Patrick Space Force Base

Branch: U.S. Space Force
Location: Brevard County, Florida (near Cocoa Beach)
Installation Type: Space Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Patrick Space Force Base, formerly Patrick Air Force Base, was established in 1940 as Banana River Naval Air Station and was redesignated as a Space Force Base in August 2020 following the establishment of the U.S. Space Force. Located on a barrier island on Florida’s Space Coast, adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Patrick SFB serves as a key hub for space launch operations, range safety, and Space Force mission support. The installation is directly connected to the nation’s heritage of space exploration and continues to support commercial and military launch activities from the Eastern Range.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide installation support for Space Force operations, Eastern Range management, and space launch activities in coordination with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Major Units:
Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) — primary Space Force unit managing Eastern Range and launch operations
45th Weather Squadron (space launch weather support)
Host Wing / Installation Support units under Space Force
Tenant Units: NASA Kennedy Space Center (adjacent), U.S. Air Force Reserve units, various commercial launch partners (SpaceX, ULA, Blue Origin mission support)

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Melbourne, FL — approximately 5 miles south; Orlando, FL — approximately 60 miles west
Nearest Commercial Airport: Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), approximately 8 miles south; Orlando International Airport (MCO), approximately 60 miles west
Gate Access: Main gate open 24/7 for authorized personnel. Visitor Control Center processes guests with valid government-issued photo ID. CAC required for unescorted access. RealID-compliant ID accepted at visitor processing. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is a separate, adjacent installation with its own access controls.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 1,500-2,500 (Space Force and Air Force combined across both installations)
Family Members: Approximately 2,000-3,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 3,000-5,000 (including contractors supporting launch operations)
Total Installation Population: Not publicly available

Key Facilities

Medical: Patrick SFB Medical Treatment Facility — primary care clinic; more advanced care referred to Tricare network providers in Brevard County or VA facilities; Parrish Medical Center and Health First hospital system serve the local area
Commissary: Yes — commissary on base serving the Space Coast military community
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — BX main store on base; smaller satellite facility may be available at Cape Canaveral SFS
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness center on base, beach access (Patrick SFB sits on the Atlantic coast), marina and beach recreation area, golf course (Falcon’s Fire area recreation partnerships), MWR outdoor recreation rentals
Schools: Brevard County Public Schools serves dependent children; known for strong STEM programs given the Space Coast community; no DoDEA school on installation
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; waitlists common; contact CDC directly for current availability
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base — routine and preventive care for military working dogs and privately-owned pets of eligible personnel
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal office on base — wills, powers of attorney, notary, and legal assistance; appointment recommended

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; limited number of on-base units given the installation’s compact footprint; mix of older and renovated family housing
Average Wait Time: Waitlists exist, particularly for larger units; many families opt for off-base housing
Off-Base Housing: Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Melbourne, and Palm Bay are popular communities; average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges approximately $2,000-$2,800/month (2024 estimates); vacation rental market inflates some coastal rates
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 or Space Delta; contact the unit’s leadership or orderly room before arrival to request a sponsor
In-Processing: Report to the installation in-processing center; process covers finance, medical, housing, and unit check-in; Space Force members may have additional Space Force-specific in-processing steps
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment required before PCS orders are finalized; Brevard County has adequate medical and special education resources; contact A&FRC for enrollment guidance

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical (Cfa); warm, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; mild winters with temperatures typically 55-75 degrees F; hurricane risk during summer and fall; year-round outdoor activity
Cost of Living: Moderate — Florida has no state income tax; housing on the coast can be moderately high; overall living costs are moderate compared to national average; insurance costs (home/flood) can be elevated in coastal areas
Nearby Attractions: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Canaveral National Seashore, Ron Jon Surf Shop (Cocoa Beach), Atlantic Ocean beaches, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Port Canaveral (cruise terminal and dining)
Spouse Employment: Brevard County’s economy is heavily driven by aerospace, defense, and tourism; strong job opportunities in engineering, tech support, and healthcare for qualified spouses; Military Spouse Employment Partnership and A&FRC can assist with job search resources

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.patrick.spaceforce.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (321) 494-1110
MWR Website: Not publicly available — contact installation for current MWR information
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Patrick SFB — (321) 494-2102

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: patrick.spaceforce.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, Space Launch Delta 45 public affairs, public DoD records, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law