Dyess Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Abilene, Texas
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Dyess Air Force Base is located adjacent to Abilene, Texas, and was established in 1942 as Abilene Army Airfield, later renamed in 1956 to honor Lieutenant Colonel William Edwin Dyess, a World War II hero from Abilene. It is the only base in the world that hosts both the B-1B Lancer bomber and the C-130J Super Hercules, making it a critical dual-mission installation for Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Mobility Command.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide combat-ready B-1B Lancer bomber crews and C-130J airlift forces in support of global strike and mobility operations.
Major Units:
7th Bomb Wing (Air Force Global Strike Command) — B-1B Lancer
317th Airlift Group — C-130J Super Hercules
7th Medical Group
7th Mission Support Group
7th Operations Group
Tenant Units: 39th Flying Training Squadron (T-38 Talon transition), Air Force Reserve associate units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Abilene, Texas (immediately adjacent, approximately 3 miles from downtown)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), approximately 5 miles from the main gate
Gate Access: Main gate operates 24/7; visitors must present valid government-issued ID and obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center; CAC holders and RealID-compliant IDs required for base access

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 4,500
Family Members: Approximately 7,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500
Total Installation Population: Approximately 13,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 7th Medical Group — primary care clinic, dental, mental health, and pharmacy; no on-base hospital; referrals to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary operated by Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Main Exchange with shoppette, gas station, and specialty stores
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center, indoor pool, outdoor recreational areas, Dyess Golf Club (9-hole), bowling center, outdoor recreation equipment rental
Schools: Abilene Independent School District serves dependent children; no DoDEA school on base
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; waitlists common, early enrollment recommended upon PCS orders receipt
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; offers pet wellness exams, vaccinations, and limited care for military working dogs and privately owned animals
Legal Assistance / JAG: 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate office; legal assistance available by appointment; walk-in hours limited; located in the Mission Support Group area

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; approximately 1,100 family housing units in various neighborhood areas; homes range from 2 to 5 bedrooms
Average Wait Time: Varies by unit size; 2-3 bedroom homes may have short waits; larger homes can have longer waits of several months
Off-Base Housing: Abilene offers affordable housing; average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges approximately $900-$1,400/month; neighborhoods in southwest Abilene popular with military families
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through your gaining unit’s orderly room or first sergeant prior to PCS move; 7th Bomb Wing Airman & Family Readiness Center can assist
In-Processing: Report to the Military Personnel Section (MPS) on arrival; in-processing typically takes 1-3 days; newcomers briefing scheduled during first week
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 7th Medical Group; enrollment required for families with special needs prior to PCS; contact the EFMP office for pre-screening and enrollment assistance

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Semi-arid continental climate; hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees F; mild winters; occasional severe thunderstorms and high winds; low humidity
Cost of Living: Low — Abilene is well below the national average for housing and general expenses, making it a favorable assignment for military families
Nearby Attractions: Abilene State Park (20 miles), National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Frontier Texas! museum, Lake Fort Phantom Hill for water recreation
Spouse Employment: Abilene job market is moderate; healthcare, education, and retail are primary sectors; Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene Christian University, and McMurry University provide educational and employment opportunities

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.dyess.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (325) 696-1110
MWR Website: https://www.dyessmwr.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — (325) 696-3962; located in the Heartland Community Center on base

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.dyess.af.mil, militaryinstallations.mil, AHRN housing data, DeCA commissary locator, Air Force Global Strike Command public affairs; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law