Officials at Vandenberg Space Force Base will launch the first of a planned community speaker series Friday night in Lompoc. 

“Mission Update” will occur from 4-6 p.m. at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center, 1120 W. Ocean Ave. in Lompoc.

This event is part of a broader effort to engage with local communities, provide updates on Vandenberg’s mission, and address questions about sonic booms and their impacts.

“Mission update” will feature Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30, and Kent Gee, Brigham Young University Physics Department and lead researcher for the ECOBOOM study. 

They will provide insights into Vandenberg’s operations, its critical role in national defense, and ongoing efforts to mitigate sonic boom impacts on the surrounding communities, base officials said. 

“Vandenberg Space Force Base is proud to be a vital part of the Central Coast community. This speaker series is an opportunity to share updates on our mission, address community concerns, and strengthen the partnership we have with our neighbors,” Horne said.  “We look forward to an open and productive dialogue.”

Central Coast residents have raised concerns and complaints about the spike in the number of rocket launches. Issues include the impact to marine life, environment, homes and more.

Amid complaints about noise Vandenberg has joined with universities to conduct research on noise related to rocket launches.

The free event is open to the public.