PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Cocoa Beach, FL
United States
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE
SPACE FORCE
Cocoa Beach, FL
United States
Patrick Space Force Base
World's Premier Gateway to Space
Base Essentials
Home of Space Launch Delta 45 and the Eastern Range on Florida's Space Coast in Brevard County — rocket launches from the doorstep, beach access, and proximity to Kennedy Space Center.
Base Details
Type
Space Force Station
Branch
SPACE FORCE
Command
USSF
Status
Active
Est.
1940
Acres
2,300
Active Duty
3,000
Civilian
2,500
Population
600,000
Economic Impact
$1.2 billion
Patrick Space Force Base History
Named AfterMajor General Mason Matthews Patrick
Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida, was established in 1940 and serves as the administrative and support hub for military space launch operations at nearby Cape Canaveral. Redesignated as Patrick Space Force Base, it is home to Space Launch Delta 45 under the U.S. Space Force, which provides range safety and support for all launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. The base is at the center of the nation's space launch enterprise and continues to grow as commercial and military launch tempos increase.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Space Launch Delta 45 (USSF)
—
—
45th Weather Squadron
—
—
Historic Timeline
1940
Established as Banana River Naval Air Station
1950
Becomes Hub for U.S. Missile and Space Programs
2020
Redesignated Patrick Space Force Base
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1940
Established as Banana River Naval Air Station
The installation opened in 1940 as Banana River Naval Air Station on Florida's Atlantic coast. It transferred to the Air Force in 1948 and was renamed Patrick Air Force Base in 1950 in honor of General Mason Patrick, Chief of the Army Air Service during WWI.
1950
Becomes Hub for U.S. Missile and Space Programs
Patrick AFB became the support installation for Cape Canaveral, hosting the headquarters of the Air Force Eastern Test Range and supporting launches of America's first satellites, astronauts, and ICBMs from the adjacent Cape. It has supported every major U.S. space launch from the East Coast.
2020
Redesignated Patrick Space Force Base
Patrick AFB was redesignated Patrick Space Force Base on May 1, 2020, reflecting the transfer of the installation's primary missions to the newly established U.S. Space Force. It is one of the first installations to carry the Space Force designation.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Patrick Space Force Base.
Patrick Space Force Base Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Patrick Space Force Base.
Main Gate
Hours coming soon
Visitor Center Gate
Hours coming soon
Back Gate
Hours coming soon
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on Patrick Space Force Base.
Check Visitor Pass details below
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors must obtain a pass at either the South Gate or East Gate; ID card registration happens at the East Gate. The document does not specify which ID types are required.
Confirmed May 21, 2026
· Sources: official .mil sites, MilitaryOneSource, base guide
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Patrick Space Force Base.
Information
Patrick Space Force Base: Welcome Center Updates
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19 of the Best Restaurants Near Patrick AFB (Now Space Force Base)
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2 Patrick AFB Housing Options (Now Patrick Space Force Base)
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24 Things to Do Near Patrick AFB (Now Patrick Space Force Base)
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Schools
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Patrick Space Force Base.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Patrick Space Force Base report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all mandatory appointments including Finance, Medical, and the consolidated in-processing appointment at the A&FRC. After-hours arrivals contact the Manatee Inn on-base lodging facility, the 24/7 arrival point.
All permanently assigned personnel attend the mandatory Newcomer's Orientation, which covers the Space Launch Delta 45 mission, base services, and Brevard County community resources. Patrick SFB is co-located with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and supports launch operations along Florida's Space Coast.
Patrick SFB is located in Cocoa Beach, Florida — one of the most desirable assignments in the Space Force for climate, recreation, and quality of life. The Atlantic Ocean is immediately adjacent to the installation. The A&FRC at (321) 494-2230 provides comprehensive relocation assistance and area orientation resources.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Patrick Space Force Base.
FL059
MHA
On-post family housing at Patrick Space Force Base is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential community offers homes convenient to the Space Force mission facilities; many families also choose to live off-post in the Space Coast communities surrounding the base. Patrick SFB is located in Brevard County on Florida's Atlantic Space Coast, adjace…
Local Market
$1,700/mo
rent
/
$380,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Patrick Space Force Base
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Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Patrick Space Force Base.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
3
Elementary Schools
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2
Middle Schools
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7
High Schools
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5
Colleges & Universities
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2
Other Schools
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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
Patrick SFB is on the Florida Space Coast, between Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. It's one of the most desirable postings in the military — beach access, theme park proximity, and strong home appreciation. Families spread from Cocoa Beach south to Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Melbourne.
Satellite Beach / Indian Harbour Beach
Suburban
The most popular areas for Patrick families — oceanside communities just south of the base with barrier island homes, excellent Brevard County schools, and a laid-back beach town feel. High demand keeps prices elevated but it's still affordable by Florida coastal standards.
Commute: 5–15 min
Schools: Brevard County Public Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Best location on the Space Coast, beach lifestyle, strong school district
Melbourne / West Melbourne
Suburban
Across the Indian River Lagoon on the mainland — Melbourne offers more affordable housing, a larger city feel, and access to Melbourne International Airport. West Melbourne has newer suburban development popular with families who want more house for the money.
Commute: 15–25 min
Schools: Brevard County Public Schools
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Families with kids
More affordable, larger housing market, full suburban amenities
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Patrick Space Force Base.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Florida has no state income tax. All military pay and retirement income are fully exempt. Florida is consistently one of…
Spouse Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax. Popular military domicile state.
Vehicle Registration
Active duty stationed elsewhere may maintain FL registration.
Property Tax
Homestead exemption up to $50,000. Disabled veterans may receive additional exemptions.
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Pet Policies at Patrick Space Force Base
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Patrick Space Force Base.
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
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Patrick Space Force Base.
Commissary
1
Patrick Space Force Base Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
6
45th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
2
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Patrick Space Force Base.
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
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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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 Patrick Space Force Base.
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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.
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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 Patrick Space Force Base.
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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.