DYESS AFB
AIR FORCE
Abilene, TX
United States
DYESS AFB
AIR FORCE
Abilene, TX
United States
Dyess AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the B-1B Lancer and C-130J missions in Abilene, TX — a dual-mission installation with Texas's affordable lifestyle, friendly community, and strong family support programs.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFGSC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
6,400
Active Duty
5,000
Civilian
1,200
Population
175,000
Economic Impact
$800 million
Dyess AFB History
Named AfterLieutenant Colonel William Edwin Dyess
Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, was activated in 1942 and named after Lieutenant Colonel William Edwin Dyess, a World War II hero and Bataan Death March survivor. During the Cold War it served as a missile and bomber base. Today Dyess is home to the 7th Bomb Wing, operating the B-1B Lancer bomber, and the 317th Airlift Wing, flying the C-130J Super Hercules. The base plays a dual role in global strike and tactical airlift and will be affected by eventual decisions on the B-1B fleet's retirement as the B-21 Raider comes online.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
7th Bomb Wing
—
—
317th Airlift Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Abilene Army Air Field
1985
B-1B Lancer Arrives at Dyess
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1942
Established as Abilene Army Air Field
Abilene Army Air Field opened in 1942 as a WWII pilot training base in west Texas. The installation was renamed Dyess Air Force Base in 1956 in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Edwin Dyess, a Texas native who escaped Japanese captivity and was killed in a 1943 training accident.
1985
B-1B Lancer Arrives at Dyess
The first B-1B Lancer bomber arrived at Dyess AFB in 1985, beginning the installation's identity as the first operational B-1B base. Dyess remains the only base where both the B-1B and C-130 operate side by side.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Dyess AFB.
Dyess AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Dyess AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Dyess AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Dyess AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
7th Force Support Squadron — Dyess Welcome Center
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Dyess AFB during duty hours, personnel report to their duty section and then to the Commander's Support Staff or Group Orderly Room, which provides detailed in-processing instructions. After-hours arrivals report to The Inns of Dyess lodging (441 5th Street), which is open 24/7. The CSS schedules all required appointments with Transportation Management, Housing, Finance, and the Welcome Center — a consolidated one-stop shop for new arrivals.
First-term enlisted airmen are required to complete the First Term Enlisted Course (FTEC) within 45 days of arrival. All other permanent-party members attend the mandatory Newcomer's Orientation. The M&FRC at (325) 696-5999 assists with sponsor connectivity and relocation support.
Dyess AFB is home to the 7th Bomb Wing (B-1B Lancer) and the 317th Airlift Wing (C-130J), located near Abilene, TX. The M&FRC offers a comprehensive PCS welcome packet and area orientation resources for Dyess and the Abilene community.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Dyess AFB.
On-post family housing at Dyess AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities under the Air Force's RCI program. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes and are convenient to the flightline and base schools. Dyess's West Texas location makes on-post community life popular with families. Abilene, Texas is a mid-sized West Texas city with an affordable housin…
Local Market
$1,100/mo
rent
/
$200,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Dyess AFB
80
20% Below National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Dyess AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
1
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Dyess AFB is located on the southwest edge of Abilene, Texas, home of the 7th Bomb Wing. Abilene is a mid-sized West Texas city with a strong military tradition, three university campuses (Hardin-Simmons, McMurry, Abilene Christian), and a growing downtown arts and food scene. The cost of living is low by Texas standards, and BAH covers comfortable family housing.
Southwest Abilene
Suburban
The residential areas closest to Dyess's main gate, southwest Abilene includes established neighborhoods along Southwest Drive and Buffalo Gap Road. Abilene ISD serves most of the city, and the Wylie ISD boundary begins as you move further southwest — Wylie schools are consistently rated higher. Housing is very affordable, and the commute to gate is minimal.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Abilene ISD / Wylie ISD (depending on address)
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Closest to Dyess, very affordable housing, some addresses in preferred Wylie ISD, easy gate access
Wylie / Buffalo Gap area
Suburban
The Wylie ISD area southeast of Abilene is the most sought-after school zone for Dyess families. Wylie schools consistently outperform Abilene ISD. The Buffalo Gap corridor offers newer construction and a slightly more suburban feel while maintaining easy access to the base via Joplin Road or the loop. Home values are stronger in this zone than central Abilene.
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Wylie ISD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Preferred school district near Dyess, newer construction, higher home values, quiet suburban character
Abilene Downtown / Historic District
Urban
For singles and couples who want to tap into Abilene's growing cultural scene, the downtown and historic Sayles neighborhoods offer older renovated homes, walkable access to restaurants, the Paramount Theatre, and the Frontier Texas history museum. Abilene ISD serves the area. The ACU and Hardin-Simmons campuses add cultural programming year-round.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Abilene ISD
Single service members
Retirees
Dual military
Growing food and arts scene, walkable urban neighborhoods, Paramount Theatre, three university campuses' cultural programming
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Dyess AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Texas has no state income tax. All military pay, special pays, and retirement income are fully exempt. Texas is one of t…
Spouse Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax. Military spouses living in Texas are not subject to Texas income tax regardless of their…
Vehicle Registration
Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchases. Active duty military members who are legal residents of anot…
Property Tax
Texas has no state income tax but relatively high property tax rates — typically 1.5%–2.5% of appraised value depending…
Pet Policies at Dyess AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Dyess AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Dyess AFB.
Commissary
1
Dyess AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
7th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dyess AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Arnold Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
Read answer
02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
Read answer
03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Dyess AFB.
Read answer
04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
Read answer
05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Dyess AFB.
Read answer
Question
More AIR FORCE Installations
Explore other AIR FORCE bases and installations.
Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
Altus AFB
Altus, OK
Andersen AFB
Yigo, GU
Arnold AFB
Tullahoma, TN
Aviano AB
Aviano, Pordenone
Barksdale AFB
Bossier City, LA
Beale AFB
Marysville, CA
Cannon AFB
Clovis, NM
Columbus AFB
Columbus, MS
Davis-Monthan AFB
Tucson, AZ
Dover AFB
Dover, DE
Edwards AFB
Rosamond, CA
Eglin AFB
Valparaiso, FL
Eielson AFB
Fairbanks, AK
Ellsworth AFB
Box Elder, SD
F.E. Warren AFB
Cheyenne, WY
Fairchild AFB
Airway Heights, WA
Goodfellow AFB
San Angelo, TX
Grand Forks AFB
Grand Forks, ND
Hanscom AFB
Bedford, MA
Hawaii – Air Force
Honolulu, HI
Hill AFB
Clearfield, UT
Holloman AFB
Alamogordo, NM
Homestead ARB
Homestead, FL
Hurlburt Field
Mary Esther, FL
Joint Base Andrews
Camp Springs, MD
Keesler AFB
Biloxi, MS
Kirtland AFB
Albuquerque, NM
Lackland AFB
San Antonio, TX
Laughlin AFB
Del Rio, TX
Little Rock AFB
Jacksonville, AR
Luke AFB
Glendale, AZ
MacDill AFB
Tampa, FL
Malmstrom AFB
Great Falls, MT
March ARB
Moreno Valley, CA
Maxwell-Gunter AFB
Montgomery, AL
McConnell AFB
Wichita, KS
Minot AFB
Minot, ND
Moody AFB
Valdosta, GA
Mountain Home AFB
Mountain Home, ID
Nellis & Creech AFB
Las Vegas, NV
Offutt AFB
Bellevue, NE
Ramstein Air Base
Ramstein-Miesenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate
Robins AFB
Warner Robins, GA
Scott AFB
Belleville, IL
Seymour Johnson AFB
Goldsboro, NC
Shaw AFB
Sumter, SC
Sheppard AFB
Wichita Falls, TX
Tinker AFB
Oklahoma City, OK
Travis AFB
Fairfield, CA
Tyndall AFB
Panama City, FL
Vance AFB
Enid, OK
Westover ARB
Chicopee, MA
Whiteman AFB
Knob Noster, MO
Wright Patterson AFB
Dayton, OH
Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.