TINKER AFB
AIR FORCE
Oklahoma City, OK
United States
TINKER AFB
AIR FORCE
Oklahoma City, OK
United States
Tinker AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the Air Force Sustainment Center and maintenance operations for the B-52, E-3, and KC-135 in Oklahoma City's suburb of Midwest City — a logistics and depot powerhouse with full OKC metro access.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
5,000
Active Duty
6,000
Civilian
13,000
Population
1,400,000
Economic Impact
$4.2 billion
Tinker AFB History
Named AfterMajor General Clarence Leonard Tinker
Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was established in 1942 and is one of the Air Force's largest and most important installations. It is home to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, which performs depot maintenance on the B-1B, B-52, KC-135, and E-3 AWACS, among other aircraft. Tinker also hosts the 552nd Air Control Wing (E-3 Sentry) and the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing One. The base is the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma and plays an outsized role in sustaining the Air Force's aging bomber and surveillance fleets.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex
—
—
552nd Air Control Wing (E-3 AWACS)
—
—
72nd Air Base Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Midwest Air Depot
1948
Oklahoma City Air Materiel Area Established
1977
E-3 Sentry AWACS Arrives
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1942
Established as Midwest Air Depot
The installation opened in 1942 as a logistics and repair depot in Oklahoma City, named for Major General Clarence L. Tinker — an officer of Osage Nation descent who became the first general officer killed in WWII when his aircraft disappeared during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
1948
Oklahoma City Air Materiel Area Established
Tinker was designated the home of the Oklahoma City Air Materiel Area in 1948, establishing its identity as one of the Air Force's premier depot maintenance centers. The Oklahoma City ALC at Tinker is one of the largest industrial complexes in the Air Force, maintaining B-52s, AWACS, and tanker aircraft.
1977
E-3 Sentry AWACS Arrives
Tinker AFB became the home of the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in 1977, adding airborne command and control to its maintenance mission. Tinker provides depot-level maintenance for the entire AWACS fleet.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Tinker AFB.
Tinker AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Tinker 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 Tinker AFB.
Information
Tinker Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
18 of the Best Restaurants Near Tinker AFB
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18 of the Best Things to Do Around Tinker AFB
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Information
Tinker AFB Housing: 6 On-Base Options
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Tinker AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
72nd Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(405) 739-2747Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Tinker AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours with their PCS package. The CSS schedules all mandatory in-processing appointments including Finance, Medical, and the consolidated Welcome Center appointment. After-hours arrivals report to the Sooner Inn lodging facility, the 24/7 arrival point.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Tinker Newcomer's Orientation covering the 72nd Air Base Wing mission, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex operations, base services, and Oklahoma City metro community resources. The A&FRC at (405) 739-2747 coordinates relocation assistance and school liaison services.
Tinker AFB is home to the 552nd Air Control Wing (E-3 AWACS), the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, and Air Force Sustainment Center headquarters. Located in Midwest City, Oklahoma — adjacent to Oklahoma City — the metro area offers outstanding affordability, a strong job market for military spouses, and a highly military-friendly community.
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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 Tinker AFB.
On-post family housing at Tinker AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes; given Tinker's location within the Oklahoma City metro area, many families also choose off-post housing in Midwest City, Del City, Moore, or other surrounding communities. Tinker AFB is located in Midwest City, a suburb of Oklahoma City —…
Local Market
$1,200/mo
rent
/
$230,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Tinker AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Tinker AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
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
Tinker AFB is in Midwest City, OK — a suburb of Oklahoma City with very low cost of living and fast commutes. OKC's full metro amenities are 15–20 minutes away, and the surrounding suburbs are affordable and family-friendly.
Midwest City / Del City
Suburban
The closest suburbs to Tinker with the fastest gate access. Older neighborhoods but extremely affordable homes; many military families buy here for the short commute. Midwest City SD schools are solid.
Commute: 5–10 min
Schools: Midwest City-Del City Public Schools
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Dual military
Best commute, lowest prices, strong military community presence
Edmond / Yukon
Suburban
For families prioritizing school ratings, Edmond (north OKC) has one of Oklahoma's top school districts. Commute is 25–35 min but the amenities, schools, and neighborhoods are excellent. Yukon to the west is a more affordable alternative with good schools.
Commute: 25–35 min
Schools: Edmond Public Schools / Yukon Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Top-rated schools, Oklahoma's safest suburbs, strong home values
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Tinker AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Oklahoma fully exempts active duty military pay from Oklahoma income tax for Oklahoma legal residents. Oklahoma National…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Oklahoma for Oklahoma income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
Oklahoma charges a motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases (3.25% for new vehicles). Military members who are not…
Property Tax
Oklahoma has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Jackson County (Altus AFB), Oklahoma County (Tinker AF…
Pet Policies at Tinker AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Tinker 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 Tinker AFB.
Commissary
1
Tinker AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
72nd Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tinker AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Tinker Gate (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 Tinker AFB.
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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 Tinker 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.