Quantcast
Logo

WELCOME TO WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW


By Gayleen Swiggum

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is located 30 minutes northeast of Dayton, Ohio. It encompasses more than 8,000 acres (12.5 square miles) and two runways. The base is home to the 88th Air Base Wing and many tenant organizations, including Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Research Laboratory, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. As of 2024, more than 30,000 people work at Wright-Patterson in military or civilian roles. Read on to find out how to transition into your new home at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Where is Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?

5135 Pearson Road, Building 10, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

WPAFB Phone Directory: +1 937-257-1110

Click here to be directed to the official website.

Procedures for Entering the Base

Below is a breakdown of the procedures for entering the base.

Average Drive Times to Base Gates From Popular Cities

There are many cities within a 20 minute to 3 hour distance from Wright-Patterson AFB.

Below is a list of a few local cities as well as major cities within and outside of Ohio:

  • Beavercreek: 20 - 25 min
  • Cincinnati: 1 hr - 1 hr 23 min
  • Cleveland: 3 hr - 3 hr 30 min
  • Columbus: 1 hr - 1 hr 24 min
  • Dayton: 15 - 20 min
  • Dayton International Airport: 22 min
  • Huber Heights: 15 min
  • Indianapolis: 2 hr - 2 hr 27 min
  • Kettering: 25 - 30 min

Need Base Access? Here's Who to Reach Out to

For active duty service members, reservists, USAF civilians, retirees and dependents, the Military Personnel Flight provides several services to include customer support for identification cards (ID cards). You can find the latest hours and contact information for the Military Personnel Flight on their website.

For visitors, the 88th Air Base Wing Pass and Registration Office provides services to issue one-time, short-term and temporary installation access. Visitors are required to present a U.S. Passport or REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or identification card.

The Pass and Registration Office is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 4:30 pm. You can find the latest information regarding hours, closures, location, and veteran access on the 88th Air Base Wing Pass and Registration Office official website.

Gates & Hours of Operation

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is split into two areas: Area A and Area B.

Below is a list of the gates and operational hours.

Area A

1A Commissary: 6 am - 7 pm, 7 days/week

12A Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters (AFMC HQ): 24/7

15A SR 844: 6 am - 6 pm, Monday - Friday

26A Commercial Traffic Only: 6 am - 2 pm, Monday - Friday

For information on Area A gates, check out the Wright-Patterson AFB official website.

Area B

1B Springfield Street: 6 am - 6 pm, Monday - Friday

19B National Road: 6 am - 6 pm, Monday - Friday

22B I-675: 24/7

For information on Area B gates, check out the Wright-Patterson AFB official website.

Note: Be sure to check the Wright-Patterson AFB webpage for the latest updates on gate closures.

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

For access to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, you must have at least one of the following valid forms of identification:

  • Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Military identification card
  • Retiree identification card
  • Veteran Healthcare Identification Card (re. Purple Heart/Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war and veterans with a service-connected disability)

For additional information on sponsorship and visitor pass requirements, check out the Pass and Registration Office website.

Base Amenities & Facilities

Below, we are breaking down some of the base amenities and facilities that are available on Wright-Patterson AFB.

Wright-Patterson Medical Center

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is home to the Air Force’s second-largest medical center.

Check out the 88th Medical Group home page to learn about the medical center’s full scope of services, scheduling appointments, and more.

The medical center is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Address: 4881 Sugar Maple Dr, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Wright-Patterson Housing Office

Wright-Patterson offers government housing, privatized housing, and unaccompanied housing along with community amenities.

You can get an early start on house hunting and learn more about the area by using the Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT).

HEAT provides service members the opportunity to apply for military housing or get information on living in the community before they arrive. You can learn more on the dedicated Wright-Patterson AFB page on the Air Force Housing website.

The housing office is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm (EST).

Address: 88 CEG/CEIH 1450 Littrell Road Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Wright-Patterson DEERs Office

The Military Personnel Flight provides services to active duty, reservists, retirees and their dependents to include DEERs updates.

Services are provided through appointments only, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

For the most updated information on hours, services, and scheduled closures, check out the official Wright-Patterson Military Personnel Flight page.

Address: 2000 Allbrook Dr Bldg 2, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Base Issue

Below is a list of some daily essentials that you'll want to have.

  • Military ID (CAC): Essential for accessing the base, facilities, and services.
  • Valid Driver's License: If driving, you'll want to make sure you have a valid license, vehicle registration, and a current insurance card.
  • Medical & Dental Records: You'll want to keep copies available.
  • Banking Information: You'll want this information on hand for setting up accounts for utilities if you are living off-base.

If you are living in on-base housing, you'll need:

  • Household goods
  • Personal property insurance
  • Utility arrangements

For New Arrivals/In-Processing:

  • PCS orders
  • Leave/travel itinerary
  • vMPF Rip
  • Marriage/dependent documents
  • Travel claim documents/receipts

Finance Office & Legal Office/JAG

The financial office at Wright-Patterson can be reached through the 88th Air Base Wing.

Address: 1940 Allbrook Drive, Building 1, Area A, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433.

Phone: 937-257-3202

The legal office/JAG at Wright-Patterson is located on the first floor of the 88th Air Base Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 10. Area A.

Address: 5135 Pearson Road, Bldg. 10, Area A, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: 937-257-6142

Commissary

Below is the address for the commissary on Wright-Patterson AFB.

Address: 2130 Sycamore Street, Suite 1, Building 1250, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone:

Main commissary line: 937-200-6112

Direct line: 937-200-6118

Class 6 Gas Station

There are two AAFES Express locations on Wright-Patterson: one on Area A and one on Area B.

AAFES Express (Area A)

Address: 100 Chestnut St, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, United States

AAFES Express (Area B)

Address: 2330 8th St, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, United States

In addition to the two AAFES Express locations, there is an AAFES Class Six located on Area A, down the street from the Commissary and Main AAFES Exchange.

AAFES Class Six (Area A)

Address: Chestnut St #1238, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, United States

MWR

The 88th Force Support Squadron offers several activities, from the bowling center and auto hobby to ITT and Outdoor Rec. The community-centered, family-friendly services will help you become a part of the Wright-Patterson community in no time.

For a full list of services, programs, and facilities, check out the 88th Force Support Squadron official home page or each services’ respective webpage listed below.

Prairie Trace Golf Course

The original Wright-Patt golf course located on the installation, Prairie Trace features two courses — an 18-hole west course and a 9-hole east course.

Address: 4690 Skeel Avenue, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-7961

Twin Base Golf Course

Twin Base is located off Wright-Patt, along State Route 44. The 18-hole course is open to military and civilian personnel, as well as the public.

Address: 3565 Communications Blvd Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-4130

Kittyhawk Lanes Bowling

The 20-lane bowling center is available to military and civilian personnel, as well as their families.

Address: 2241 Birch St, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-7796

Wright-Patt Club

The Wright-Patterson Club has a dining and entertainment space for special functions and events. The Club is also home to the Wing’s Bar & Grille.

Address: 4771 Lahm Circle Bldg 800, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-522-2160

Pools

There are two outdoor pools (Patterson Outdoor Pool and Prairies Outdoor Pool) and one indoor pool (Dodge Indoor Pool) located on Wright-Patterson.

Patterson Outdoor Pool

Address: 4771 Lahm Circle, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Prairies Outdoor Pool

Address: Bldg 240, Chapel Road Riverside, OH 45431

Dodge Indoor Pool

Address: 4719 Lahm Circle, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

For information on the latest pool prices and season hours, visit the official website.

Gyms

There are 3 fitness centers and one tennis club located on Wright-Patterson AFB.

Dodge Fitness Center

Address: 4719 Lahm Circle, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-4225

Jarvis Fitness Center

1245 Fir Street, Area A

Address: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-4469

Wright Field Fitness Center

Address: 2690 C Street Bldg 571, Area B Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-904-9381

Wright-Patt Tennis Club

Address: 4805 Skeel Ave Bldg. 90, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-7248

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation offers a wide range of low-cost services, programs and facilities available to active duty, retired military, reservists, civilian employees, and dependents at least 18 years old.

Address: 5265 Miller Rd Bldg. 95, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-9889

Wright-Patterson Dining Facilities

There is 1 dining facility and multiple restaurants located on Wright-Patterson. For menus and the latest information, check out the home page of each facility listed below.

Pitsenbarger Dining Facility

Address: 5500 Buckeye Circle, Bldg. 1214, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-7151

Carry Out and Dine in Options Available

Hours of Operation:

Breakfast: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Dinner: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Flight Kitchen:

Open daily: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Grill at Twin Base

Address: 3565 Communications Blvd Bldg. 893, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-1040

Sparetime Grill

Address: Kittyhawk Lanes Bowling Center 2241 Birch St, Bldg. 1221, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-7796

Valkyrie Cafe

Address: National Museum of the United States Air Force 1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-255-2735

Wingman’s 22 BBQ

Address: 1450 Littrell Rd. Bldg. 22, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-4728

Wing’s Bar & Grille

Address: 4771 Lahm Circle, Bldg. 800, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-522-2160

Wingman’s Courtyard Cafe

Address: 2241 Avionics Cir., Bldg. 620 Area B Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: +1 937-656-0300

Restricted Access

Wingman’s Sphinx Cafe

Address: Bldg. 828, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-4417

Restricted Access

Wingman’s Sphinx Coffee

Address: Bldg. 822, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-522-2960

Restricted Access

Wright-Patterson Housing

Wright-Patterson AFB offers military housing, unaccompanied housing, and privatized housing.

Military Housing Office

Address: 88 CEG/CEIH 1450 Littrell Road

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Phone: (937) 257-6547

DSN 787-6547

Fax (937) 656-1364

Fax DSN 986-1364

Email:WPAFB.HousingOffice@us.af.mil

Hours of Operation

M-F - 7:30am - 4:00pm (EST)

Unaccompanied Housing

Address: 5571 Hemlock Street

WPAFB, OH 45433

Phone: (937) 257-0377

DSN 787-0377

Fax (937) 656-2635

Fax DSN 986-2635

Email:WPAFBAmnDormLeadOfc@wpafb.af.mil

Hours of Operation

M-F - 7:30am - 4:30pm (EST)

Privatized Housing

Address: The Properties at Wright Field 5924 Hickam Drive Dayton, OH 45431

Phone: (937) 253-6009

Fax (937) 253-6013

Email: info@wpafbhomes.com

Hours of Operation

M-F - 9:00am - 6:00pm*

* Closed for lunch, M-F 12:00 pm -1:00 pm

Sat - 8:00am - 2:00pm**

** By appointment only

Sundays - Closed

Where Should I Live?

There are several housing options available at Wright-Patterson AFB. There’s on-base housing available for unaccompanied service members, officers, and general officers.

The Properties at Wright-Field is privatized family housing conveniently located less than 15 minutes from Area A and less than 20 minutes from Area B.

There are many family-friendly communities and neighborhoods surrounding Wright-Patterson AFB.

The Military Housing Office is available to assist you with any information you need as you determine the best next place for your family to call home.

Visit the official site for referral and relocation assistance.

What housing options are available on-base?

There are 2 housing options on-base: military housing (limited to officers and general officers), and unaccompanied housing (dorms).

You can find more information on the Military Housing Office website.

What housing options are available off-base?

The Properties at Wright Field is privatized military housing for service members and their families not eligible to live on-base.

A select number of units are available to Federal Civilian Employees. Additionally, there are several neighborhoods and nearby cities to choose from.

Check The Properties at Wright Field FAQ and homepage to learn more about eligibility, rent rates, and amenities.

Below is a list of a few cities surrounding Wright-Patterson Air Force Base:

  • Beavercreek: 30 minutes
  • Bellbrook: 30-40 minutes
  • Centerville: 30 minutes
  • Dayton: 20 minutes
  • Fairborn: 15 minutes
  • Huber Heights: 20 minutes
  • Kettering: 30 minutes
  • Springsboro: 35-45 minutes
  • Tipp City: 30-35 minutes
  • Yellow Springs: 27-35 minutes

You can also locate military-friendly properties here, or contact the Military Housing Office for additional assistance.

The average commute ranges from 15-30 minutes when traveling by personal vehicle. There are currently no public transit routes that provide direct access to Wright-Patterson AFB.

Temporary Housing Options

Need temporary lodging? Wright-Patterson Inns offers housing to families.

Wright-Patterson Inns

Address: 2439 Schlatter Dr. Bldg. 825, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-3451

Military Preferred Living Areas

Below is a list of military preferred living areas near Wright-Patterson AFB.

Clark County

Median listing home price: $220,000

Median sold home price: $186,200

Median rental rate: $1,158

Green County

Median listing home price: $336,000

Median sold home price: $300,000

Median rental rate: $1,688

Miami County

Median listing home price: $285,100

Median sold home price: $249,000

Median rental rate: $1,399

Montgomery County

Median listing home price: $221,500

Median sold home price: $228,000

Median rental rate: $1,296

Preble County

Median listing home price: $222,500

Median sold home price: $232,500

Median rental rate: $820

You can find the latest BAH rates on the Defense Travel Management Office website.

Schools

The School Liaison Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Bases assists families with understanding the local school system, state requirements, homeschooling resources within the community, and more.

Address: 2000 Allbrook Dr, Bldg 2, Rm 218, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Main Phone: +1 937-656-8685

Alternate Phone: +1 937-656-0942

Work Cell: +1 937-620-0393

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Sun, and Federal Holidays: Closed

Base Schools (K-12)

There are no schools located on Wright-Patterson AFB.

Off-Base schools (K-12)

There are many public school and private school options available in the communities surrounding Wright-Patterson AFB.

For additional information on schools in the area, you can contact the School Liaison Office or check out their website at the link below.

Local Employment Assistance/Resources

Career Offices

Employment Assistance is available in the Military Family and Readiness Center. Services include application and resume assistance, job referrals, career counseling, interview preparation and more.

Address: 2000 Allbrook Dr Bldg 2, Area A Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Phone: +1 937-257-3592

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Sat, Sun & Federal Holidays: Closed

*Closed the 1st Thursday of the month for training

For additional information, check out the Military Family and Readiness Center home page at the link below.

Important Contacts

There are many agencies available on Wright-Patterson AFB willing to help you and your family get settled into your new assignment from financial planning, stress management, and more.

For a full list of the helping agencies available on WPAFB, click the link.

FAQs

Can I live on Wright-Patterson without children?

On-base housing is reserved for accompanied officers and general officers only.

Can I live on Wright-Patterson if I'm not married?

If you’re an unmarried enlisted Airmen that’s eligible for the dorms, then you’ll be able to live on-base. All other unmarried non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers, or officers, you are not eligible to live on-base.

What are the PT hours for Wright-Patterson?

There are no designated PT hours on Wright-Patterson AFB.

The Fitness Assessment Cell for official PT testing is located at Wright Field Fitness Center on Area B.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes, you can use coupons at the commissary.

Check out the Coupons FAQ on the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA) website for additional information on the types of coupons accepted, when coupons can be used, and additional policies.

Is Wright-Patterson hands-free?

Yes, you can use your cellular device on Wright-Patterson AFB as long as you use a hands-free device.


Suggested reads:

SHARE:


TAGS:

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and military discounts

Email*
CONNECT WITH US
RECENT POSTS