Where is Offutt Air Force Base Located?
Offutt Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Bellevue, Nebraska, approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Omaha, the largest city in the state. The base is situated in Sarpy County, Nebraska, and is surrounded by the communities of Bellevue, Papillion, and La Vista.
Overview of Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is a primary installation of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The base is also home to the 55th Wing, which is a combined unit of active-duty and Air National Guard airmen, as well as civilian employees.
History of Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base has a rich history that dates back to 1898 when it was established as a United States Army Cavalry Post. During World War I, the post was renamed Camp John Mills, and it was used as a training facility for the Army’s 138th Infantry Regiment. After the war, the base was renamed Offutt Field in 1918 in honor of Second Lieutenant Jarvis Offutt, a Nebraska native who was killed in action during World War I.
Military Operations at Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is a fully operational base, with various military units and agencies located on the base. The base is home to:
- 55th Wing: A combined unit of active-duty and Air National Guard airmen, as well as civilian employees, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s ICBMs.
- 8th Air Force: A Major Command of the United States Air Force, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
- 21st Operations Group: A unit of the 55th Wing, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the base’s aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft.
- 91st Missile Wing: A unit of the Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s ICBMs.
Civilian Activities at Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is not just a military installation, but also a hub for civilian activities. The base is home to:
- Offutt Air Force Base Airport: A joint-use airport, which provides air traffic control services for both military and civilian aircraft.
- Offutt Air Force Base Housing: The base offers a variety of housing options for military personnel and their families, including on-base housing, as well as off-base housing assistance.
- Offutt Air Force Base Child Development Centers: Two child development centers, providing childcare services for military children and families.
- Offutt Air Force Base Commissary: A commissary, which provides groceries and other necessities to military personnel and their families at discounted prices.
- Offutt Air Force Base Fitness Center: A fitness center, which offers a variety of recreational activities, including exercise equipment, swimming pools, and sports facilities.
Accommodations and Dining at Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base offers a variety of accommodations and dining options for military personnel and their families. These include:
- Hotels: On-base hotel rooms, available for reservation through the base’s hospitality services.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Facilities: Various MWR facilities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and sports facilities, which are available for use by military personnel and their families.
- Base Dining: A variety of dining options, including a base mess hall, restaurants, and snack bars.
Employment Opportunities at Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is a major employer in the region, with a diverse range of employment opportunities available. These include:
- Military Careers: A variety of military career opportunities, including aviation, intelligence, and communication specialist positions.
- Civilian Careers: Civilian career opportunities, including administrative, engineering, and medical positions.
- Contractor Positions: Various contractor positions, including logistical, maintenance, and IT support positions.
Conclusion
Offutt Air Force Base is a vital military installation, located in Bellevue, Nebraska, approximately 15 miles southwest of Omaha. The base is home to a variety of military units and agencies, as well as civilian activities, and offers a range of employment opportunities. Whether you are a military personnel, civilian employee, or contractor, Offutt Air Force Base is an exciting and dynamic place to work and live.
Table: Key Statistics about Offutt Air Force Base
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Bellevue, Nebraska, approximately 15 miles southwest of Omaha |
| Base Size | 2,900 acres (1,175 hectares) |
| Military Units | 55th Wing, 8th Air Force, 21st Operations Group, 91st Missile Wing |
| Civilian Employees | Approximately 10,000 |
| Contractor Employees | Approximately 1,500 |
| Active-Duty Personnel | Approximately 3,500 |
| Air Traffic Control Movements | Over 100,000 per year |
Table: Major Military Units at Offutt Air Force Base
| Unit | Function |
|---|---|
| 55th Wing | Operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s ICBMs |
| 8th Air Force | Operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft |
| 21st Operations Group | Operation and maintenance of the base’s aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft |
| 91st Missile Wing | Operation and maintenance of the Air Force’s ICBMs |
Table: Civilian Activities at Offutt Air Force Base
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Offutt Air Force Base Airport | Joint-use airport providing air traffic control services for both military and civilian aircraft |
| Offutt Air Force Base Housing | Variety of housing options for military personnel and their families, including on-base housing and off-base housing assistance |
| Offutt Air Force Base Child Development Centers | Two child development centers providing childcare services for military children and families |
| Offutt Air Force Base Commissary | Commissary providing groceries and other necessities to military personnel and their families at discounted prices |
| Offutt Air Force Base Fitness Center | Fitness center offering a variety of recreational activities, including exercise equipment, swimming pools, and sports facilities |
Table: Accommodations and Dining Options at Offutt Air Force Base
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotels | On-base hotel rooms available for reservation through the base’s hospitality services |
| Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Facilities | Variety of MWR facilities available for use by military personnel and their families, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and sports facilities |
| Base Dining | Variety of dining options, including a base mess hall, restaurants, and snack bars |
Table: Employment Opportunities at Offutt Air Force Base
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Military Careers | Variety of military career opportunities, including aviation, intelligence, and communication specialist positions |
| Civilian Careers | Civilian career opportunities, including administrative, engineering, and medical positions |
| Contractor Positions | Various contractor positions, including logistical, maintenance, and IT support positions |
