Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Offutt Air Force Base was established in 1896 as Fort Crook and was later renamed in 1924 to honor 1st Lieutenant Jarvis Offutt, a World War I aviator. Located just south of Omaha near Bellevue, Nebraska, Offutt is best known as the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), one of the most critical joint commands in the Department of Defense. The base has historically served as a cornerstone of U.S. strategic deterrence, previously hosting Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1948 to 1992.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Serve as the host installation for U.S. Strategic Command and provide installation support for strategic deterrence, nuclear operations planning, and global strike readiness.
• Major Units:
• 55th Wing (host wing — one of the largest in Air Combat Command; operates RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft)
• U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) headquarters
• Air Force Global Strike Command elements
• 557th Weather Wing
• Tenant Units: Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) elements, National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) mission support, various joint and defense agency tenants

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Omaha, NE — approximately 10 miles north
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha — approximately 15 miles from the main gate
• Gate Access: Multiple gates on base; main gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Visitor Control Center (VCC) processes guests with valid government-issued photo ID. CAC required for unescorted base access. RealID-compliant driver’s license accepted at visitor processing.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 8,000-9,000
• Family Members: Approximately 10,000-13,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 4,000-5,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 25,000+ (including contractors and joint service members)

Key Facilities

• Medical: Ehrling Bergquist Clinic (primary care clinic on base); more complex care referred to Tricare network in Omaha; no full inpatient hospital on base
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on base
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX main store with food court, Class VI, and specialty retail
• Fitness & Recreation: Lozano Fitness Center, outdoor recreation areas, swimming pool, Offutt Golf Course (18-hole), bowling center, movie theater, auto skills center
• Schools: Bellevue Public Schools and Papillion-La Vista Community Schools serve most dependent children; no DoDEA school on installation
• Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; waitlists common, especially for infant care; School Age Program available
• Veterinary Services: Offutt Veterinary Treatment Facility — routine care, vaccinations, and annual wellness exams for military working dogs and eligible privately-owned pets
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal office on base — powers of attorney, wills, notary services, and legal assistance available; appointment recommended, limited walk-in hours

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities; multiple neighborhoods on base including renovated and newer units; significant flooding in 2019 impacted portions of base housing, with recovery and rebuilding efforts ongoing in subsequent years
• Average Wait Time: Variable by rank; some waitlists for lower enlisted with families; generally manageable for mid-grade and senior personnel
• Off-Base Housing: Bellevue and Papillion are the most popular communities; Omaha suburbs offer a wide range of options; average rent for a 3-bedroom home approximately $1,300-$1,800/month (2024 estimates); cost of living is low relative to national average
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Sponsors assigned through gaining unit; contact unit First Sergeant or orderly room before PCS move to request sponsor
• In-Processing: Newcomers report to the 55th Force Support Squadron in-processing center; process typically takes 2-3 days covering finance, medical, housing, and unit check-in
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment required for eligible family members before PCS orders are finalized; Omaha area has robust medical and special education resources

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid continental (Dfa); hot, humid summers with temperatures in the 85-95 degree F range; cold winters with significant snowfall; spring and fall are mild; severe weather including tornadoes possible in spring
• Cost of Living: Low — Omaha and Bellevue are consistently ranked among the most affordable mid-size metro areas in the nation; housing, groceries, and utilities are well below national average
• Nearby Attractions: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (world-renowned), Old Market District in Omaha, Joslyn Art Museum, Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum (Ashland, NE), Missouri River recreation areas
• Spouse Employment: Omaha has a diverse economy including finance (Berkshire Hathaway HQ, major insurance firms), healthcare, tech, and logistics; strong job market for skilled workers; Military Spouse Employment Partnership resources available on base

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.offutt.af.mil/
• Main Installation Phone: (402) 294-1110
• MWR Website: https://offutt55fss.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 55th FSS — (402) 294-6336

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: offutt.af.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, public DoD records, Hunt Military Communities; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law