Creech Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Indian Springs, Nevada
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Creech Air Force Base, formerly known as Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert of Nevada. Renamed in honor of General Wilbur L. Creech in 2005, the installation is the primary hub for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations and is the home of Air Force distributed operations for unmanned aerial systems. Creech hosts the 432nd Wing and its associated units, which operate the MQ-9 Reaper and have operated the MQ-1 Predator, making Creech the premier combat RPA base in the U.S. military.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct remotely piloted aircraft operations worldwide, delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike capabilities in support of combatant command requirements.
Major Units: 432nd Wing (RPA Operations Wing); 432nd Operations Group; 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Group; MQ-9 Reaper operational and training squadrons; 11th Reconnaissance Squadron
Tenant Units: Air Force Research Laboratory detachments; intelligence analysis elements; contractor RPA support teams; USAF Warfare Center liaison elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Las Vegas, NV – approximately 45 miles southeast
Nearest Commercial Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Las Vegas – approximately 50 miles
Gate Access: Main gate on US-95 highway; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center with sponsor coordination; Indian Springs is a very small community – base access is strictly controlled

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,000 (including rotational crews from multiple bases)
Family Members: Approximately 1,500 (most families live in Las Vegas metro area)
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,000 (including contractors)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 7,500

Key Facilities

Medical: Small medical clinic on base for primary care and occupational health; most families use military and civilian healthcare in the Las Vegas metro area; Nellis AFB (approximately 50 miles southeast) has a larger medical facility
Commissary: Limited on-base; Nellis AFB commissary (50 miles) is the primary commissary for the area; some commissary pick-up service available
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Limited AAFES shoppette on base; full exchange at Nellis AFB (50 miles)
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center on base; outdoor recreation areas; limited amenities due to remote location and desert environment; Las Vegas metro area provides extensive recreational options
Schools: Clark County School District serves local families; Indian Springs K-12 school is available for families living on or near base; most families opt to live in Las Vegas suburbs for better school options
Childcare: Limited on-base CDC due to small permanent population; most families rely on Las Vegas metro childcare options
Veterinary Services: Veterinary services at Nellis AFB (50 miles); local veterinarians in Las Vegas metro area
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal assistance coordinated through Nellis AFB (50 miles); limited on-site legal services
Note: Due to the unique distributed nature of RPA operations, many Creech personnel commute from Las Vegas suburbs and use Nellis AFB for support services

Housing

On-Post Housing: Limited on-base housing; most personnel and families live in Las Vegas metro area communities such as Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin; a small amount of government housing available for some ranks
Average Wait Time: Not applicable for most; most personnel commute
Off-Post Housing: Las Vegas metropolitan area is the primary housing market; average rent approximately $1,400-$2,200/month for 3-bedroom home in Las Vegas suburbs; housing options are extensive in the metro area; commute on US-95 can be 45-60 minutes each way
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil); BAH is based on the Las Vegas metropolitan area rate

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit or 432nd Wing upon receipt of orders; sponsorship program assists with housing, commute, and Las Vegas area orientation
In-Processing: Report to 432nd Wing personnel section; in-processing typically 2-3 days; remote location orientation including commute options and desert safety briefings
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Contact Airman and Family Readiness Center at Creech or Nellis AFB; enrollment required; Las Vegas metro area offers good specialist medical services

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Mojave Desert; extremely hot summers (average high 105F/41C in July); mild winters (average low 28F/-2C in January); very low humidity; very little rainfall; strong desert winds possible; extreme heat safety protocols in effect June-September
Cost of Living: Moderate; Nevada has no state income tax; Las Vegas housing is below national average for a major metro; entertainment and dining are plentiful; utilities costs elevated due to air conditioning requirements
Nearby Attractions: Las Vegas Strip and entertainment (50 miles); Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (60 miles); Lake Mead National Recreation Area (70 miles); Valley of Fire State Park (80 miles); Death Valley National Park (120 miles); Grand Canyon (200+ miles)
Spouse Employment: Las Vegas metro area offers extensive employment in hospitality, gaming, healthcare, construction, and aviation; large workforce; remote work common; Airman and Family Readiness Center assists with spouse employment

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.creech.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (702) 652-1110
MWR Website: https://creech.af.mil/MWR (verify current URL)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Creech AFB; (702) 652-2570; relocation, financial readiness, employment readiness, family support programs

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.creech.af.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/creech-air-force-base; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CreechAirForce_Base; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law