WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB
AIR FORCE
Dayton, OH
United States
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB
AIR FORCE
Dayton, OH
United States
Wright Patterson AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force Materiel Command and a major research, acquisition, and test complex in Dayton, OH — a highly technical posting in one of the most affordable major metros in the Midwest.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
8,145
Active Duty
6,500
Civilian
14,000
Population
800,000
Economic Impact
$4.5 billion
Wright Patterson AFB History
Named AfterOrville and Wilbur Wright (civilian aviation pioneers); Lieutenant Frank Stuart Patterson
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, has roots dating to 1917 and is named after the Wright Brothers and Lieutenant Frank Patterson. It is one of the largest and most important installations in the Air Force. Wright-Patterson is home to Air Force Materiel Command headquarters, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. The base is the Air Force's center for research, development, acquisition, and logistics. Wright-Patterson also hosts the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Force Materiel Command (HQ)
—
—
Air Force Research Laboratory
—
—
Air Force Institute of Technology
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Wilbur Wright and Fairfield Air Depots Established
Two adjacent installations — Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Air Depot — were established in 1917 near Dayton, Ohio, honoring the Wright Brothers who had tested their aircraft on nearby Huffman Prairie. The fields merged into Wright-Patterson AFB in 1948.
1927
Air Corps Engineering Division Established
The Air Corps Engineering Division, forerunner of today's Air Force Research Laboratory, was established at Wright Field in the 1920s as the Army's center for aircraft research and development. The laboratory has been responsible for nearly every major Air Force aircraft development program since.
1947
Air Force Technical Museum Established
The National Museum of the United States Air Force — the world's largest military aviation museum — was established at Wright-Patterson in 1947 and today displays more than 350 aircraft and missiles spanning the entire history of military aviation.
1995
Dayton Peace Accords Signed
The Dayton Peace Accords ending the Bosnian War were negotiated and initialed at Wright-Patterson AFB in November 1995, chosen for its secure and neutral facilities. The accords marked one of the most significant diplomatic events ever hosted at a U.S. military installation.
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1917
Wilbur Wright and Fairfield Air Depots Established
Two adjacent installations — Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Air Depot — were established in 1917 near Dayton, Ohio, honoring the Wright Brothers who had tested their aircraft on nearby Huffman Prairie. The fields merged into Wright-Patterson AFB in 1948.
1927
Air Corps Engineering Division Established
The Air Corps Engineering Division, forerunner of today's Air Force Research Laboratory, was established at Wright Field in the 1920s as the Army's center for aircraft research and development. The laboratory has been responsible for nearly every major Air Force aircraft development program since.
1947
Air Force Technical Museum Established
The National Museum of the United States Air Force — the world's largest military aviation museum — was established at Wright-Patterson in 1947 and today displays more than 350 aircraft and missiles spanning the entire history of military aviation.
1995
Dayton Peace Accords Signed
The Dayton Peace Accords ending the Bosnian War were negotiated and initialed at Wright-Patterson AFB in November 1995, chosen for its secure and neutral facilities. The accords marked one of the most significant diplomatic events ever hosted at a U.S. military installation.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Wright Patterson AFB.
We're currently compiling the phone directory for Wright Patterson AFB.
Wright Patterson AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Wright Patterson AFB.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Wright Patterson AFB.
Information
Wright-Patterson AFB: Guide for Military Families
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Information
Explore Activities Near Wright-Patterson AFB: 2023 Guide
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Housing
How to Rent Out Your House to Military Tenants: A Comprehensive Guide
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Information
Experience the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
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Information
Why WPCU Is the Best Bank for Wright Patterson AFB Airmen
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Wright Patterson AFB.
88th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(937) 257-3592Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Wright-Patterson AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. Given the installation's size — hosting over 30 major organizations including AFMC HQ and AFRL — it is critical to confirm the specific reporting location for your gaining unit before arrival. The CSS schedules all mandatory appointments. After-hours arrivals report to the Hope Hotel and Conference Center or the Visiting Officers' Quarters, both available 24 hours.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Wright Stuff Welcome Newcomer's Orientation, which covers Wright-Patterson's massive multi-mission environment, base services, and the Dayton area community. The A&FRC at (937) 257-3592 coordinates relocation assistance, school liaison, and comprehensive Dayton metro orientation resources.
Wright-Patterson AFB is one of the Air Force's largest and most historically significant installations — the birthplace of aviation and home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Dayton, Ohio area offers a very high quality of life, affordable housing, world-class museums, and strong university partnerships (University of Dayton, Ohio State, etc.).
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Wright Patterson AFB.
On-post family housing at Wright-Patterson AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–5 bedroom homes convenient to the vast multi-wing installation. Given Wright-Patterson's location in the Dayton metro area, many families also choose off-post housing throughout the region. Wright-Patterson is located east of Dayton, Ohio in Gre…
Local Market
$1,300/mo
rent
/
$250,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Wright Patterson AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Wright Patterson AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Wright-Patterson sits northeast of Dayton, OH — close to both Fairborn and Beavercreek. The Dayton area has very low COL by national standards, good schools, and fast commutes. Families spread across Greene County, Montgomery County, and even further into the suburbs.
Beavercreek
Suburban
The gold standard for WPAFB families — Beavercreek is consistently rated among Ohio's best cities, with excellent schools (Beavercreek City SD), newer housing, and direct access to the base via Route 35. The strongest home values in the area.
Commute: 10–15 min
Schools: Beavercreek City Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Top-rated schools, low crime, great resale, fastest commute
Fairborn / Xenia
Small Town
The most affordable option — Fairborn is literally adjacent to the base and Wright State University. Older housing stock but very short commutes and low taxes. Xenia is a bit farther but still reasonably priced.
Commute: 5–10 min
Schools: Fairborn City Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Students
Closest to gate, extremely affordable, college-town energy
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Wright Patterson AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Ohio fully exempts active duty military pay from Ohio income tax for Ohio legal residents under Ohio Revised Code §5747.…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Ohio for Ohio income tax purposes. A qualifying…
Vehicle Registration
Ohio charges a 5.75% motor vehicle sales tax on vehicle purchases (plus local rates). Military members who are not Ohio…
Property Tax
Ohio property taxes are set at the county level. Greene County and Montgomery County (Wright-Patterson AFB area) have mo…
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Pet Policies at Wright Patterson AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Wright Patterson 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 Wright Patterson AFB.
Commissary
1
Wright-Patterson AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Wright-Patterson Medical Center (88th Medical Group) — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wright Patterson AFB.
01
Are any base gates open 24 hours?
2 of Wright Patterson AFB's 7 gates operate 24/7; others have restricted hours or access levels. See the Gates section for individual gate 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 Wright Patterson 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 Wright Patterson AFB.
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Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.