Where is Nellis Air Force Base?
Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) is a United States Air Force base located approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The base is situated in the northeastern part of Clark County, adjacent to the city of Nellis, Nevada. Geographically, it is positioned at 36.2269° N latitude and 115.0361° W longitude.
Location and Coordinates
To give you a better understanding of Nellis Air Force Base’s location, here are the coordinates and nearby landmarks:
- Latitude: 36.2269° N
- Longitude: 115.0361° W
- Elevation: 2,140 feet (654 meters) above sea level
- Nearby Landmarks: McCarran International Airport (approximately 5 miles/8 kilometers), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the city of Henderson
Base Size and Surroundings
The base spans an area of approximately 12,100 acres (4,888 hectares) and is surrounded by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The base is situated near the Mojave Desert and is accessible from Interstate 15 (I-15) and Highway 573.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nellis Air Force Base is a self-sustaining community with a variety of facilities, including:
- Offutt Gate: The primary entrance point for the base, open 24/7.
- Twelve o’clock Gate: An auxiliary entrance, primarily used by military personnel with proper ID.
- Medical Facilities: Nellis Medical Group provides comprehensive medical services to base personnel and their families.
- Educational Facilities: The base has its own school, Nellis Elementary-Middle School, which caters to children from kindergarten to 8th grade.
- Rec Centers and Gyms: There are several recreation centers and fitness facilities throughout the base.
Mission and Operations
Nellis Air Force Base is home to the 99th Air Base Wing (99 ABW), which provides support to the USAF’s advanced combat and training capabilities. The base is primarily involved in:
- F-15E and F-16 flight testing and operations
- Red Flag exercises and wargames
- Aircraft maintenance and logistics
- Airlift support and airlift operations
- Diverse scientific and technical research and development
Visitor Information and Security
As a working military base, Nellis Air Force Base requires proper clearance and authorization for access. However, the base does offer tours and visiting opportunities to the general public and non-DOD personnel:
- Air Force Museum: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (free admission).
- Base Gate Tours: Advance reservations recommended; availability may be limited.
- Special Events: Nellis Air Force Base often hosts open houses, air shows, and other community events. Check the official website or local newspapers for schedules and details.
Conclusion
Nellis Air Force Base is an integral part of the US military, providing crucial training and logistical support to advancing combat and training capabilities. Located near Las Vegas, Nevada, the base is a self-sustaining community with diverse facilities, infrastructure, and operations. Visitors are encouraged to respect base security measures and plan accordingly for authorized access and visits.
Table: Base Information and Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Location | Las Vegas, NV, USA |
| Latitude | 36.2269° N |
| Longitude | 115.0361° W |
| Elevation | 2,140 ft (654 m) above sea level |
| Base Size | 12,100 acres (4,888 hectares) |
| Population | Approximately 12,000 military and civilian personnel |
Note: For more information and updates, please visit the official Nellis Air Force Base website or contact the base public affairs office.
