NELLIS & CREECH AFB
AIR FORCE
Las Vegas, NV
United States
NELLIS & CREECH AFB
AIR FORCE
Las Vegas, NV
United States
Nellis & Creech AFB
Home of the Fighter Pilot
Base Essentials
Home of the Air Force Weapons School and USAF Warfare Center in the Las Vegas suburb of North Las Vegas — the Air Force's premier combat airpower testing and tactics development installation with Las Vegas at the doorstep.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
14,000
Active Duty
10,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
2,300,000
Economic Impact
$3.2 billion
Nellis & Creech AFB History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant William Harrell Nellis
Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, was established in 1941 and is the home of the Air Force's advanced aerial combat training enterprise. It hosts the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, the premier graduate-level tactical training program, and the Nevada Test and Training Range, the largest contiguous air and ground space available for peacetime military operations in the free world. Nellis also hosts the RED FLAG large-force exercises that prepare combat air forces for war. The base is indispensable to the Air Force's tactical readiness and combat edge.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Air Force Weapons School
—
—
57th Wing
—
—
99th Air Base Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Las Vegas Army Airfield Established for Gunnery Training
1950
Renamed Nellis Air Force Base
1966
USAF Weapons School Established
1975
Red Flag Exercise Program Established
2005
F-22 Raptor Arrives at Nellis
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1941
Las Vegas Army Airfield Established for Gunnery Training
Las Vegas Army Airfield was established in the Nevada desert to train Army Air Forces aerial gunnery instructors. The clear desert skies, vast open ranges, and excellent year-round flying weather made the Las Vegas Valley an ideal location for aviation gunnery training during the WWII buildup.
1950
Renamed Nellis Air Force Base
The airfield was renamed Nellis Air Force Base to honor Las Vegas native First Lt. William Harrell Nellis, a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot of the 514th Fighter Squadron who was killed in action over Luxembourg on December 27, 1944. Nellis was a decorated combat pilot with multiple aerial victories.
1966
USAF Weapons School Established
The U.S. Air Force Weapons School — the Air Force's graduate-level combat training institution — was established at Nellis as the definitive center for weapons and tactics instruction. The Weapons School trains the Air Force's most experienced combat aviators to become instructors who carry advanced tactics back to their units.
1975
Red Flag Exercise Program Established
The Red Flag large-force exercise program was established at Nellis Air Force Base in 1975, providing realistic combat training for aircrew from the U.S. and allied nations over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Red Flag's mission — to give pilots their first 10 combat "missions" in a safe environment — became the model for realistic air warfare training worldwide.
2005
F-22 Raptor Arrives at Nellis
The first F-22 Raptor fifth-generation stealth fighters arrived at Nellis Air Force Base in 2005 for operational testing and initial employment by the USAF Weapons School. Nellis became the proving ground for F-22 tactics and the hub for fifth-generation air superiority training.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Nellis & Creech AFB.
Nellis & Creech AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Nellis & Creech 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 Nellis & Creech AFB.
Information
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Nellis & Creech AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(702) 652-3327Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Thu: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Nellis AFB during duty hours, report directly to your gaining unit's Commander Support Staff (CSS) or orderly room. If you arrive after hours or on a weekend/holiday, report to the 24-hour Lodging Office at the Nellis Inn (Building 556, 5941 Fitzgerald Blvd). The next business day, check in with the Military Personnel Section (MPS) in Building 20, Room 319, where in-processing begins at 9:00 AM. The Visitor Control Center at 5661 Fitzgerald Blvd ((702) 652-3216) is open 24/7 for base access.
The Military Personnel Section conducts formal in-processing Monday–Friday at 9:00 AM in Building 20, Room 319, covering Right Start scheduling and Finance appointments. Finance in-processing is handled via online chat through the 99th Comptroller Squadron website (Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM). Most newcomers complete core requirements within the first week.
The M&FRC in Building 312 ((702) 652-3327) offers relocation assistance, the Lending Locker with kitchen items, air mattresses, car seats, strollers, and household goods while awaiting shipments, plus 20 hours of free childcare for PCS moves. Right Start Newcomers Orientation provides a comprehensive base and Las Vegas community overview with an information fair. The M&FRC also provides spouse employment assistance and EFMP support.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Nellis & Creech AFB.
On-post housing at Nellis Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Companies, which operates family communities northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring modern kitchens, updated appliances, fenced yards, and access to community pools, fitness facilities, and playgrounds. Hunt provides 24/7 maintenance services and an online resident portal for a…
Local Market
$2,000/mo
rent
/
$440,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Nellis & Creech AFB
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Nellis & Creech AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
1
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
View schools
4
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Nellis AFB is located on the northeastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley, home to the Air Force Warfare Center and the famous Red Flag exercises. Las Vegas needs no introduction — the world's entertainment capital also has a full residential ecosystem in its suburban valleys of Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas. Nevada has no state income tax, a significant financial benefit for military families.
Aliante (North Las Vegas)
Suburban
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Clark County School District
Most popular off-post area; affordable; master-planned community; strong military presence; newer construction
Centennial Hills
Suburban
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Clark County School District
Family-friendly HOA community; newer homes; good elementary schools; slightly longer commute
Henderson
Urban
Commute: 35 min
Schools: Clark County School District
Consistently safest city in Nevada; top-rated CCSD schools (Anthem, Green Valley); preferred by families with school-age children despite longer commute
Summerlin
Suburban
Commute: 40 min
Schools: Clark County School District
Highest-rated CCSD schools; premium neighborhoods; most amenities; popular with senior officers; longest commute to Nellis
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Nellis & Creech AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
Nevada has no state income tax. All military pay and retirement income are fully exempt. Nevada also has no franchise or…
Spouse Income Tax
Nevada has no state income tax. Military spouses are not subject to Nevada income tax regardless of domicile.
Vehicle Registration
Nevada has no vehicle property tax. Annual registration fees apply and are based on vehicle value (Governmental Services…
Property Tax
Nevada has some of the lowest property tax rates in the country. The Abatement Cap limits annual increases to 3% for pri…
Pet Policies at Nellis & Creech AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Nellis & Creech AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Nellis AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(702) 652-8836Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1 PM)
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Nellis & Creech AFB.
Commissary
1
Nellis AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nellis & Creech 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.
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02
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Nellis & Creech AFB has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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03
What school district serves the base?
Clark County School District (rated B (Niche)) serves most military families at Nellis & Creech AFB. Visit ccsd.net for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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04
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.
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05
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 Nellis & Creech AFB.
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06
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.
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07
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 Nellis & Creech AFB.
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Question
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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.