Hawthorne Army Depot (HWAD) stands as a cornerstone of America’s defense readiness, ensuring that our joint forces are equipped and prepared to confront any challenge, anywhere in the world. At HWAD, the mission is straightforward but vital: to receive, store, and issue conventional munitions, to safely demilitarize and dispose of unserviceable, obsolete, and surplus munitions, and to maintain serviceability through rigorous inspection and renovation. This work isn’t just about logistics; it’s about safeguarding the backbone of our military operations and ensuring that our warfighters have the tools they need to defend freedom and protect American interests.

HWAD’s operations represent a commitment to excellence, safety, and responsibility that extends beyond its gates. By securely handling and disposing of aging munitions, HWAD underscores its dedication to protecting both our forces and our environment. At the same time, its meticulous renovation and inspection processes ensure that every piece of ordnance meets the highest standards of reliability and readiness. For the American public, HWAD’s mission is a clear demonstration of the relentless effort behind the scenes that keeps our military strong, agile, and ready for anything. It’s not just a depot—it’s a testament to the ingenuity, precision, and resolve that define the United States military.

FACILITIES: HWAD is housed on more than 147,000 acres. The depot has more than 400 administrative and storage buildings, more than 1,950 earth-covered magazines, more than 970 above ground magazines, more than 150 open storage locations (Y-Sites), six loading/shipping docks and three pads. HWAD also owns its own water rights, is self-sustaining and processes its own potable water through its state-of-the-art water treatment facility.