Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Welcome to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island (SCI), where the landscape is rustic, wildlife plentiful and the people are friendly. SCI is a unique military installation in that it is home to real-world situation military training as well as endangered species habitats and research facilities. As soon as you land and take the short drive from the Air Terminal into "The Commons" living area, you feel the small-town camaraderie due in large part to the “SCI wave” you’ll receive from each person you pass.

The Navy has owned the Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF), San Clemente Island since 1937, but came into its current importance during the past decade. It is the Navy's only remaining live fire range. San Clemente is the southernmost Channel Island, covering 57 square miles (equating to 37,000 acres). The island is approximately 21 nm long and is 4-1/2 nm across at its widest point. It lies 55 nautical miles (nm) south of Long Beach and 68 nm west of San Diego.

Operations:

One of the primary military function of San Clemente has been to support research and development of many of the Navy's weapon systems. In 1939, the Navy developed the first Landing Craft, Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP) "Higgins Boat" at SCI. This was the beginning of the Naval Amphibious Force, which was one of the key factors in the outcome of World War II. Today SCI's primary function is twofold: (1) to support tactical training of the Pacific Fleet, and (2) to continue as a key research and development facility. SCI provides the Navy and Marine Corps a multi-threat warfare training range. A major part of Navy training takes place on the ranges right off the SCI shores.