Where is Sheppard Air Force Base?
Sheppard Air Force Base is located in Wichita Falls, Texas, United States. Geographically, it is positioned roughly 30 miles (48 km) south of Wichita Falls and 7 miles (11 km) southeast of the city limits.
History of Sheppard Air Force Base
The base was established 1926 as Hicks Field, a United States Army Air Corps (USACC) training facility named after Lieutenant Frank L. Hicks, a pilot and aircraft observer who was a Wichita Falls native. With the onset of World War II, the base significantly expanded, and in 1942, it officially became Sheppard Field (in honor of Captain A.M. Sheppard), which was later renamed as Sheppard Air Force Base in 1964.
What Air Force Base is Sheppard Air Force Base?
Sheppard Air Force Base is a United States Air Force (USAF) base, specifically:
• Air Education and Training Command (AETC): Sheppard is one of the US Air Force’s largest aeronautical training bases worldwide, providing training for newly appointed airmen of various specialties.
• 53rd Wing: Base housing the 82d Airlift Wing’s airlift operations, airlifting personnel, equipment and cargo worldwide.
• 479th Flying Training and Reception Center: Providing transitional training for new airmen, focusing on developing critical skills for their duty roles.
What Military Courses does Sheppard Air Force Base Offer?
Students and personnel at Sheppard AFB can participate in the following courses:
! Basic Military Combat Training (BMT-TP): A pre-boot camp course for trainees, focusing on airpower, military history and air force core values.
! Technical Apprentice (Tech Apprentice) courses: Training for various Maintenance and Technical specialties, where trainees learn hands-on repair and maintenance skills specific to their assigned career Field.
! Force Support (FS) Tech courses: Training for bases services, such as Personnel Support, Logistics, Airfield Management, and Biomedical Services.
! Career Development courses: Further advanced training for airmen to enhance their on-duty skills and knowledge.*
! Leadership courses: Developing leadership attributes for airmen advancement in their careers.
| Course | Description |
| BMT-TP Squaded (Mandatory) | Pre-boot training with focus on air-power history, core values for transition to boot camp] |
.basic-air-condition-heater-maintenance-course/
,Technical Electric & Weldshop/ApprenticeTech Electric &Weldshop/Apprenticedb>Force Support FS (Personnel Support,Biomdical Services]
What About Military Housing and Amenities at Sheppard Air Force Base?
Sheppard AFB offers various recreational, educational, and supporting amenities for its personnel.
! * Homes on Base: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the base lodging facility, providing temporary emergency lodging for personnel.
• Off-Base living options: The base publishes recommended off-base housing solutions with local real estate groups.
• Recreation Facilities: Base amenities offer access to fitness centers (YMCAs), clubs (e.g., commissary, library & sports), and outdoor fields, courts, and fields.
How to visit or Contact Sheppard Air Force Base?
Potential visitors, family members and authorized personnel can contact, schedule visits, or report errors:
• Directions & Maps: Find nearest Air Force bases, with addresses, phone numbers.
Use USACor.Net – USAF’s information & resource portal.
To contact Sheppardafb [at] us <.mil (ShepardAFB) for your desired information.
A final note
Sheppard Air Force Base is open year-round, with dedicated aircrew and groundstaff focused on training, ready for any mission. So next time you’re navigating across the United States for professional or personal reasons you now know where Sheppard AFB is located when asked.
