military police at the checkpoint. Weapons, cameras (without a filming permit), drones, and certain types of electronics are strictly prohibited.

Navigation Recommendations for Visitors

If you have official permission to visit Laguna AAF, follow these rules to avoid problems:

1. Follow only the route: Deviation from the route specified in the pass may lead to detention by military police.

2. Attention to signs: Pay attention to "Restricted Area" and "No Photography" signs. On the proving ground territory, they carry legal weight.

3. Waiting for escort: Often, the movement of civilians within the airfield territory is permitted only when accompanied by an assigned officer (escort). Never attempt to find the required hangar on your own.

For ordinary tourists looking for a comfortable departure from the region, the only correct solution would be to use the civilian Yuma International Airport, where standard rules and services apply.

The history of Laguna AAF (Laguna AAF) is a chronicle of the transformation of a harsh patch of desert into one of the most technologically advanced testing grounds on the planet. Unlike civilian airports, which developed for passenger comfort, this airfield was perfected for one goal: testing the limits of machinery and people. Its past is inextricably linked with global military conflicts of the 20th century and the space race.

Birth in the Sands: The Patton Era (1940s)

The airfield's roots go back to 1942–1943, when General George Patton founded the famous Desert Training Center. American troops required preparation before landing in North Africa during World War II, and the scorching sands of Arizona ideally simulated the conditions of the Sahara. Camp Laguna was deployed on the site of the current proving ground. In those years, the runways were primitive, but it was then that the foundation for future aviation activity was laid. After the war ended, the camp was temporarily closed, and the structures dismantled, leaving only concrete foundations and the endless desert.

Revival and the Cold War

The facility's second life began in 1951. With the onset of the Cold War, the US Army required a permanent base for testing new equipment, especially bridging equipment and artillery. The facility was named Yuma Test Station. In the 1950s, the role of aviation increased sharply, and the Laguna airfield began to acquire its modern outlines. Engineers realised that the dry air and lack of precipitation created an ideal environment for year-round flights, which was critically important for a tight testing schedule.

Proving Ground Status and Modernisation

In 1963, the station received its current status and name — Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). Laguna airfield became a key node for the proving ground's air operations. In subsequent decades, large-scale reconstructions were carried out here:

• Lengthening and strengthening runways to accept heavy transport aircraft, such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-5 Galaxy.
• Construction of specialised hangars with climate control for servicing sensitive electronics.
• Installation of advanced radar equipment to track the flight trajectory of experimental missiles and projectiles.

Technological Breakthroughs and Achievements

Laguna airfield and the surrounding airspace became a cradle for technologies used by the whole world today. It was here in the 1970s and 1980s that early tests of the global positioning system GPS were conducted. Satellites and ground stations were calibrated using aviation based at LGF.

Additionally, the airfield played an important role in the NASA programme. Parachute systems for space capsules were repeatedly tested here, including the modern Orion spacecraft intended for flights to the Moon and Mars. The dropping of capsule mock-ups from C-17 aircraft over the proving ground became a spectacular part of the airfield's history.

Era of Drones and Records

In the 21st century, Laguna AAF turned into a world centre for testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unofficial and official flight duration records for solar-powered drones were set here. In particular, the British drone Zephyr conducted its historic flights here, remaining in the air for weeks without refuelling, utilising the region's unique atmospheric conditions.

Interesting Facts from the Airfield's History:

• Ideal Weather: Statistics accumulated over decades of airfield operation show that flying weather holds here for an average of 350 days a year, which is an absolute record for the USA.
• Helicopter Paradise: Laguna AAF was the main site for refining the legendary attack helicopter AH-64 Apache. Pilots tested the machine in conditions of extreme heat and dust to guarantee its reliability anywhere in the world.
• Nature Protection: Despite the military status, the airfield's history includes ecological chapters. In the 1990s, the base administration began an active programme to preserve the population of desert pronghorns inhabiting the vicinity of the runways.

Since Laguna AAF (LGF) is a closed military airfield located within the Yuma testing ground, the range of services and amenities here differs radically from what tourists are accustomed to seeing in civilian terminals. The facility's infrastructure is oriented exclusively towards supporting the daily life of military personnel, testers, and engineers. There are no shopping or entertainment zones available to the general public here.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

One should not expect high-end restaurants or familiar Starbucks coffee shops here. The catering system on the base is organised through military canteens and specialised service points:

• Dining Facilities (Mess Halls): Intended for feeding military personnel and civilian base staff. The menu here is utilitarian, hearty, and standardised.
• AAFES Stores (Army & Air Force Exchange Service): A general store, the Post Exchange (PX), operates on the garrison territory (not on the runway itself, but in the residential/administrative zone of the proving ground). Here you can buy basic necessities, electronics, clothing, and light snacks. Important: Purchases in such stores are generally tax-free but available only to holders of relevant IDs (US military ID, veteran card, etc.). An ordinary tourist will not be able to purchase anything here.
• Fast Food: Chain fast-food establishments (for example, Subway or Burger King) may be located on the garrison territory, working under contract with the army, but access to them is also limited by the base's access control.

Waiting Lounges and VIP Halls

The concept of a "business lounge" or Priority Pass card does not apply at Laguna airfield. Waiting zones represent briefing rooms for pilots or simple halls in administrative buildings. "VIP service" exists here, but it is of a protocol nature and is intended exclusively for high command or government delegations. Amenities for such guests are provided by the efforts of aides and base officers, not commercial airport services.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

In matters of communication at Laguna AAF, priority is given to information security:

• Wi-Fi: There are no open public Wi-Fi networks for guests here. The use of wireless networks is strictly regulated to prevent data leakage regarding tests.
• Device Charging: Special stands with USB ports for charging gadgets, as in civilian airports, are not provided here. Staff use ordinary sockets in offices.

Banks and Currency Exchange

Currency exchange points are absent at the airfield, as international commercial flights are not accepted. Financial services are represented by ATMs of American banks or Credit Unions located in the public zone of the garrison. They dispense only US dollars and are intended for cash withdrawals by employees.

Medical Services

A Health Clinic operates on the Yuma proving ground territory, providing primary care to military personnel and their families. In the event of an emergency at the airfield, military medics and rescue services are on duty. However, this is not tourist travel insurance medicine: in emergencies, civilians will be given first aid followed by evacuation to city hospitals in Yuma.

Services for Passengers with Children

The airfield is not adapted for family travel. There are no mother and child rooms, playgrounds, or stroller rental services. Visiting the facility with small children is possible only within the framework of rare "Open Days" or official ceremonies, but even in this case, special infrastructure is not deployed.

Services for Passengers with Disabilities

Since Laguna AAF is a US federal facility, administrative buildings generally comply with accessibility standards (ADA compliance) — equipped with ramps and wide doorways for employees with disabilities. However, there are no specialised escort services, ambulifts for boarding aircraft, or dedicated screening lines for civilian passengers with reduced mobility here.

Hotels at the Airport or Nearby

There are accommodation options directly on the proving ground territory (Yuma Proving Ground), but they are specific:

• IHG Army Hotels: Hotels of this chain often operate on the base (for example, Candlewood Suites on Yuma Proving Ground). They offer comfortable conditions comparable to civilian hotels, but priority for check-in is given to military personnel on business trips and their families. Civilians can stay here only with official sponsorship or contractor status.

For ordinary travellers, the nearest available hotels are located in the city of Yuma (approximately 30–40 minutes drive), near the civilian Yuma International Airport. A wide selection of hotels from well-known global brands is presented there.

Conference Halls and Business Centres

Infrastructure for business meetings at Laguna AAF is well-developed, but it is of a closed type. There are modern conference halls equipped with secure video conferencing and projectors, but they are used exclusively for military briefings, mission planning, and meetings with contractors. It is impossible to rent a hall for holding a corporate event or wedding here.

Since Laguna AAF (LGF) is a specialised military facility, you will not find the gastronomic scene familiar to tourists with food courts, panoramic restaurants, and coffee shops of famous chains in departure zones here. The dining concept here is subordinate to a strict daily schedule and functionality: food must be hearty, quick, and accessible for base personnel.

It is important to understand that there are no catering points for passengers directly on the flight line (in the zone of hangars and flight operations). All available establishments are located in the Garrison area of the Yuma proving ground, which must be reached by car from the airfield.

Main Establishments and Locations

Instead of distribution by terminals, dining on the base is concentrated in several key points of the public zone:

• Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill: This is the "heart" of the proving ground's social life, located in the entertainment centre. It is a classic American grill where one can have a full lunch in an informal setting.
  Location: Garrison area, Building 2.
  Atmosphere: Friendly, with televisions broadcasting sports and billiards tables.
• Food Court at AAFES Exchange (PX): Fast-food chain points are usually located in the base's main store (most often Subway is represented here). This is an ideal place for those who need a snack "on the run."
  Location: Garrison Shopping Centre (Post Exchange).
• Cactus Cafe: The main canteen for civilian staff and visitors, offering a wide selection of dishes on a serving line principle.
  Location: Base Administrative Zone.

Cuisine and Specialities

The menu of local establishments reflects the geographical location of Yuma — proximity to the Mexican border and the tastes of the American Southwest. Here is what is worth noting:

• Southwestern Burgers: At Kahuna's, it is worth trying burgers with the addition of green chillies or spicy jalapeño sauce — this is the region's calling card.
• Mexican Snacks: Nachos with melted cheese, quesadillas, and burritos are prepared authentically and generously here.
• American Classics: Buffalo wings, steak sandwiches, and hearty breakfasts with eggs and breakfast meats.

Dietary Catering (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

The choice for people with special dietary needs is limited here, but possible:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: At Subway, you can always assemble a sandwich from vegetables only (Veggie Delite). At the grill, salads (Garden Salad) or side dishes like French fries and vegetable sticks are available. Specialised vegan dishes are usually not on the menu.
• Gluten-Free Catering: In canteens and cafes, you can order meat dishes without buns or salads without croutons, but it is difficult to guarantee strict standards regarding the absence of gluten traces in a shared kitchen.
• Halal and Kosher: Local establishments usually do not hold specialised certificates. It is recommended to choose fish dishes or vegetarian options.

Prices and Payment

One of the main advantages of dining on a military base is the pricing policy. The cost of dishes here is lower than in civilian airports or city restaurants, and sales tax is often absent.

• Quick Snack (sandwich + drink): 8–12 US dollars.
• Full Lunch (hot dish + salad + drink): 12–18 US dollars.

Cash (US dollars) and bank cards of major payment systems are accepted for payment.

Opening Hours

The opening schedule of establishments is strictly tied to the garrison's service schedule and may be unusual for a tourist:

• Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill: Lunch from 11:00 to 13:00, dinner from 16:00 to 20:00 (times may change depending on the day of the week).
• Subway / Fast Food: Usually open from 07:00 to 18:00 or 19:00.
• Weekends and Holidays: Opening hours may be significantly reduced, or establishments may be closed.

Recommendations for Visitors

• For a quick snack: Head to the Exchange (PX) for a sandwich. This is the fastest way to eat without waiting for waiter service.
• For a full lunch: If you have an hour and a pass to the garrison zone, visit Kahuna's. This is the only place where you can relax in an air-conditioned room and feel the atmosphere of the base community.
• Take away: Since there is no food at the airfield itself (in the departure zone), it is wise to buy sandwiches and water in the garrison before you head to the flight line for boarding or performing tasks.

Travelling through Laguna AAF (LGF) differs radically from flying through an ordinary civilian airport. Since this is an active military facility on the Yuma proving ground, strict federal rules apply here. These tips are intended for authorised personnel, contractors, and official guests who have the right to use the airfield.

Recommendations on Arrival Time

Forget the standard rule of "arriving 2 hours before departure." At Laguna AAF, time is calculated based on base access procedures:

• Allow a minimum of 30–45 minutes at the gate: If you do not have a permanent Department of Defense pass (CAC card), you will have to visit the Visitor Control Center (VCC) to arrange a temporary permit. There may be queues here during morning peak hours.
• Arrival at the airfield: After passing the checkpoint, the journey to the airfield itself will take another 15–20 minutes through the proving ground territory. It is recommended to be at the Flight Operations building (Base Operations) 1 hour before the scheduled departure or briefing time.

Registration and Security Features

There are no check-in counters with smiling agents and luggage belts here. The process looks different:

• Documents are everything: Ensure your identification meets REAL ID requirements. Driving licences from some states may not be accepted without a second document (for example, a passport).
• Vehicle Inspection: Be prepared for your vehicle to be fully inspected at the entrance (bonnet, boot, doors).
• Personal Search: Conducted by military police. You will not be asked to remove your shoes as in civilian airports, but the check for prohibited items (weapons, drugs) will be extremely strict.

Tips on Choosing a Seat on the Plane

If you are flying on a military aircraft (MilAir) or a contractor charter, the concept of "seat selection" is often absent:

• Listen to the Loadmaster: On board transport aircraft (for example, C-12 Huron or C-130), seating is directed by the crew member responsible for loading. Sit strictly where you are told — this is a matter of balancing the vessel.
• Comfort: Be prepared for red web seating along the sides and increased noise. In such cases, it is recommended to have earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones with you.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Luggage carriage rules here are dictated not only by flight safety but also by facility secrecy (OPSEC):

• Strict ban on photo equipment: The use of professional cameras, drones, and even dashcams on the airfield territory is strictly prohibited without written permission from the public affairs officer. It is better to leave equipment at home or stow it deep in your bag before entering the base.
• Electronics: Laptops and phones can be carried, but their use may be limited in certain areas of the base.
• Substances: Remember that this is a federal facility. Even if Arizona state laws permit certain substances (for example, marijuana), possession of them on military base territory is a federal crime.

Recommendations for Passengers with Transfers

Direct connections at Laguna AAF do not exist. If your final destination is another US city or another continent, you need to get to a civilian hub.

• Action Plan: Upon arriving at Laguna AAF, you will require a ground transfer (rented car or official vehicle) to the civilian Yuma International Airport (about 30–40 minutes drive). Plan a transfer time with a margin of at least 3 hours, taking into account the time to exit the proving ground and re-register at the civilian terminal.

Customs Control Features

If the aircraft arrives from abroad (for example, from a base in Germany or Japan), customs procedures are conducted, but in a simplified format for the military. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may arrive at the airfield upon request. For the passenger, the main thing is to have a passport and official travel orders, which often replace a visa.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Food with you: Since there are no cafes at the airfield itself, and you have to drive to the nearest fast food in the garrison, take water and sandwiches with you. This will save time and nerves.
• Car refuelling: If you have access to the garrison petrol station (AAFES gas station), fuel prices there are usually lower than in the city of Yuma. Refuel before leaving the base.
• Accommodation: If you are required to stay overnight before departure, book an IHG Army Hotel on the base territory. This is usually cheaper than city hotels and saves you from morning traffic jams at the checkpoint.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays at military airfields happen often due to the priority of test missions or technical reasons.

• No compensation: Civilian air travel rules do not apply here. You will not be offered a hotel voucher or food.
• Communication and Leisure: Mobile reception may be poor in waiting zones, and Wi-Fi is often absent or password-protected. Be sure to download films, books, or music to your device in advance to pass the time.
• Check status: There are no information boards here. The only source of information is the pilots or the officer responsible for your reception (Point of Contact). Keep their phone number at hand.