MCCONNELL AFB
AIR FORCE
Wichita, KS
United States
MCCONNELL AFB
AIR FORCE
Wichita, KS
United States
McConnell AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the KC-46 Pegasus refueling mission in Wichita, KS — an air mobility posting with Kansas's very low cost of living, Midwest lifestyle, and Wichita's aviation industry employment base for spouses.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1951
Acres
3,800
Active Duty
3,500
Civilian
1,200
Population
650,000
Economic Impact
$700 million
McConnell AFB History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Fred J. McConnell; Second Lieutenant Thomas L. McConnell
McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, was activated in 1951 and named after the McConnell brothers, both killed in military aviation service. During the Cold War it operated B-47 bombers and Titan II ICBMs. Today McConnell is one of the primary operating bases for the KC-46 Pegasus, the Air Force's newest aerial refueling tanker. The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is leading the operational transition to the KC-46, positioning McConnell at the forefront of the tanker modernization effort.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
22nd Air Refueling Wing (KC-46)
—
—
931st Air Refueling Wing (AFRC)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Wichita Army Air Field
1994
KC-135 Tanker Wing Established
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1942
Established as Wichita Army Air Field
The installation opened in 1942 using Wichita Municipal Airport infrastructure for B-29 crew training. It was renamed McConnell AFB in 1951 in honor of brothers Fred and Thomas McConnell — both Kansas natives killed flying for the Air Force during WWII.
1994
KC-135 Tanker Wing Established
McConnell was designated a primary Air Mobility Command tanker base in the early 1990s, becoming the home of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing flying KC-135 Stratotankers. The base transitioned to KC-46A Pegasus tankers beginning in 2019 and serves as a major hub for air refueling operations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for McConnell AFB.
McConnell AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for McConnell 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 McConnell AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to McConnell AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
22nd Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(316) 759-4626Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at McConnell AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all mandatory appointments, including the consolidated Welcome Center in-processing appointment and the mandatory Newcomer's Right Start orientation. After-hours arrivals report to the Hap Arnold Houses on-base lodging office, which is available 24 hours daily.
Right Start is held periodically and covers base services, community resources, and a welcome from wing leadership. First-term airmen attend the First Term Enlisted Center (FTEC) as an additional mandatory program. The M&FRC at (316) 759-4626 coordinates relocation assistance, school liaison, and spouse employment resources.
McConnell AFB is home to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing (KC-46A Pegasus) and the 931st Air Refueling Wing (Reserve). Located in Wichita, Kansas — the "Air Capital of the World" — the area offers a very affordable cost of living, strong job market, and a welcoming military 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 McConnell AFB.
On-post family housing at McConnell AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential community offers 2–4 bedroom homes, and many families choose off-post housing in the Wichita metro given the city's size and amenities. McConnell AFB is located on the southeastern edge of Wichita, Kansas — the state's largest city with approximately 390,000 in…
Local Market
$1,200/mo
rent
/
$240,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around McConnell AFB
82
18% 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 McConnell AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
1
Middle Schools
View schools
3
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
McConnell AFB sits on the southeast edge of Wichita, Kansas, home of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. Wichita is Kansas's largest city and the "Air Capital of the World," with a major aerospace manufacturing base, a revitalized downtown, and one of the lowest costs of living among major Air Force installations. The city's geographic openness provides easy access to all quadrants.
Derby
Suburban
A Sedgwick County suburb southeast of Wichita near McConnell's main gate, Derby is consistently the top choice for McConnell families. Derby USD 260 is one of the top-rated school districts in Kansas, and newer residential developments offer good value. The commute to McConnell runs about 10–15 minutes via Buckner Road or Rock Road. The city has a strong community character and a growing retail corridor.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Derby USD 260
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Top Kansas school district, McConnell proximity, family-oriented community, newer construction, very affordable Midwest housing
Andover
Suburban
Northeast of McConnell but very accessible via Kellogg Avenue (US-54), Andover is a growing suburb in Butler County with Andover USD 385 — another highly-rated Kansas school district. The commute is 20–25 minutes. Andover has seen explosive residential growth and has the newest housing stock in the Wichita metro. Many officer families choose Andover for the school-home quality combination.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Andover USD 385
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Highly rated schools, newest housing in Wichita area, Butler County quality of life, Veteran's Memorial Park
South Wichita
Urban
For families who want city-adjacent living with the shortest possible commute to McConnell's south gate, south Wichita neighborhoods offer established housing at the lowest prices in the metro. USD 259 Wichita schools serve the area. Downtown Wichita's Old Town, Keeper of the Plains, and the Sedgwick County Zoo are all accessible. Budget-conscious families find excellent value here.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Wichita USD 259
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Closest neighborhood to McConnell, lowest prices in metro, downtown Wichita access, Sedgwick County Zoo, Keeper of the Plains
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at McConnell AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
Kansas fully exempts active duty military pay from state income tax under SB 269 (2022), which significantly expanded mi…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Kansas for Kansas income tax purposes. A qualify…
Vehicle Registration
Kansas counties levy an annual vehicle property tax. Military members who are not Kansas legal residents are exempt from…
Property Tax
Kansas has moderate property tax rates set at the county level. Riley County (Fort Riley), Leavenworth County (Fort Leav…
Pet Policies at McConnell AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at McConnell 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 McConnell AFB.
Commissary
1
McConnell AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
22nd Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about McConnell AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main 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 McConnell 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 McConnell 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
Dyess AFB
Abilene, TX
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
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.