Tinker Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Midwest City, Oklahoma
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Tinker Air Force Base was established in 1942 and is located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, immediately east of Oklahoma City. It is one of the Air Force’s largest bases by employment and serves as a major logistics, maintenance, and sustainment hub for Air Force aircraft and systems. Tinker is home to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC), one of three Air Force air logistics complexes responsible for depot-level maintenance and repair of a wide variety of aircraft and systems.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide worldwide depot maintenance, repair, overhaul, and supply chain management for Air Force aircraft, engines, missiles, and software systems.
Major Units:
Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) — headquarters
Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC)
72nd Air Base Wing (host wing)
552nd Air Control Wing (E-3 Sentry AWACS)
507th Air Refueling Wing (Air Force Reserve — KC-135)
137th Special Operations Wing (Oklahoma Air National Guard)
38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group
Tenant Units: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Naval Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve units, DCMA, various defense contractors

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Oklahoma City, OK (approximately 10 miles west)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) — approximately 20 miles west of base
Gate Access: Multiple gates with varying hours; main gate (SE 59th Street) operates 24/7; visitor control center issues passes for civilians; CAC required for unescorted access; Real ID-compliant ID required for non-CAC visitors

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,000-6,000
Family Members: Approximately 8,000-10,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 26,000-28,000 (one of the largest civilian workforces of any DoD installation)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 26,000+ (workforce); total community impact exceeds 60,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 72nd Medical Group (72 MDG) — provides comprehensive primary and specialty care; outpatient clinic; referrals to Tricare network for advanced specialty care
Commissary: Yes — large commissary serving the Oklahoma City metro military community
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — large BX with retail, auto, food court, and specialty stores; one of the larger Air Force exchanges in the region
Fitness & Recreation: Tinker Fitness & Sports Center, multiple gyms, outdoor tracks, basketball, tennis, racquetball, indoor pool, golf course (Teal Ridge Golf Course), bowling center, outdoor recreation center
Schools: Midwest City-Del City Public Schools and Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools serve dependent children; no DoDEA schools on installation
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; School-Age Program; waitlists common; contact CDC for current availability
Veterinary Services: Tinker AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility — care for military working dogs and eligible pet owners by appointment
Legal Assistance / JAG: 72nd Air Base Wing Legal Office — legal assistance by appointment; powers of attorney and notary services available

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities — multiple neighborhoods; approximately 1,700+ units for enlisted and officer families
Average Wait Time: Varies by grade; some grades have minimal wait; contact Balfour Beatty housing office upon receipt of orders
Off-Base Housing: Midwest City, Del City, Moore, and southeast Oklahoma City offer a wide range of affordable housing options; average rent for 2-3 bedrooms ranges approximately $950-$1,500/month; home purchase prices are among the most affordable in major metro areas nationally
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through gaining unit; contact unit first sergeant or use the Air Force sponsorship system via MyPers prior to PCS move
In-Processing: Report to the 72nd Force Support Squadron in-processing center; orientation briefings scheduled weekly; process typically takes 3-5 days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 72nd Medical Group and Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment must be completed before PCS move is finalized; contact EFMP coordinator for assessment scheduling

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Continental climate with hot summers (temperatures regularly above 95 degrees F), mild springs and falls, and cold winters with occasional ice storms and severe thunderstorms; tornado season April through June
Cost of Living: Low — Oklahoma City metro consistently ranks among the most affordable major metropolitan areas in the United States
Nearby Attractions: Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Lake Thunderbird State Park, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Spouse Employment: Oklahoma City offers a diverse job market; major employers include OU Health, Integris Health, Devon Energy, and numerous aerospace/defense contractors near the base; remote work opportunities widely available

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.tinker.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (405) 739-3737
MWR Website: https://www.tinkerservices.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — Building 5302; call (405) 734-7274 for appointments and information

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.tinker.af.mil, AFSC official resources, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, personal knowledge base through August 2025