OFFUTT AFB
AIR FORCE
Bellevue, NE
United States
OFFUTT AFB
AIR FORCE
Bellevue, NE
United States
Offutt AFB
Base Essentials
Home of U.S. Strategic Command and the 55th Wing's ISR mission in Omaha's suburb of Bellevue, NE — a command-heavy posting with strong leadership career paths, Midwest affordability, and Big Ten sports.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1896
Acres
4,600
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
5,000
Population
950,000
Economic Impact
$2.5 billion
Offutt AFB History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Jarvis Jenne Offutt
Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Nebraska, has military roots dating to 1896 as Fort Crook. It gained fame as the headquarters of Strategic Air Command during the Cold War and is now home to U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees the nation's nuclear deterrent, space operations, and global strike planning. The 55th Wing, the Air Force's largest wing, operates the RC-135 family of reconnaissance aircraft and other ISR platforms from Offutt. A major reconstruction effort followed devastating floods in 2019 that inundated portions of the base. Offutt remains central to the nation's strategic deterrence and global awareness mission.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
U.S. Strategic Command (HQ)
—
—
55th Wing (RC-135)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1896
Fort Crook Established Near Bellevue, Nebraska
1944
Martin Aircraft Plant Assembles B-29s Including Enola Gay and Bockscar
1948
Strategic Air Command Headquarters Established
1961
Operation Looking Glass Airborne Command Post Begins
1992
USSTRATCOM Replaces Strategic Air Command
2001
President Bush Directed to Offutt After September 11
—
View Key Moments
(6)
1896
Fort Crook Established Near Bellevue, Nebraska
Fort Crook was established near Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1896, named after Civil War general and Indian Wars commander George Crook. The military reservation that began as a frontier garrison would grow over the following century into one of the most strategically significant bases in the United States.
1944
Martin Aircraft Plant Assembles B-29s Including Enola Gay and Bockscar
The Glenn L. Martin Company aircraft plant at Offutt Field assembled B-29 Superfortress bombers during World War II, including the Enola Gay and Bockscar — the aircraft that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Both aircraft were completed and delivered from this Omaha-area plant.
1948
Strategic Air Command Headquarters Established
Strategic Air Command (SAC) relocated its headquarters to Offutt Air Force Base in November 1948 under Gen. Curtis LeMay. Offutt became the command center for America's nuclear deterrent — the most powerful concentration of military force ever assembled — and remained SAC's headquarters for the entire Cold War.
1961
Operation Looking Glass Airborne Command Post Begins
Operation Looking Glass began continuous 24-hour airborne alert operations from Offutt on February 3, 1961. An EC-135 airborne command post remained aloft around the clock, every day, for 29 consecutive years — until July 24, 1990 — ensuring uninterrupted nuclear command authority even if Offutt was destroyed in a first strike.
1992
USSTRATCOM Replaces Strategic Air Command
Following the end of the Cold War, Strategic Air Command was inactivated on June 1, 1992, and replaced by U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt. STRATCOM assumed responsibility for the nuclear deterrent while expanding to encompass space operations, cyberspace, missile defense, and strategic conventional forces.
2001
President Bush Directed to Offutt After September 11
Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush was directed to Offutt Air Force Base, where USSTRATCOM's hardened command facilities enabled him to convene a National Security Council meeting via secure video conference. The visit underscored Offutt's enduring role as the nation's strategic command center.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Offutt AFB.
Offutt AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Offutt 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 Offutt AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Offutt AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Offutt Welcome Center
Phone
(402) 827-8554Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Processing
When arriving during normal duty hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM), report directly to the Offutt Welcome Center at 1600 Highway 370, at the intersection of Highway 370 and Fort Crook Road. Bring copies of your orders, all moving paperwork, personnel records, and school records for any children. Your sponsor should meet you at the Welcome Center to guide you through the initial check-in process. If you arrive after normal duty hours, on weekends, or on holidays, report to the Offutt Inns Reception Office in the Malmstrom Inn, 906 SAC Boulevard.
Your gaining unit will schedule you for base in-processing and the mandatory Newcomers' Orientation (Right Start), which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM (doors open at 0730). Attendance is mandatory for all active-duty personnel regardless of unit of assignment or prior assignment to Offutt AFB. Spouses of active-duty members and DoD civilian employees are also welcome to attend. Contact your gaining unit and sponsor before arriving so you know exactly where and when to report.
The Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC), located at 705 Nelson Drive, Building 323C, Room 206, provides free relocation assistance, community information, and settling-in services ((402) 294-4329). The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) at 105 Washington Square, Building 49, Room 100, handles personnel in-processing ((402) 294-2374). The M&FRC also offers lending lockers with household items for families awaiting their household goods shipment.
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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 Offutt AFB.
On-post housing at Offutt Air Force Base is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods across the installation near Bellevue, Nebraska — a suburb of Omaha — with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring updated amenities, community centers, playgrounds, and access to Offutt's full suite of base services. Balfour Beatty provides 24/7 maintenanc…
Local Market
$1,350/mo
rent
/
$300,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Offutt AFB
88
12% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Offutt AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
Elementary Schools
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2
Middle Schools
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4
High Schools
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5
Colleges & Universities
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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
Offutt AFB is located in Bellevue, Nebraska, just south of Omaha — the largest city in the state. Home to U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt attracts senior military and DoD personnel. Omaha is a genuine mid-sized American city with a nationally recognized restaurant scene, the Henry Doorly Zoo, the College World Series, Warren Buffett's hometown character, and very affordable Midwestern housing.
Bellevue
Suburban
Bellevue is the city directly adjacent to Offutt AFB and the most convenient community for Strategic Command families. It's a well-established Nebraska suburb with good schools, affordable housing, and a full range of amenities along the Cornhusker Road and Ft. Crook Road corridors. The military community is large and well-integrated. Omaha is 10 minutes north for everything Bellevue doesn't have.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Capehart Road)
Schools: Bellevue Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is one of the Midwest's premier nature areas. Sarpy County has some of Nebraska's lowest crime rates. Omaha's Old Market district is 15 min for outstanding dining and entertainment. Nebraska winters are real, but Offutt has a strong community that embraces them.
Papillion / La Vista
Suburban
Papillion and La Vista sit just north of Bellevue and offer the most sought-after schools in the Omaha metro through the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools (PLCS) district, which consistently earns top state ratings. These are polished suburbs with newer construction, excellent parks, and a booming restaurant and retail scene. Officers and senior NCOs with school-age children overwhelmingly choose this corridor.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (Capehart Road)
Schools: Papillion-La Vista Community Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Papillion-La Vista schools are Nebraska's gold standard. Shadow Lake Towne Center and Village Pointe give excellent retail options. Zorinsky Lake Park for walking, fishing, and recreation. Omaha's thriving Old Market and Aksarben Village are 15-20 min for major dining and entertainment.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Offutt AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Nebraska has graduated income tax rates up to 5.84% (being phased down through 2027). Active duty base pay of Nebraska r…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Nebraska are exempt from Nebraska income tax on…
Vehicle Registration
Disabled veterans may qualify for a motor vehicle tax exemption on vehicles purchased on or after December 7, 2025 and r…
Property Tax
Qualified disabled veterans may receive a 100% exemption from Nebraska property taxes on their primary residence. Contac…
Pet Policies at Offutt AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Offutt AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Offutt Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic
Phone
(402) 294-6141Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Offutt AFB.
Commissary
1
Offutt AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
55th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Offutt AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
SAC 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 a commissary on base?
Yes, Offutt AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Wed 9am–6pm, Thu–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Offutt AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
55th Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Offutt AFB. Call (402) 294-7913 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Offutt AFB has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Offutt 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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07
What school district serves the base?
Bellevue Public Schools (rated B+) serves most military families at Offutt AFB. Visit https://www.bpsne.net for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Offutt AFB restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Rising View Community Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Offutt AFB.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Offutt AFB has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
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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12
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 Offutt AFB.
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13
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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14
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 Offutt 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.